What Animals Can Be in a Sanctuary: Wildlife That Finds Refuge

Think a wildlife sanctuary is just for elephants and tigers? Not even close. Sanctuaries open their doors to animals from all walks of life—rescued circus bears, injured hawks, abandoned pet reptiles, and even barnyard buddies like goats. If it needs a safe place and can’t go back to the wild, a sanctuary will probably try to help.

Some animals get there because people thought they made cute pets—until things got out of hand. Others are saved from the illegal wildlife trade or zoos that shut down. Sometimes, injured wild animals show up, like bald eagles that lost their ability to fly after hitting power lines.

If you’re picturing only lions lounging in the tall grass, think again. Sanctuaries can offer shelter to everything from noisy parrots to wise old tortoises. The list is actually way longer than most folks imagine, and each animal has its own story.

• Wild Residents: From Big Cats to Birds
• Unexpected Inhabitants: Farm and Exotic Animals
• Why Animals Need a Sanctuary
• Tips for Visiting a Sanctuary Responsibly

Wild Residents: From Big Cats to Birds

If you tour a wildlife sanctuary, the first faces you’ll usually spot are the show-stoppers: tigers, lions, leopards, and sometimes even cheetahs. These big cats almost never come from the wild. Most land in sanctuaries because they were bred in captivity, kept as pets, or rescued from roadside zoos and failed circuses. According to the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, over 5,000 tigers alone live in captivity in the U.S.—way more than are left in the wild.

It’s not just about predators. Wolves, bears, and even foxes end up as permanent residents when life in the wild just isn’t possible. Some arrive after being orphaned by hunters or trapped in snares. Truth is, sanctuaries step in when these animals would otherwise have nowhere else to go.

Birds are a huge presence too. Eagles and owls show up with wing injuries that make hunting impossible. Parrots come in when owners can’t handle their noise or long lifespan—some parrots outlive their owners by decades! According to one study, over 50% of rescued parrots in sanctuaries come from failed adoptions.

The World Animal Protection organization notes, "Wildlife sanctuaries provide critical lifelong care for animals who can no longer survive in the wild due to injury, abuse, or loss of habitat."

Want the real numbers? Here’s a look at the types of wild residents you’ll actually meet at U.S. wildlife sanctuaries:

So when someone talks about a wildlife sanctuary, it’s not a fantasy jungle. It’s a lifeline for wild animals who’ve lost their shot at nature. And the variety goes way beyond what you’d see on a safari or birdwatching hike.

Unexpected Inhabitants: Farm and Exotic Animals

When people think about a wildlife sanctuary, few realize just how diverse the group of rescued animals can be. Aside from lions and elephants, some sanctuaries are full of animals you'd usually find on a farm, or even exotic pets you’d never expect to see outside a home or a zoo.

Let’s talk about the farm crowd first. Chickens, goats, pigs, cows, and even sheep often end up living out their days in the peaceful safety of a sanctuary. There’s a real reason for that—industrial farming, neglect, or owners who just can't care for them anymore. You’d be surprised how common it is for sanctuaries to take in a herd of old goats or a sheep that survived a transport accident. Some of these rescued farm animals even become local celebrities when people visit.

On the exotic side, sanctuaries deal with all sorts of unexpected guests. Parrots, iguanas, tortoises, and snakes are common finds—usually victims of the pet trade. Ever heard of someone getting a kinkajou as a pet only to realize they can’t handle it? Those animals often end up here, too. And it’s not just the small stuff; sometimes, rescued zebras, llamas, or even kangaroos join the sanctuary lineup. In 2023, an animal sanctuary in Texas made headlines when it rescued a troop of capuchin monkeys found abandoned after a roadside zoo closure.

Here’s a snapshot of the variety you might actually find at a mixed animal sanctuary:

If you ever visit a sanctuary, don’t be surprised if you hear a rooster crowing next to a rescued macaw or spot a tortoise ambling through the grass. These unexpected residents show just how wide the sanctuary safety net can stretch. Places that take on both farm and exotic animals need a ton of expertise to keep everyone healthy and happy. It also shows how sanctuaries step up for animals of all kinds, not just the ones that grab headlines.

Why Animals Need a Sanctuary

Most animals in sanctuaries didn’t get there by choice. A lot of them lost their homes, got injured, or ended up as unwanted pets. Wildlife sanctuaries are often the last safe stop for animals with nowhere else to go.

Take tigers in the U.S.—there are actually more tigers living in captivity in backyards and roadside zoos than in the wild. Most of these cats can never be set free. Sanctuaries step up to give them a real home where nobody uses them for photo ops or illegal sales. The same goes for retired circus animals; elephants and lions might spend years in tiny cages or forced to do tricks before someone rescues them.

Rescued farm animals often come from hoarding cases or failed livestock operations. Chickens, goats, and pigs get a second shot at life when a sanctuary takes them in, and you’d be amazed at how quickly they show their personalities once they feel safe. Even reptiles, like giant tortoises, often need help when folks buy them as pets and can’t handle their needs later on.

• Some animals are victims of the illegal wildlife trade.
• Others are born in roadside zoos or used in entertainment and need permanent care.
• Species hit by wildfires or natural disasters find temporary or lifelong shelter in these safe spaces.

For some solid numbers, check this quick snapshot of why animals land in sanctuaries:

A real wildlife sanctuary focuses on what’s best for the animal, not showing them off like trophies. The wildlife sanctuary is there to make sure these animals live out their days with the space, safety, and care they missed before. For so many animals, it’s the first chance they’ve ever had to just be themselves.

Tips for Visiting a Sanctuary Responsibly

Visiting a wildlife sanctuary should be more than snapping a few photos for social media. These places are safe havens for all kinds of animals, and it’s up to visitors to help keep it that way. A lot of sanctuaries rely on donations and ticket sales, but sticking to the rules is non-negotiable—for the safety of both animals and humans.

• wildlife sanctuary rule number one: Always keep your distance. Leaning over barriers or trying to touch the animals stresses them out. Even otherwise calm creatures can act out if they feel threatened.
• Listen closely to staff and guides. They know the backstory and behaviors of every animal, from rescued lions to retired racehorses. Ignoring their instructions is a quick way to get ejected—or worse, to cause an incident.
• Skip bringing your own snacks, no matter how harmless they seem. Many sanctuary animals have strict diets because of past health issues. Even a small treat can cause problems.
• Flash photography? Skip it. That owl resting on a branch doesn’t need a sudden burst of light in its face.
• Double-check sanctuary hours and policies before you go. Some have special mornings for families or afternoons just for adults. Showing up at random isn’t respectful to staff—or the animals’ routines.

Bringing kids? Prep them ahead of time. I’ve seen more than a few sticky fingers trying to pet Toby, our family dog, but sanctuary spaces are different. Animals here are recovering from trauma or learning to trust humans again. Quiet voices, slow movements, and heaps of patience help them stay comfortable.

If you want your money to go even further, check if the sanctuary offers volunteer days or adoption programs. Supporting one of your favorite residents—not just during your visit, but long after—helps pay for food, vet visits, and upkeep. Every bit counts.