Best Friends domestic animal sanctuary is nestled in Angel Canyon in Southwest Utah. It’s America’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary and its dogs have become media stars, featured on “Dogtown” on the National Geographic Channel. It also takes in cats, farm animals, parrots, and bunnies. Volunteer opportunities let people pet the domestic animals. Many are available for adoption. The sanctuary is within a 90-minute drive of the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce canyons. Who knows, you just might find your new best friend on your next vacation.
The Elephant Sanctuary is America’s largest natural habitat refuge for Asian and African elephants. Three separate and protected environments are situated on more than 2,700 acres. The elephants that arrive here are retired from circus and zoos. However, to ensure that they live the reminder of their lives in peace and out of the public gaze, tours are not available. But those passionate about this remarkable species should not miss a visit to the welcome center, located four miles from the sanctuary, to learn more about the wonderful work carried out here.
Located less than an hour northeast of Denver, the Wild Animal Sanctuary specializes in large carnivores (bears, lions, wolves, leopards, and tigers). Most reach the nonprofit sanctuary after being confiscated by state entities such as the Division of Wildlife. Visit the sanctuary to view some of the more than 290 carnivores living on the land. Stroll above more 300-acre habitat on an intricate walkway system. You can help the sanctuary care for the animals.
The 700-acre urban wildlife refuge cares for more than 4,500 injured and orphaned animals each year. This year the sanctuary’s wolf pack turned 1 year old. Visitors can hike six miles of trails winding among the habitats and ski the trails come wintertime. Bring your binoculars because Bay Beach is a bird watcher’s paradise. If you’re local, be sure to discover how you can volunteer to assist wildlife in their rehabilitation.
Don’t be fooled by the name. Although this sanctuary began in 1992 with the purpose of helping potbellied and farm pigs, it now houses more than 400 abused, neglected and abandoned animals including horses, goats, dogs, and cats. From April to October, you can tour the sanctuary. If you’re looking to add a new family member, consider adopting an animal. Located less than two hours from Washington, D.C., PIGS Animal Sanctuary is a great escape from the bustling city.
As the world’s largest wildlife sanctuary devoted solely to big cats, this rescue houses nearly 100 residents — 14 species. The cats have been relocated to the 67-acres for many reasons, including retirement from performing acts, abuse, being spared from becoming fur coats, and because they were orphaned by hunters. Visit the big cats on an escorted tour. For those incredibly passionate about the majestic animals, Big Cat Rescue offers exciting three-month long internships.
When you think of an animal sanctuary, you may be thinking exotic animals. But even cows need rescue too — and chickens, turkeys, sheep, and other farm animals. In addition to a 175-acre sanctuary in Upstate New York’s Finger Lake region, Farm Sanctuary has refuges in Los Angeles and Orlando. Consider shacking up in the Farm Sanctuary B&B for a few nights. Wake up to roosters crowing and hang out with farm animals after a complimentary vegan breakfast.
Shipwrecks, sea grass beds, colorful coral reefs, and fisheries are protected at this sanctuary in the warm waters of the Florida Keys. Diving, snorkeling, fishing and boating allow you to discover vibrant marine life inhabiting the blue waters. You can swim on the third-largest reef system in the world alongside dolphins, manatee, sea turtles — if you’re lucky.
That’s right, there is an entire sanctuary devoted to beautifully colored, tropical parrots. And you can go there to visit, but you must leave your own bird(s) at home (sorry!). In addition to tours and volunteer opportunities, you can also adopt a winged friend from Project Perry.
If visiting a sanctuary for half a day doesn’t satisfy you, consider spending your entire trip in a luxury vacation home on this 1,000-acre ranch. Kindness Ranch is located three hours north of Denver and specializes in rescuing animals that have been used in research, including lab rats, dogs, cats and horses. Spend some quality time with animals in need of love while enjoying Colorado’s beautiful terrain.
