Free Post: The Difference Between Wildlife Sanctuaries and Zoos

 Head trainer of Dade City's Wild Things feeds a two-week-old Siberian tiger cub.

Lately, many people have blurred the line between their views of zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, but in reality they are very different. To start off, wildlife sanctuaries take in animals that were abused or neglected. Sanctuaries main focus is to care for these animals and help them to be healthy and living a better life. Whereas, zoos are more of animal exhibits for people all over the world to view these animals. Rather than taking in animals who have been hurt or abandoned, zoos collect animals based on public opinion and research possibilities. While I’m not saying zoos are in the wrong or the right, but personally I feel that sanctuaries are a better place for the animals. Especially since in sanctuaries the animals are not being watched and gawked at all day. 
However, sanctuaries do allow observers and sometimes, with young animals, sanctuaries allow interaction. While there is some controversy about whether it is safe for the public to interact with wild animals, experts say that young animals having human interactions will make it easier for doctors to treat them in the future when they’re older. On the other hand, as you might know, zoos are mainly for observing and admiring animals from afar. When you go to the zoo, there aren’t many opportunities to feed baby tigers and to interact with other animals like there are in wildlife sanctuaries. 
Although there are many different opinions on zoos and sanctuaries, I feel that it is important to understand the difference and I think it is necessary to know the priorities of each. I personally love going to the zoo, but I would love to visit a wildlife sanctuary one day. 

References

Shea, Rachel H. "Are Wildlife Sanctuaries Good for Animals?" National Geographic. National Geographic, 20 Mar. 2014. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.