Domestic Animals:
* Dogs and cats: These are the most common residents of animal sanctuaries, often rescued from shelters or abandoned situations.
* Horses: Sanctuaries provide a safe haven for horses that have been abused, neglected, or retired from racing or other work.
* Farm animals: Sanctuaries care for rescued pigs, cows, chickens, goats, sheep, turkeys, and other farm animals who have been spared from slaughter or have escaped from factory farms.
* Rabbits and rodents: These small animals are often surrendered due to changes in owner circumstances, lack of knowledge about their care, or after being kept in unsuitable environments.
Wildlife:
* Birds: Injured, orphaned, or rehabilitated birds of prey, parrots, and other bird species find refuge in sanctuaries.
* Primates: Sanctuaries provide a safe environment for rescued monkeys, apes, and other primates who have suffered from illegal trade or captivity.
* Big cats: Sanctuaries provide care for lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats that were born in captivity, used in entertainment, or rescued from illegal trafficking.
* Bears: Black bears, brown bears, and polar bears are often rescued from zoos, circuses, or situations where they have been mistreated or exploited.
* Other wildlife: Depending on the sanctuary's focus, they may also rescue and care for various other animals, including foxes, wolves, coyotes, deer, and even reptiles and amphibians.
Key Things to Remember:
* Sanctuaries are not shelters: They are long-term homes for animals who are unable to be released back into the wild.
* Sanctuaries provide care and enrichment: They offer a safe, compassionate environment, providing food, shelter, veterinary care, and opportunities for animals to engage in natural behaviors.
* Sanctuaries advocate for animal welfare: They educate the public about animal welfare issues and work to prevent animal cruelty and exploitation.
If you are interested in learning more about animal sanctuaries in your area or how you can support them, you can visit the websites of organizations like the Humane Society of the United States or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.