8 Little-Known Animal Sanctuaries That Will Inspire You

Many well-known animal sanctuaries – such as Farm Sanctuary’s two shelters in

California and New York State, or Edgar’s Mission in Australia – have done amazing work in looking after the animals under their care, educating members of the public, and promoting a more compassionate, animal-friendly way of living. However, there are also plenty of less well-known sanctuaries out there whose work deserves to be acknowledged. Below, we profile eight little-known places that will inspire you.

1. Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center, Indonesia

Wild animal populations on the islands of Indonesia have been under attack for many years, with many of their key habitats being systematically destroyed by the palm oil and illegal logging industries. The illicit wildlife trade is also a major problem in this area of the world. A number of animal rescue organizations and sanctuaries are working on the ground to help save these animals, and one of the unsung heroes of this fight is the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center, located on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. They help rehabilitate young animals who have been torn from their mothers to be sold into the wildlife trade, while also helping police investigate wildlife smuggling crimes.

2. Baja Animal Sanctuary, Mexico

Baja Animal Sanctuary (BAS), located in Rosarito Beach, Mexico, is the only no-kill animal shelter in Northern Mexico. It was founded by a New Yorker named Sunny Benedict, who was working in Rosarito and became moved by the plight of stray animals in the area. BAS now provides “a safe haven” for approximately four hundred dogs and cats, in addition to one equine resident. The sanctuary aims to heal, neuter and rehome as many animals as possible. Those who cannot be rehomed are given a permanent home at BAS for the rest of their lives.

3. S.O.S Animaux Tunisie, Tunisia

This organization was founded in October 2007 by a veterinary surgeon named Dr. Raoudha Mansour, who was determined to “improve the lives of animals” in Tunisia. Like many other countries around the world, Tunisia currently has a large population of homeless animals wandering the streets, and standards of care for these animals are often very low. S.O.S Animaux organizes campaigns that aim to raise public awareness about the poor living conditions of Tunisia’s strays, and why it is vital that neutering and vaccination programs be implemented for these animals. 

4. The FellaShip Sanctuary, England

The FellaShip Sanctuary in Kent, England, was officially opened on May 23, 2015, and was inspired by a pig named Fella. Fella was rescued after his human mom spotted him – along with nine other piglets and four adult pigs – spotted him on the grounds of a meat farm that was closing down, and knew that she had to do whatever she could to rescue them. This plucky pig’s motto in life is: “Be you, be amazing, be amazed and don’t let anyone – ever – make a sausage out of you.” His proud carers add, “Fella not only delights us every day, but he has become a way for us to communicate with the world and show you how amazing pigs are.” 

5. Puglia Pooches, Italy

Puglia Pooches is dedicated to caring for stray and abandoned animals in the southern Italian region of Puglia. This organization is run by a couple named Val and Mino, who go out around their village every day to provide stray dogs and cats with food and water, in addition to seeking out veterinary care for those who need it. Val says, “We live in a seaside village that’s practically deserted in the winter months. This is probably why it has become a dumping ground. Most of these animals are such beautiful, friendly creatures, it breaks our hearts. We want to bring them all into our home. Of course this is not possible. As it is, we have far too many …

6. Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary, Thailand

Many elephants in Thailand and other areas of south-east Asia are forced to work in the tourism industry by having their spirits broken in a cruel training process known as “phajaan.” This process aims to make the elephants fear their handlers, so that they will become meek enough to allow themselves to be used as photo props, or be ridden by tourists. Elephant trekking camps often force their elephants to work long hours, without water or rest: a fact that can sometimes lead to the tragic deaths of the elephants involved. 

7. The Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary, New Zealand

The Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary (BSAS) is located at Otaki Forks, north of Wellington in New Zealand. Founded by the Animal Protection Societyin November 2009, their primary aim is “to provide a refuge for abused, neglected, and mistreated animals, and especially former farm animals.” New Zealand’s economy is heavily reliant on the meat and dairy industry, and as such, many of Black Sheep’s residents have been rescued from factory farms or other intensive animal rearing operations.

8. SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa

The SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary in Limpopo, South Africa, spans an incredible 12,000 acres, and aims to “play a meaningful role in wildlife conservation in a country where poaching, unethical hunting, (and) the breeding of genetically modified creatures pose a major threat to ethical and biodiversity conservation.” Poaching victims are commonly treated at SanWild.

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