The animal sanctuary is a place of refuge where abused, injured, and abandoned animals are taken in and cared for. In many cases, these animals are often considered to be wild or exotic and can include tigers, lions, monkeys, elephants, parrots, turtles, and many more. All reputable sanctuaries operate on the principle of providing the best possible care for the animals that reside there for the rest of their lives. Research is also often conducted at sanctuaries, and the animals play an important role in the educational and enlightening experiences of the visitors. The practice of keeping all manner of different types of wild animals as pets is largely a tradition that has developed as people have moved through history. The modern-day exotic pet trade is the context in which most wild animals are taken in and kept as pets. Often, the conditions in which these animals are kept are inadequate and, in many cases, their complex needs cannot be met in a domestic environment, leading to poor welfare. Animal sanctuaries are a relatively modern idea but have come to be seen as a critical safety net for animals in need. They often range widely in the animals they home and the purposes they serve; some may be specialist in one type of animal, like a primate or big cat sanctuary, and others may be more like a general scientific research facility. However, sanctuaries do have to state that their primary purpose is for the welfare of the animals, and some may face legal restrictions on opening hours, public visiting, and general regulation if not a charity.
