Zoo vs. Sanctuary vs. Wildlife Park: What's the Difference?

Zoo, sanctuary, safari park, rescue center, petting farm: they all let you see animals, and plenty of places use these words loosely. But they have different purposes, and knowing the difference helps you choose places that treat their animals well.

Zoos

A zoo (also called a zoological park) keeps wild animals and displays them to the public on a regular schedule. Most modern zoos describe their mission as conservation, education and research, not just display.

Zoos usually breed some of their animals. At accredited zoos, breeding is planned across many institutions through programs like AZA's Species Survival Plans, so the population of each species stays healthy and genetically diverse.

Zoos range from huge city institutions with thousands of animals to small municipal parks with a few dozen. AZA accreditation is the main independent sign that a zoo meets professional standards.

Aquariums

An aquarium is a zoo for aquatic life: fish, sharks, rays, jellies and often penguins, otters and sea lions. Large public aquariums can be AZA-accredited in the same way zoos are.

Wildlife parks and safari parks

A wildlife park or safari park is a type of zoo built around space. Animals live in large, open areas, often several species together, the way they might share a savanna.

Visitors often see the animals from:

• their own car, on a drive-through route;
• a tram, train or open vehicle on a guided tour;
• walking paths and overlooks above big mixed-species habitats.

Because they need so much land, safari parks are usually outside cities. Some are AZA-accredited zoos; others are privately run attractions with different standards. Check which one you're visiting.

Sanctuaries

A sanctuary gives animals a permanent home, usually animals that were rescued, confiscated, retired from performing or surrendered by private owners. The animal's needs come first, even above the visitor's experience.

A genuine sanctuary:

• doesn't breed its animals, so it isn't adding more animals that need lifelong care;
• doesn't buy, sell or trade animals;
• doesn't allow hands-on contact with wild animals, such as petting, holding or posing for photos;
• often limits visits, with guided tours, set days or no public access at all.

The main accreditation body for sanctuaries is the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).

Watch out for "sanctuaries" that aren't

Because "sanctuary" sounds caring, some businesses use the word while still breeding animals or offering paid encounters. Be wary of any place that lets you handle baby wild animals, especially big cat cubs. Since the federal Big Cat Public Safety Act became law in December 2022, letting the public handle big cats, cubs included, has been illegal in the U.S.

Rescue and rehabilitation centers

Wildlife rehabilitation centers take in injured, sick or orphaned native wildlife, such as hawks, owls, foxes and turtles, with the goal of releasing them back to the wild.

Animals that can't be released, such as an eagle with a damaged wing, sometimes stay on as "animal ambassadors" for education programs. That's why many raptor centers and nature centers can show visitors birds of prey up close. Wildlife rehabilitators need state and often federal permits.

Nature centers

A nature center is mainly about the local environment. You'll usually find trails, exhibits about native plants and wildlife, and a small number of live animals, often native reptiles, amphibians and birds that can't be released. Many are run by parks departments or nonprofits, and many are free.

Petting zoos and farm parks

Petting zoos and farm parks focus on domestic animals people can touch and feed: goats, sheep, alpacas, rabbits and chickens. Some also keep a few exotic species.

They're great for young kids. Wash your hands afterward, since animals can carry germs like E. coli and salmonella, and follow the farm's rules about feeding.

Quick comparison

How to choose a good place to visit

Whatever the sign says, a few questions tell you a lot:

• Is it accredited? AZA for zoos and aquariums, GFAS for sanctuaries.
• Does it offer to let you hold or pose with wild babies? That's a red flag at any kind of facility.
• Do the animals have room, shade, water and things to do? Look for enrichment such as puzzle feeders, climbing structures and varied ground.
• Does it explain its animals? Good places tell you where an animal came from and why it's there.

Our U.S. zoo directory includes zoos, safari parks, sanctuaries and nature centers, and each listing shows whether it's AZA-accredited.