A wildlife sanctuary can be deliberately stocked with viable breeding populations.
The Wildlife Sanctuary is a space destined exclusively for the use of wild animals, which are protected when they roam or live in that area. They are also called wildlife refuges in some areas. A sanctuary is usually created through a government order setting aside the space for animal protection use, and rangers or other government officials may patrol the area to make sure no one is hunting or harassing the animals.
Tourists watching animals in a wildlife sanctuary.
There are various reasons for establishing a wildlife sanctuary. In many cases, the government creates one to protect endangered species with a limited territorial range. As it is not always possible to relocate animals or breed them in captivity, protecting their natural habitat can be very important. Endangered species are usually closely monitored, and if their populations grow under protection, some specimens may be captured to breed in conservation parks to ensure the species survives.
Wildlife sanctuaries can include forest animals, such as birds of prey.
A sanctuary may also be established for the purpose of maintaining biodiversity or preserving the unique natural environment of a nation. For example, several rainforest countries have wildlife sanctuaries that are meant to preserve the rainforest and the creatures within it; since these conditions could never be reproduced elsewhere, it is necessary to preserve them where they are. Many nations also recognize the value of their natural environment and local wildlife and have made the establishment of sanctuaries a priority as a result.
Many wildlife sanctuaries are home to tigers that were once held in captivity.
Normally, human access to a wildlife sanctuary is restricted. If people are allowed on the site, they must be accompanied to ensure they do not disturb the animals or harm the environment. Biologists and other researchers may work in the refuge to learn more about the animals that live there, but they also tend to take a minimal interference approach to keep the animals as wild as possible.
A sanctuary may also be established for the purpose of maintaining biodiversity or preserving the unique natural environment of a nation.
Some sanctuaries also offer wildlife rehabilitation. In such cases, the shelter agrees to take in injured and abandoned wild animals and treat them back to health before releasing them to the sanctuary or sending them elsewhere. Since the goal is often to keep animals as wild as possible, various techniques are used to prevent animals from becoming too familiar with humans, such as the use of puppets for food, so that young animals do not learn to associate humans with food.