Photo by Nikki Williams on Pexels – At first glance, this photo seems to capture a beautiful and peaceful encounter between a human and elephants. However, ethical sanctuaries rarely allow this level of close contact. While some organisations promote photos like this to suggest harmony and trust, responsible wildlife rescue centres typically avoid situations where humans and animals share the same space so closely, especially without barriers or supervision.
Close encounters might feel magical, but they can also reflect a problematic model where animals are conditioned to tolerate human presence, often through years of control or limited freedom. True sanctuaries prioritise the autonomy of the animals, allowing them to choose whether or not to approach people, and rarely encourage visitors to enter their space.
How to spot a real animal sanctuary (and avoid scams disguised as rescue)
