What is a
True Sanctuary?
The word "sanctuary" is used broadly — but what does it actually mean? We believe animals deserve more than a safe place to live. They deserve a life that reflects their full social, emotional, and physical needs.
More Than a Safe Place
The concept of a "true sanctuary" or "proper sanctuary" is frequently debated — and too often these terms are used without a genuine understanding of the social and emotional needs of the animals who live in them.
A sanctuary is a place where the lives of the animals who reside there are given priority over every other part of the operation. This means diligent planning, thoughtful enclosure design, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of every individual animal — not just as a collective, but as sentient beings with unique needs.
This priority doesn't happen by accident. It requires resources, expertise, and a philosophy that places animal welfare above public appeal, profitability, or convenience.
"A sanctuary is a place where the lives of the animals who reside there are given priority over every other part of the operation."— Chase Sanctuary's Core Philosophy
What a True Sanctuary Provides
These are the non-negotiable commitments that define a sanctuary that genuinely puts animals first.
Every animal receives access to expert veterinary care — routine health checks, emergency treatment, and specialist consultation whenever needed. Animal health is never a budget decision.
Enrichment isn't optional — it's essential. Animals need mental stimulation, physical activity, and opportunities to express their natural behaviors every single day.
Diets are created by trained and educated nutritionists to meet the specific needs of each species and individual animal — not whatever is cheapest or easiest to source.
Enclosures and park design consider the interests of the animals first and the public second. Huge spaces allow animals to play, forage, and exercise all of their natural behaviors.
A sanctuary provides refuge for animals confiscated or surrendered from the illegal animal trade and pet trade — giving them a permanent, safe home when they have nowhere else to go.
Any visitor interactions are enriched and meaningful, adhering to WAZA guidelines for human-animal interaction — never exploitative, always educational.
Education that genuinely changes how people see animals and the environment — building real public support for conservation and environmental issues, not just awareness.
A reputable sanctuary supports overseas initiatives that aim to protect the ecosystems their animals naturally reside in — because conservation doesn't stop at the property line.
Animals' mental and social needs are met around the clock — not just during visiting hours. This is the most important and most overlooked standard of all.
The Natural Life of a Troop
We strongly believe that the best life for a primate is one lived within a dynamic, large, and natural troop structure — not isolated in a cage with a single companion and surgically altered to prevent reproduction.
Nothing is more enriching for a troop than watching family members interact in the treetops — infants being raised, adolescents playing, elders teaching. This is what primates do naturally, and it is what we are committed to providing. Just watch them when they are out in our canopy and you will see immediately why this matters.
In the interest of the highest possible quality of life, we support creating a dynamic and large troop, mirroring what would be seen in the wild. Once a troop reaches the size naturally observed in wild populations, birth control is used to limit further reproduction — ensuring the troop remains sustainable and every individual continues to thrive.
What the Wider World Recognizes
The academic and zoological community's understanding of animal sanctuaries aligns closely with how we operate — including the role of responsible breeding in conservation.
What an Animal Sanctuary Is
An animal sanctuary can be broadly defined as a safe haven where animals are provided with care, protection, and rehabilitation — emphasizing a commitment to a humane and compassionate approach. While many sanctuaries focus on rehabilitating and providing lifelong care, some incorporate breeding programs for endangered species as part of conservation efforts.
- Conserve biodiversity by increasing populations and genetic diversity
- Serve as educational platforms raising awareness about endangered species
- Rescue animals from dire situations and provide lifelong rehabilitation
Why Ethical Breeding Matters
A reputable sanctuary may choose to allow breeding for two important reasons — and we believe both apply to our work with primates:
To maintain diverse bloodlines for species that are endangered or critically endangered.
To provide ideal social hierarchy and interactions for species — especially primates — that thrive in family groups.
See What a True Sanctuary Looks Like
Come visit Chase Sanctuary and see these standards in action. Every tour, every animal encounter, and every interaction is designed around the well-being of our animals — and your understanding of why that matters.