CONSERVATION

Thailand is one of the best destinations in the world to interact with elephants, and it’s critical to choose experiences that truly protect these majestic animals. The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is one of these ethical sanctuaries, rescuing elephants from logging and tourism work and giving them a peaceful place to roam freely. Visitors can observe, feed, bathe and learn about these gentle giants without ever climbing on their backs. By choosing no-riding sanctuaries like this one, travelers help shift the industry toward compassion, where every visit directly supports the elephants’ recovery and well-being.

As New Zealand’s longest-running kiwi conservation center, it gives you the chance to see kiwis up close in natural-style nocturnal enclosures. Keeper talks, tuatara, and other native birds and reptiles make it feel less like a tourist stop and more like a true conservation hub.

Discover the #1 Animal Sanctuary in Costa Rica just 1 hour north of Tamarindo! The park is advertised as a theme park, but do not be fooled. While you can zipline, ATV and ride horses here, Diamante is home to a large variety of rescued wildlife - animals not fit for their natural environment who are cared for here by a large team of qualified and dedicated professionals. Many of the animals were born through wildlife programs or rescued from poor conditions by authorities, now thriving in thoughtfully designed habitats that mirror their natural environments. Every visit supports education, respect, and protection of the country’s incredible biodiversity, making Diamante a must-see for travelers who want their adventures to make a difference.

Nestled near La Fortuna’s Arenal Volcano, Sloth’s Territory is a 13-hectare refuge dedicated to conservation, reforestation, and coexistence with nature. Wander lush trails along the Habana River with an expert guide and spot sloths, toucans, monkeys, and countless other species thriving in their natural habitat. Much of the land is being actively reforested, while the rest protects its thriving wildlife habitats. Day or night tours offer visitors a rare glimpse into the region’s biodiversity while directly supporting the preservation of Costa Rica’s wild beauty. At Sloth’s Territory, every visit helps restore the rainforest (and maybe even your soul), one tree and one encounter at a time.

Gorilla trekking in Africa is one of the most meaningful wildlife experiences on Earth and one of the most impactful. Whether you trek in Rwanda, Uganda, or the Congo, every permit purchased directly supports the protection of the critically endangered mountain gorilla and the local communities that safeguard them. Rwanda, in particular, leads the way in my opinion. The permit fees fuel conservation, fund anti-poaching patrols, and strengthen the nation’s economy. Visitors can also explore the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund campus nearby to deepen their understanding and support of this vital work. Few adventures connect travel, education, and conservation quite like standing face-to-face with a wild gorilla family in their mountain home!

Wildlife Learning and Conservation Center (WLCC) based in Sylmar, CA provides a lifelong home for more than 100 displaced, rescued, and zoo-born animals. WLCC participates in Species Survival Plan programs for threatened species like the two-toed sloth, three-banded armadillo, and North American porcupine, which helps preserve genetic diversity and prevent extinction.

I personally experienced one of their private interactive tours firsthand, and it was awesome! Learning about each species, meeting a few up close, and even helping prepare their meals was inspiring and greatly demonstrated how education and compassion can go hand in hand in protecting wildlife.