Travellers' Choice™ Best of the Best
Hundreds of facilities house rescued wildlife across the country. But only a small number have earned the title of accredited animal sanctuary. At Lion Tigers & Bears, we’re proud to be among them. Our sanctuary exceeds the rigorous standards set by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and the American Sanctuary Association (ASA) – two organizations that define what ethical animal care truly means.
An accredited sanctuary meets comprehensive operational and welfare standards developed by trusted organizations such as the GFAS and ASA. These standards ensure that the animals receive lifelong care, live in safe and natural habitats, and are never used for breeding, trading, or entertainment.
Accreditation means the sanctuary has undergone a rigorous evaluation process that looks closely at every aspect of its operations. It confirms that the facility follows best practices in animal care, housing, financial stability, ethical governance, staff qualifications, veterinary programs, safety procedures, emergency preparedness, and community education.
The GFAS accreditation process is recognized worldwide as the gold standard for animal rescue and welfare organizations. GFAS does not accredit every facility that applies. Instead, sanctuaries must comply fully with each of their detailed standards.
Organizations who apply will need to clearly prove compliance through documentation, interviews, and an on-site inspection. Each accredited sanctuary must show that its daily operations align with the intent and purpose of every standard.
In addition, GFAS expects sanctuaries to follow all applicable local, state, and national laws. Facilities are encouraged to go beyond the minimum requirements whenever possible. This commitment to continuous improvement helps ensure the safety, health, and well-being of animals and staff.
Accreditation is not permanent. Sanctuaries must maintain compliance and undergo periodic re-evaluation to retain their status. This ensures that GFAS standards are upheld consistently and that animal welfare remains the highest priority.
GFAS accreditation standards cover many areas that define what an ethical animal sanctuary should be. While each standard is unique, they share a common goal: protecting animals from harm while providing them with the highest quality of life possible.
These standards truly set the criteria which clearly sets a roadside zoo vs. sanctuary apart. While each standard has its own focus, they all support one mission: to ensure animals are never exploited, neglected, or treated as entertainment props, but instead are given the respect, space, and care they deserve.
Every accredited animal sanctuary must commit to lifelong care for all animals it rescues. Once an animal arrives, it becomes a permanent resident, free from the threat of relocation or sale.
Accredited sanctuaries also operate under a strict no-breed policy. Breeding is prohibited because sanctuaries exist to provide refuge, not to increase populations of captive animals. The policy approach prevents overcrowding, reduces resource stress, and ensures every animal receives individual attention and care.
Accredited sanctuaries promote ethical animal tourism that prioritizes respect, safety, and education. Visitors can observe and learn, but public contact with wild animals is prohibited. That means no photo ops, petting sessions, or hands-on encounters of any kind.
These boundaries are in place to protect both animals and visitors. Physical interaction can cause stress, disrupt natural behaviors, and expose animals to unfamiliar scents or sounds that make them anxious. For people, close contact increases the risk of injury or disease transmission.
Accredited facilities reject any form of exploitation for entertainment. They do not stage performances, allow animals to be used for selfies, or encourage unnatural interactions. Instead, they focus on education, helping visitors understand the realities of wildlife trafficking, rescue, and rehabilitation.
Accredited sanctuaries are animal protection advocates. Their care must meets every species’ physical and emotional needs, and nutrition plans should be based on veterinary guidance. They should provide enrichment activities, such as sensory play and habitat enhancements to keep animals engaged.
Veterinary programs are required to follow established medical protocols. Accredited sanctuaries must provide access to licensed veterinarians who can perform exams, surgeries, and preventive treatments. Regular health checks ensure that any signs of illness or injury are addressed immediately.
Accredited sanctuaries provide natural habitats that allow animals to express their instinctive behaviors. Enclosures must be large enough to encourage movement, exploration, and privacy. Animals must be able to climb, dig, swim, or rest according to their natural instincts.
The emphasis on habitat quality reflects one of the core GFAS principles: animals deserve to live in spaces that respect their dignity. Proper housing and environmental design contribute directly to better health and reduced stress.
Safety is a cornerstone of accredited sanctuary standards. Sanctuaries must implement detailed safety protocols to protect both animals and staff. This includes secure fencing, controlled access points, and clear emergency procedures for fires, storms, or escapes.
Sustainability also plays a key role. Facilities are expected to operate in ways that minimize waste, conserve resources, and ensure long-term financial and environmental stability.
Accredited sanctuaries must employ trained professionals who understand animal behavior, safety, and care procedures. Staff should receive continuous education to keep up with best practices in animal welfare.
Each organization must maintain detailed operational policies that outline its procedures for animal intake, medical care, and crisis management. This ensures consistency and accountability across all levels of the organization.
Accredited sanctuaries often participate in animal rescue efforts and rehabilitation programs. However, they only accept animals for lifelong care within the sanctuary. Animals are never taken for display or profit.
Rehabilitation focuses on helping animals recover physically and emotionally from trauma. Some sanctuaries work with wildlife agencies to release animals back into the wild when possible, but exotic or non-native species generally remain under sanctuary care for their lifetime, because they cannot survive in the wild so sanctuary is the only option.
Transparency is central to accreditation. Sanctuaries must be open about operations, finances, and animal care practices. Regular documentation and third-party inspections verify that they meet GFAS and ASA expectations.
Ethical management practices are also required. This includes proper record-keeping, responsible fundraising, and compliance with nonprofit regulations. Donors and visitors can trust that their support goes directly toward animal welfare.
Lions Tigers & Bears is one of the few exotic wildlife sanctuaries accredited by the GFAS and ASA in the United States.
We pursue and maintain these accreditations because they reflect who we are. Our founder, Bobbi Brink, started Lions Tigers & Bears in 2002 after witnessing the neglect and abuse of exotic animals kept in captivity outside sanctuaries. That experience drove our mission: to provide a forever home where rescued animals can live safely and freely.
Our habitats are designed to let big cats roam, climb, and rest naturally. Each animal receives individualized nutrition, veterinary care, and enrichment that support physical and mental well-being. Strict safety protocols protect the animals and the people who care for them, while sustainable operations and ongoing staff training ensure we’re constantly improving.
To us, accreditation is proof of accountability. Through documentation, interviews, and site visits, we demonstrate that every decision we make meets the highest animal welfare standards. It also gives visitors, donors, and volunteers confidence that every resource, and every donation goes directly toward improving the lives of the animals who call Lions Tigers & Bears home.
Accreditation builds trust, ensures transparency, and sets a clear distinction between facilities that prioritize animal welfare and those that do not. It assures visitors that the sanctuary meets the highest standards of safety and care, reassures donors that their contributions directly support ethical rescue practices, and inspires confidence in volunteers who want to make a meaningful difference.
For the animals, accreditation means stability, health, and dignity. It ensures they will never again face neglect, mistreatment, or exploitation. For the broader community, it promotes ethical animal tourism and nurtures a culture of respect for wildlife, including vulnerable and endangered species who depend on sanctuaries for protection and advocacy.
Accreditation also transforms organizations such as Lions Tigers & Bears into leaders in education and conservation. Meeting and maintaining the rigorous standards that the GFAS and ASA set helps raise awareness about wildlife protection, the illegal animal trade, and the dangers of keeping exotic animals as pets.
Accredited sanctuaries form a global network of ethical organizations working together to advance animal welfare through shared knowledge, research, and advocacy. This collective commitment strengthens safety, sustainability, and long-term care, ensuring a better future for rescued animals and the next generation of animal care professionals.
Every animal deserves safety, space, and kindness. And you have the power to make that possible. Before visiting or donating to any sanctuary, check for GFAS or ASA accreditation. That seal of approval means the animals are genuinely protected, not bred, exploited, or used for entertainment. This means the sanctuary operates transparently, follows strict animal welfare standards, and puts every resource into care, not profit.
This holiday season, we invite you to see what accredited care truly looks like. Visit the San Diego animal sanctuary, Lions Tigers & Bears for our Thanksgiving and Christmas events,which are a great opportunity to connect with animals in a respectful, educational, and deeply meaningful way.
You can also donate to support our ongoing rescue and care efforts. Every contribution helps provide nutritious meals, expert veterinary care, and safe, natural habitats where animals can finally live in peace. Your donation matters to the lives of animals as it restores hope, safety, and dignity to those who once had none.
Ph: 619.659.8078
Fx: 619.659.8841
[email protected]
24402 Martin Way, Alpine, CA 91901
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