In our society there is a huge disconnect between our love
for animals and our actions. This is especially true in the area
of entertainment. We love animals so much that we want
to see them and be around them (it makes us feel good) even
if it means that wecan only see them behind bars, fences and
glass. So we visit places like zoos and animal theme parks
where animals are confined for our viewing pleasure. I used to
love visiting zoos, but then it hit me one day that my reasoning
was based on my own desire to see “cute” and “beautiful” animals.
I never thought about it from their perspective (that’s often why
animal abuse continues). I didn’t think about the conditions
(small spaces, artificial lighting, fake habitat, etc.) that the
animals who I was gawking at were forced to live in every day, or
the things they were denied. So I did what I knew was right and 
I no longer visit zoos.  I’m so glad I was able to see through the fog,
and do what was in the best interest of the animals that I claimed
to love so much. I will never take my family to a zoo or other
animal park (including SeaWorld) where animals live stressed-out
lives in small artificial enclosures (nothing like they’d experience
in the wild) and are denied the fulfillment of every natural instinct
and everything that is important to them.

Instead of visiting one of these sad animal prisons, take your kids
 to an animal sanctuary where animals live in peace away from loud
crowds and peering eyes. However, because the animals are there to
be looked after, not looked at, most sanctuaries have special visiting
hours and tours, so call ahead. Most of the animals living in sanctuaries
have been removed from horrible situations (many were left to die, or escaped) where they’ve endured the worst neglect and abuse imaginable,
so your visit will give them the love and attention they deserve. Some of
the sanctuaries have accommodations right on the property, so take
advantage of that and plan your next family vacation at one of these
amazing places!

NOTE: Make sure that you only visit and support real animal sanctuaries,
not roadside zoos, petting zoos, or other parks posing as sanctuaries.

Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, NY and Orland, CA 
Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary in Woodstock, NY
Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties, NY (read Kathy Steven's exclusive guest post)
Animal Acres in Acton, CA
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary In Kanab, UT
The Kindness Ranch in Hartville, WY
Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville, MD
Pigs Peace Sanctuary in Stanwood, WA

For more sanctuaries, click here.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in UT- sleep in cabins or cottages, or camp on the desert sanctuary grounds. Meet special dogs and cats who've been given a second chance at life. Volunteer opportunites available.

Farm Sanctuary in NY- wake up to the sound of crowing roosters in one of the cozy B & B's overlooking the scenic pastures. Meet abused and neglected farm animals.

Kindness Ranch in WY- stay in a beautiful yurt-style cabin on a sprawling ranch. Meet animals who were used in cruel laboratory experiments.

Catskill Animal Sanctuary in NY- stay in the recently renovated Homestead: pre-Revolutionary War farm house and enjoy a vegan breakfast. Excellent location nearby downtown historic Woodstock where you can shop in the many boutiques, and dine in your choice of veg restaurants. (Read founder, Kathy Steven's exclusive blog post on this site!)

Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary in NY- stay in an eco-house. Rent out a room, or the whole house. Excellent location just minutes from downtown Woodstock where you can shop in the many boutiques, and dine in your choice of veg restaurants.

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