World Wildlife Day is a worldwide opportunity to celebrate the beautiful flora and fauna and raise awareness of the central role the forest and ecosystems play in sustaining people’s livelihoods globally.
I have always been fascinated by the very aspect of life, what keeps us alive, how our environment affects us, sustains us, and the overarching role that wildlife plays in the immersive life cycle as a whole.
Wildlife is essential to protect and maintain healthy species and enhance natural ecosystems. Natural ecosystems play a fundamental role in daily life, protecting and preserving nature and contributing to food security.
Today officially marks World Wildlife Day and is celebrated under the theme “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet”.
In light of today, I thought I’d share 10 nature reserves and animal sanctuaries from around the world that you could visit and pay homage to. After all, nature and wildlife play a massive role in our livelihood.
The largest marine nature reserve, the Great Barrier Reef, has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1981 and features thousands of coral reefs and habitats for a wide range of species.
Wildlife enthusiasts and those with a taste for adventure can experience this beautifully aquatic haven by snorkelling or scuba diving and appreciating this rich ecosystem.
A nature reserve nestled atop a volcano is what you will experience when you visit the Yellowstone National Park. A unique and exciting nature reserve that extends from Wyoming to Idaho and is perched on top of a dormant volcano.
Experience the wild American West’s rugged diversity at Yellowstone National Park, with astounding views and captivating wildlife. The sights at this nature reserve are out of this world, and you can expect to be greeted by elks, bison’s, wolves, and grizzly bears – exciting!
Located on the English Channel coast of Southern England, The Jurassic Coast offers a hugely diverse landscape with unique rocks and fossils. Declared a World Heritage Site in 2001 by UNESCO, Jurassic Coast is a natural wonderland.
This reserve spans 185 million years of geological history, having been exposed to rock formation during the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. Step back into history by visiting this unique reserve where fossils include crustaceans, insects, molluscs, echinoderms, fish, amphibians, reptiles and more.
Located atop the Table Mountain National Park, lives enchanting beauty and unique wildlife. Commonly referred to as Cape Point, you can spot up to 250 species of birds include the ostrich family.
You can hike or cycle through the trails all the way up to the lighthouse at the top, and along the way, you may encounter baboons walking about. When you’re done exploring, cool off at the Flying Dutch Funicular restaurant, which offers an assortment of dishes.
Famously named after Greek mythology’s female warriors, the Amazon Rainforest features impressive wildlife, soaring trees and magical waterfalls.
It’s also home to exotic wildlife such as anacondas, jaguars, monkeys, and birdlife. Fall in love with the unique nature and flora and fauna as you canoe along the river in the Amazon Forest and come close to the most beautiful scenic views in the world.
Home to orphaned elephants, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has rescued over 150 orphaned elephants and rhinos.
The centre focuses on rehabilitating animals, preserving wildlife, and protecting wildlife from poaching. Through its community programme, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust also provides veterinary assistance to animals in need.
Initially registered as a charity, Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary opened its doors to unwanted, abandoned, and mistreated animals.
The sanctuary has provided a safe space for several animals and employs a behaviourist who works with the animals and rehabilitates them to eventually be placed into a loving home.
A safe haven for koalas in Australia since 1927, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a safe refuge for endangered koalas who were culled for the fur trade.
Koalas are also known for their sleeping patterns of 22 hours a day, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary allows visitors to hold koalas for no longer than 30 minutes a day so that they can resume back to their required sleeping schedule.
Located in Tzaneen, South Africa, the non-profit Vervet Monkey Foundation is home to nearly 700 orphaned, injured, or unwanted pet monkeys.
It operates as a rehabilitation centre as well as a tourist attraction. You can visit the foundation as a visitor, and volunteers are welcome all-year-round too.
Libearty Bear Sanctuary has rescued 105 bears from abuse. Most of them were caged at hotels, guest houses and tourist attractions. The largest sanctuary of its kind, home to brown bears and spans over 69 hectares wide.
When visiting, you may see a couple of bears, but they are not kept within confined spaces, and they are free to live life and roam around freely.
Which nature reserve or animal sanctuary listed above would you like to visit? Share ideas of other nature reserves and animal sanctuaries worth visiting. Happy World Wildlife Day!!!