Research overview: accreditation and standards for big-cat sanctuaries

Genuine sanctuaries provide lifetime care for rescued big cats without breeding, commercial public contact or trade, distinguishing themselves from roadside attractions through formal standards. This overview surveys sanctuary accreditation frameworks, such as those of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and regional bodies, covering requirements for enclosure size and complexity, no breeding and no public handling, nutrition, veterinary and end-of-life care, staff safety, recordkeeping and financial sustainability. It discusses how standards operationalise welfare for animals often arriving with health and behavioural problems from poor backgrounds, the challenges of funding lifetime care, and how accreditation distinguishes true sanctuaries from facilities using the label. The synthesis frames sanctuary standards as a structured attempt to define and guarantee high welfare for rescued felids.