Where public visits are permitted, they're often rigidly controlled to ensure that people and animals interact only in ways that are safe for visitors and constructive for the animals. Unlike zoos, the best sanctuaries don't focus on public display of the animals in their care. And that's why animal sanctuaries exist: to give animals who are neglected or mistreated a chance to live out their lives in comfort, with adequate food, protection, and veterinary care. Whether they're native to California or some other place, animals deserve to be treated with compassion and respect. This story was published in tandem with a segment for KCET's award-winning TV show 'SoCal Connected.' Watch it here now.
