Some animals suffer through so much pain in their lives, it can seem there is no hope for a better tomorrow. Many organizations across the globe are fighting for these animals that otherwise have no voice.  In Europe lies some of the largest animal sanctuaries, giving both animals and the land the support they need to flourish. With the festive season fast approaching, maybe this year you’ll consider visiting one of these incredible animal sanctuaries to support rescued animals and wildlife.

1. The Monkey Sanctuary, Looe, Cornwall
Inexpensive and interactive, The Monkey Sanctuary in Looe is the first in Europe to earn accreditation from Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. The humane and responsible care for the monkeys meets the standards of a true sanctuary, and one that has been caring for Capuchin, Barbary Macaques, and Wooly Monkeys for nearly 50 years. 36 monkeys currently live in the sanctuary, and all of the inhabitants were active rescues from rough starts in life. They thrive in beautiful gardens across the sanctuary, which is surrounded by Beech and Sycamore woodlands. Nettles, daisies, buttercups, and thistles surround a huge pond on the land that is home to frogs, toads, and other reptiles. While much of the the sanctuary’s grounds are not accessible to visitors, the monkey’s are accompanied by over 285-wildflower, 23-butterfly, 54-moth, 15-mammal, 6-amphibian and more than 60-bird species.

2. Wolf Watch UK, Shropshire
Founded in 1993, Wolf Watch rescues wolves who were injured from dominance fights, abandoned after zoo closures, and excess breeding. The sanctuary covers more than one hundred wooded acres, and is home to over thirty wolves who would have been euthanized had they not been rescued. Their website offers details on each of the wolves, with the possibility to adopt the animals through yearly subscriptions that provide funds to keep them alive and healthy. The wolves share the land with deer, raptors, ravens, woodpeckers, foxes, badgers and much more beautiful wildlife. This sanctuary cares for the animals, land and works hard to educate visitors on conservation.

3. Bransby Horses, Bransby, Lincolnshire
Called “Bransby Horses,” this sanctuary offers a home to not only horses, but donkeys and mules as well.  This equine sanctuary was founded in 1968 and has grown to be one of the largest equine sanctuaries, currently caring for over 400 animals. Like Wolf Watch, Bransby offers the ability to adopt horses, so equine lovers can be a part of the caring process. In addition, the sanctuary offers what they call “Rehoming,” a process in which they find their equines a caring and loving new home. Bransby is committed to the rescue, support and rehabilitation of these majestic species. Even severely injured horses and donkeys can feel safe at the sanctuary, which provides hurt animals with the care and rehab they need to live a happy and healthy life.