A nature reserve (natural reserve, nature preserve, natural preserve) is a protected area of importance for wildlife, flora, fauna or features of geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed for conservation and to provide special opportunities for study or research. Nature reserves may be designated by government institutions in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, or by private landowners, such as charities and research institutions, regardless of nationality. Nature reserves fall into different IUCN categories depending on the level of protection afforded by local laws. A wildlife reserves is a protected area of importance for wildlife, which is reserved and managed for conservation. It is possible to do morally acceptable, non-invasive research on captive wild animals in instances where such animals are unfit for survival in the wild (e.g. too tame for rehabilitation, injured or deformed) and therefore sanctuary life offers them a chance at life which would otherwise not be possible.