There is no denying the appeal of seeing exotic and unusual animals when you’re travelling. Cuddling a gorgeous lion cub, swimming with dolphins in a pool, and riding elephants in the jungle are among the most sought-after travel experiences. But the truth is that not all animal tourism operations are keeping their animals in a way you’d want to support.
Animals are often used in popular tourist attractions, but these activities almost always entail cruel training methods, challenging captive environments, poor living conditions and unsustainable practices. When wild animals are kept in artificial enclosures, their social interactions and natural behaviours are lost. None should be in captivity.
In addition, to learn tasks or put up with intimate human contact, animals are often trained harshly. Healthy wild animals do not naturally approach people, bar a few unique exceptions. The demand for animal interactions feeds breeding programs that prioritise profit over animal welfare. These actions disturb the natural balance and order within ecosystems, can contribute to the extinction of endangered species and are fundamentally cruel and disrespectful practices.
This is why it’s vital to engage in conscious and cruelty-free animal encounters when travelling. Respectful game drives, observing wild animals from a distance and preserving their natural habitats are examples of good tourism practices.
Spotting the red flags: Choosing ethical travel activities
You need to be able to discern ethical from exploitative interactions with animals when travelling. The following are warning signs to look for:
- Direct physical contact – It’s most likely unethical to engage in activities that let you pet, handle, or ride wild animals. Most wild animals will not respond positively to humans being close to them, and their expression of this discomfort could pose a threat to a person nearby them. It isn’t safe and it isn’t natural to be close to a wild animal.
- Shows and performances – In instances where animals perform tricks or shows, it’s highly likely that cruel training techniques were used on these animals. Unnatural behaviours are usually forcibly instilled by trainers, so avoid any kind of animal shows and performances when travelling, even if it is just one person and their monkey doing tricks on a street corner – animals are not for human entertainment.
- Claims of assured interactions – Since wild animals have the freedom to select how they interact with their surroundings, reputable sanctuaries, game-viewing facilities and dive operations are unable to guarantee animal sightings. If you visit a place where animal sightings are 100% guaranteed, the chances are that these animals are living in restricted and unnatural environments, or being lured unnaturally.
- Poor enclosure conditions – If you see that animal enclosures are small, barren or have limited access to food and water, then these facilities are causing mental and physical distress to the animals. Many facilities claim to be rehabilitation centres for injured animals, but they do not always release healthy animals. Be very mindful when choosing to pay for entrance to these facilities on your travels, and if you see something ‘wrong’, ask questions, raise awareness.
Good practices in animal tourism
Thankfully, there are many unique and authentic travel opportunities that put animal welfare first. Here are a few examples:
- Wildlife sanctuaries – These establishments give rescued animals a place to live in safety and offer chances for observation and education rather than for profit. Look for sanctuaries that are recognised for their commitment to animal rehabilitation and wellbeing by respectable associations.
- Wildlife observation – Responsible operators of safaris and guided excursions enable you to witness animals in their natural habitat with the least amount of disturbance. Choose lodges and game parks that minimise off-road driving, hire knowledgeable guides, and give priority to the welfare of the animals.
- Research and conservation centres – A lot of respectable establishments provide chances to find out about the effects of animal conservation initiatives on natural populations. Think about volunteering or taking part in studies that support the preservation of particular species.
There is more to responsible animal tourism than just avoiding up-close encounters. Stay away from lodges and hotels that provide on-site, exploitative animal interactions and opt instead for sustainable establishments.
Steer clear of souvenirs or other locally made articles that support unethical animal activities or are made of animal parts. That souvenir made of bone that you didn’t buy will encourage local craftspeople to explore the manufacture of more saleable souvenirs that have not done any harm to animals, and they will end up supporting conservation.
Always treat ethical wildlife activites with respect, keep a safe distance from wildlife and refrain from making loud noises or doing anything that could frighten them – remember you are the visitor in their home. Choosing animal tourism activities that do not involve cruelty to animals sends a strong message to the industry which profits from fulfilling demand.
By endorsing ethical companies, you may help bring about positive change in the tourism sector that will improve the living conditions and treatment of all animals. Having ethical interactions with animals will help visitors develop a greater respect for nature and possibly even motivate them to speak or work as animal welfare activists.
The goal of the Captive Animal Enrichment Project (CAEP) is to make South African captive animals’ lives better. We collaborate with ethical welfare organisations to deliver our work, and we speak about ethical animal tourism purely to raise awareness and support them in their crucial work. Please contact us today if you’d like to donate or get involved.
