Animal welfare in tourism: How to travel animal-friendly
A photo with a tiger, a ride on an elephant, or a dolphin show – what many consider unforgettable vacation moments often means suffering, stress, and lifelong imprisonment for animals. The international animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS warns against such supposed attractions and educates people about animal-friendly travel. Those who travel consciously can prevent animal cruelty and create unforgettable, ethical experiences.
Animal suffering in a holiday paradise
Many tourists desire animal encounters – but what appears romantic or exotic often has a darker underside. Whether it’s elephant rides, lion cubs to pet, or dolphins in a pool: wild animals are held captive under torturous conditions to entertain tourists. To make them «tourist-friendly,» their natural will is broken – through violence, isolation, or medication.
Tigers, lions, and monkeys in particular are held in position for hours for selfies, often under the influence of drugs. When they become too large or unpredictable, they often end up as hunting targets in penned parks. Pack animals such as donkeys and horses are also affected: They drag tourists for hours in scorching heat – often without water, breaks, or shade.
10 tips for a pet-friendly holiday
With a little mindfulness, travelers can contribute to animal welfare. Here are the most important recommendations for animal-friendly travel:
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Only observe wildlife in the wild – and never with operators that allow trophy hunting or animal interaction.
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Do not touch – petting or holding wild animals is never animal-friendly.
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Do not feed – this disrupts natural behavior and can be dangerous.
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No selfies with animals – such offers almost always involve animal suffering.
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Recognize real sanctuaries – they do not allow direct interaction with animals.
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No riding on animals – whether elephant, camel or donkey.
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Avoid animal shows – these are almost always associated with animal cruelty.
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Do not buy souvenirs containing animal products – this promotes poaching and species extinction.
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Do not consume exotic meat dishes – such as shark fin or bush meat.
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Keep your distance – wild animals are not pets and can transmit diseases.
Responsibility begins with knowledge
Tourism has power – and responsibility. Those who respect animals while on vacation not only support the protection of wild animals but also send a message against exploitation and animal suffering. The first step: get informed, take a closer look, and consistently choose animal-friendly providers.
About FOUR PAWS
FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organization for animals under direct human influence, which identifies abuses, rescues animals in need and protects them. Founded in 1988 by Heli Dungler and friends in Vienna, the organization advocates for a world in which people treat animals with respect, compassion and understanding. Its sustainable campaigns and projects focus on stray dogs and cats as well as domestic, farm and wild animals – such as bears, big cats and orangutans – from inappropriate conditions and from disaster and conflict zones. With offices in Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, France, Great Britain, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the USA and Vietnam as well as sanctuaries for animals in need in eleven countries, FOUR PAWS provides rapid assistance and long-term solutions. In Switzerland, the Animal Welfare Foundation is a cooperation partner of Arosa Bärenland, the first bear sanctuary, which provides a species-appropriate home for rescued bears from poor conditions. www.vier-pfoten.ch
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