THE ISSUE

Should we care about animals in tourism?

Tourist holding an alligator (Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals)

Riding an elephant features on many people’s bucket list when visiting Asia and, more recently, Africa. While some may consider riding on top of the largest land mammal to hold an air of romance, few recognise that this practice actually compromises the welfare of these magnificent animals and potentially places people at risk.

Interactions with captive elephants, swimming with dolphins, walking with lions, riding an ostrich or cuddling a tiger cub for a selfie – are just some of the many tourism excursions and activities involving animals. All can impact on the welfare of animals, and due to the unpredictability of wild animals, threaten public safety. Failure to manage these risks and address detrimental tourism activities involving animals can damage a company’s reputation and turn away custom.

Tourists interacting with a Stingray at Stingray City, Grand Cayman (Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals)

ANIMONDIAL has been established to support travel businesses through the minefield of issues and facilitate informed decisions that encourage animal-friendly tourism. Our services help to define actions, review current practices, overcome challenges and identify viable solutions.

For travel businesses and other organisations keen to protect animals involved in tourism, ANIMONDIAL is the partner you have been searching for.