Travel Kind and Remember to Look, but Don’t Touch
How to be an animal-friendly traveller while still enjoying the beauty that animals have to offer
Many of us consider ourselves animal lovers, but does that extend to how we behave when on holiday? You might not think it, but some of the experiences we are offered carry a significant cost for the animals involved.
We all like to document our pursuits and for many people that includes an opportunity with animals. Noa in Spain is just one example of an animal that is traded as an attraction for tourists to visit and have their picture taken with. What they are likely unaware of is that she is likely sedated and/or treated cruelly in order to force her to submit to being in such close proximity to humans. Noa’s story isn’t rare but that doesn’t mean that we can’t learn from it. By refusing to engage in activities such as selfies with wild animals we will make it clear that this behaviour is not acceptable.
The same is true of any opportunity to interact with the animals, from touching or riding them to feeding or holding them - all of this is cruel and should not be tolerated. Close contact with animals can not only endanger the animals but also you too, they are wild animals after all. The same is true of stray or feral animals, whilst the temptation is to interact with them, it can be dangerous. So instead reach out to local animal welfare organisations in the area who can help and provide long-term support.
Finally, make sure to do your research. Sometimes not everything is as it seems. If anything seems out of place or you’re worried about the welfare of an animal(s) report it and take a positive step to Travel Kind.
Remember a once in a lifetime experience for you, is a lifetime of cruelty for them.
Download the free Travel Kind guide here and help make a change to #LiveKinder.
Tourism and the Wildlife Trade
The wildlife trade reaches into many aspects of our lives, including where and how we travel.
The entertainment industry, including the sectors that deal with tourism, contribute to the trade and suffering of wild animals.
We recently attended a parliamentary event, calling for an end to the wildlife trade and the suffering it brings.
You can watch the conference, here.
