What does it mean to be an animal-friendly traveller?
Being an animal-friendly traveller means prioritising the well-being and ethical treatment of animals during your trips. We are not referring to travelling with your pet, we are referring to all other animals in the world which might be impacted by our behaviour, commercially or in the wilderness.
Here are some tips to help with being a responsible and compassionate traveller:
- Choose Animal-Friendly Attractions:
- Avoid supporting attractions that exploit or mistreat animals for entertainment purposes, such as circuses with wild animals, dolphin shows, or elephant rides.
- Opt for wildlife sanctuaries, rehabilitation centers, and ethical animal sanctuaries where animals are treated with respect and care. There are so many these days and it will be a fun, alternative way of seeing wildlife and domesticated animals.
- Select Cruelty-Free:
- Be cautious about wildlife interactions during tourism activities. Choose experiences that allow you to observe animals in their natural habitats without causing them distress.
- Research tour operators and accommodations to ensure they adhere to ethical and animal-friendly practices.
- Support Conservation Projects:
- Contribute to and participate in conservation projects focussing on protecting wildlife and their natural habitats.
- Choose eco-friendly and responsible travel operators that support conservation initiatives.
- organise a volunteer placement on a trip to go deeper.
- Be Respectful of Wildlife:
- Maintain a safe distance from wild animals and avoid approaching or feeding them.
- Follow local regulations and guidelines for wildlife observation and photography.
- Choose Animal-Friendly Accommodations:
- Stay in accommodations committed to ethical and sustainable practices.
- Some establishments may have policies against using animal products or supporting exploitative activities.
- Provide feedback in and suggest animal friendly policies in the future.
- Be Mindful of Souvenirs:
- Avoid purchasing products made from endangered animals or derived from wildlife. This includes items like ivory, animal skins, and products made from exotic species.
- Choose souvenirs supporting local communities and artisans rather which don’t exploit animals.
- Do your research before buying to make informed choices.
- Respect Marine Life:
- Choose tour operators following responsible practices for marine wildlife encounters during snorkeling and diving trips.
- Avoid activities that involve disturbing coral reefs, feeding marine life, or engaging in harmful interactions with marine animals.
- Support Animal-Friendly Transportation:
- Use transportation services that prioritize the welfare of animals. For example, choose airlines with policies against transporting certain animals or those with strict animal welfare standards.
- If hiring local transportation, ensure that animals are treated humanely.
- Practice Responsible Photography:
- Don’t take photos with captive or restrained animals for entertainment purposes.
- Use a zoom lens when photographing wildlife to maintain a safe distance and minimise disturbance of the animals.
- Educate Yourself and Others:
- Stay informed about local wildlife and cultural practices related to animals in the areas you visit.
- Share your knowledge with fellow travellers to promote responsible and animal-friendly tourism.
By making conscious choices and advocating for responsible tourism we contribute to the well-being of animals and promote ethical practices within the travel industry. Our actions can also inspire others to adopt a more animal-friendly approach to travel. It’s a win-win-win situation!
Here is some further reading about animal-friendly travel:
https://worldexpeditions.com/Thoughtful-Travel/Protecting-the-Environment/Animal-Welfare
World Animal Protection: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.au/news/12-dos-and-donts-animal-friendly-holidays
https://www.four-paws.org.au/campaigns-topics/topics/wild-animals/travel-kind