As more and more tourists desire contact with animals during their travels, animal tourism is a rapidly growing sector of the industry. Unfortunately, increased management and contact with humans can threaten animals’ well-being. But what should you do if you come across an animal tourism activity that endangers animals’ welfare? Raise the red flag!
What comes to mind when you think of animal tourism? Zoos? Horseback rides in the mountains? African safaris? Whale watching tours? Certainly all these things are important and popular animal tourism activities…but animals fill a lot more roles in the tourism industry than most people think…and each role comes with its own unique welfare considerations.