Safari to Sanctuary!

The author discusses the dangers of wildlife tourism and animal confinement of any kind; along with the steps that can be taken to prevent any more mistakes.

You’ve got your backpacks packed.  It’s time for stretch pants, loads of sunscreen, straw hats, boots, bandanas, and military prints.  It’s time for your dream vacation! Have you, like me, always fancied transporting yourself straight to Zambia or South Africa on a whim?

But have you ever wondered how ethical is your choice of wildlife tourism? According to World Animal Protection, more than 5,50,000 animals suffer every day from tourist operations and attractions.

Instagram is frequently stocked with photos of wildlife tourism which reek of wildlife abuse. Be it photos of cuddling baby tigers, shark diving, where sharks are enticed with buckets of entrails, or riding horses/elephants. I, too, have ridden an elephant as a child! As have many of you. This is simply owing to a lack of awareness. 

Chiara Vitali, a wildlife expert at World Animal Protection calls elephant tourism “a hidden form of cruelty”.

A recent report released by an animal rights NGO exposed the dark side of elephant tourism in Southeast Asia. Following a process called ‘The Crush’, infant elephants are separated from their mothers and forced into the training process. This can include being held captive and beaten for several weeks before they are allowed to interact with tourists, where they seem ‘playful’ and ‘friendly’!