Captive animals
Many of us have visited zoos and aquariums or circuses with animals which should be wild, however we believe and hope that the tide is turning against keeping captive animals.
Primate hand on cage bars
© MongPro,Shuttersotck
Wild animals in circuses
It’s relatively rare that travellers are invited to a circus, but if it happens, and if that circus has wild animal acts, we’d strongly recommend that you do not go. We believe that captive wild animals should not be used as entertainment.
Whales and dolphins in aquaria and dolphinaria
We are of the opinion that cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) in captivity can never be happy. The deprivation they suffer both physically and mentally is significant, and their use in performance, entertainment and interaction with humans should not be continued. As a company, therefore, Tribes does not condone such venues, and recommends that travellers avoid them so as not to continue the demand for such entertainment.
Zoos
We do not promote visits to zoos. We understand that there is often a conservation argument put forward by zoos, however, zoos where conservation is the main focus are few and far between. Most zoos simply show wild animals which are captive for human entertainment.
Selfies with wild animals
In many places where there is tourism, there is someone touting monkeys, ocelots, giant anteaters, sloths, snakes … so that they can make money from tourists who want selfies with cute or rare animals. The problems with this are two-fold: the animals have frequently been poached from the wild, and they are rarely cared for suitably or sensitively – cruelty is common in order to keep them subservient to their ‘owner’. Please do not encourage this practice.
Elephant riding
We do not condone elephant riding. Please read more about this in our article here.
Walking with lions
By walking with or petting or having photos taken with hand-reared or tamed lions, cheetahs or other predators, you are most likely an unwitting part of the horrendous industry of ‘canned hunting’. These creatures almost always end up being shot by hunters in enclosed areas - for pleasure. We’ve written an article with more detail about this.
Ostrich riding
This strange activity is offered in South Africa, mostly in the Outdshoorn area. We do not condone this. Ostriches were not made to be ridden, and their spines cannot cope with the weight of humans. It causes pain and skeletal damage in the long term.
Dancing bears
Happily, this is rarely seen these days, but if you do come across it, please do not encourage it in any way by taking photographs or stopping to watch. Any bears under such unnatural control have been (and probably still are) cruelly treated.
How can you help?
- AVOID:Please don’t encourage any of these activities that exploit wild animals.
- SHARE:Many people are unaware of such issues. If you can, please share a link to this page to get the message out.
- ADVISE US:Let us know if you come across any wildlife activity that causes you concern on our holidays so that we can address this.
- TAKE ACTION: to help the charities that are backing animal welfare.
Freedomforanimals.org.uk – One of the longest-running UK animal charities, they educate, research, influence, and generally do all they can to help animals. Donate, fundraise or volunteer.
Orcarescues.org – a foundation which aims to facilitate the release and rehabilitation back to the wild (or near- wild) of captive orca. They welcome donations for their work.
Worldcetaceanalliance.org – protecting and conserving cetaceans and their habitats.
WorldAnimalProtection.org.uk – Sign up to this charity’s Wildlife Selfie Code.
Read more in our Tribes blog
The Tribes blog brings you regular articles written by our specialists, travellers or partners and conservationists in our destinations. We have a big collection of articles now, so have a mooch to find some interesting short reads.
Explore more
Top 5 remote African safari destinations
At Tribes our consultants have experienced lots of different safaris Here we have selected our top 5 remote African safari destinations.
Responsible travel is more fun!
Responsible travel - it sounds a bit ‘sensible’ doesn’t it? So what does this have to do with holidays and having fun? In fact, travelling responsibly is a positive experience which actually makes travelling more fun, not less.
© AGMarks
Face to face with meerkats
I have seen photos of people sitting with meerkats before, but I always imagined that you would probably need a lot of time and patience, or just very good luck, to have that kind of experience.
