Travel
Wild Travel: How To Find Ethical Animal Encounters
Animal experiences can remind us just how awesome our planet truly is – but only if the animals are healthy and happy. Luckily, seeking out ethical encounters is simple
There’s nothing quite like seeing an animal in the wild to add much-needed perspective to one’s worldview. Admiring wildlife allows us to appreciate nature’s greatness and remember our place in it – as the lucky guests on this awe-inspiring planet.
It can be tricky, though, to experience these adventures responsibly, as it’s not always easy to spot tour operators, organisations or nature reserves that have the animals’ best interests in mind. To aid well-meaning travellers in their search for ethical experiences, we highlight some of the most exciting animal encounters worldwide and offer tips for embarking on these adventures mindfully.
Elephant Encounters
Considered a sacred Buddhist symbol and honoured as Thailand’s national animal, these magnificent creatures are beloved across this popular Asian country. You may have even spotted online photos of tourists riding them or bathing them – which is precisely what you want to avoid. Your best bet is to search for a legitimate, ethical elephant sanctuary harbouring and caring for animals previously held in captivity. One such place is Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, where you can stroll along Thailand’s longest canopy walkway and watch the elephants bathing and playing from above.
[Image courtesy of the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary]
Over in Kenya, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a nearly 50-year-old organisation created to protect African wildlife. It is mainly known for its Orphans’ Project, designed to rescue elephants, support their rehabilitation, and eventually allow them to roam the wilds again. Guests are welcome to visit the Nairobi Nursery and the trust’s two Reintegration Units (for elephants who have ‘graduated’ from the nursery) in Tsavo East National Park and Umani Springs, both of which feature stunning eco-lodges. Check out the Adopt an Orphan programme to foster an elephant and become part of its journey back to freedom.
[Image courtesy of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust]
Koala Care
It’s easy to think of koalas as cuddly teddy bears that don’t mind when tourists hug and take selfies with them. However, this widely promoted activity in Australia is not exactly great for these adorable marsupials. Koalas are, after all, wild animals who can experience high levels of stress when interacting with humans, so it’s no wonder that it’s actually illegal to hold them in most Australian states with koalas. To admire them in all their glory, head to the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary on Kangaroo Island. In this 2,000-hectare paradise, you can also spot kangaroos, wallabies and a variety of endemic birds. Book one of their beachfront cabins for an immersive wildlife stay.
[Image courtesy of the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary]
If you want to get involved in these creatures’ welfare, check out Koala Conservation Australia. Its Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, designed to care for sick and injured koalas, invites you to explore during an expert- or self-guided tour where you can see the team nursing the animals back to health, allowing them to return to the wild. Nearby, at Guulabaa (Place of the Koala), learn about the organisation’s wild breeding programme and chill out among beautiful forested pathways. To help the cause, you can adopt a koala, donate to the organisation, or even apply to their International Volunteer programme, a month-long experience for those who want to join the koala mission on the ground.
[Image courtesy of the Koala Conservation Australia]
Whale Watching
Admiring whales in their natural habitat is a lifelong dream for many – one that can be achieved while ensuring these animals thrive in the water. Mexico’s western coast is one of the top whale-watching regions in the world, with the majestic mammals making their yearly migration down the Pacific coastline from November to March. Depending on your destination, you can spot species like blue, grey and humpback whales. Choosing a certified tour operator is key to witnessing the whales swimming, playing and jumping without endangering or crowding them. One of the top options you can find is at Magdalena Bay Whale Camp in Baja California Sur. With a charming hotel and glamping site, the company creates an entire experience surrounding the tours for admiring grey whales, which usually last around six hours and will most likely give you an up-close view of dolphins and endemic birds, too.
Hawaii is also a fantastic destination for whale lovers. Maui and the Big Island are particularly promising if you’re looking to spot humpback whales between November and April. Find operators like PacWhale Eco-Adventures, whose tours fund the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation, created to protect humpback whales. Whale cruises led by certified naturalists include a small group adventure and an adult-only sunset ride.
[Image courtesy of PacWhale Eco-Adventures]
Final Tips
1. When searching for an animal-related experience, dig into your provider’s website and read about their practices surrounding conservation, their involvement with the community, and their commitment to animal welfare above all.
2. Consider the animal encounter golden rule: animals should not act differently because you’re there. While some creatures are naturally curious, it doesn’t mean you should approach or interact with them.
3. Search for other travellers’ comments and photos online. If people report they saw animals in captivity, or ones performing or engaging in questionable practices – say, sloth selfies – you definitely want to avoid that experience.
4. Look for trustworthy certifications, such as Blue Flag – awarded to beaches, marinas and tourism boats – or Travel by B Corp, focused on travel agencies, hotels and operators for whom tours are a tool used to benefit destinations and communities.
[Image at the top courtesy of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust]
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