Responsible Tourism with Animals

Spoiler alert: if it involves holding them or riding them it's probably not humane.

I love animals and if you don't love animals I think you're crazy. Unfortunately, in my travels I've seen so many people abuse animals unintentionally. So many animal lovers get tricked by tourist traps so this is my guide to ethical traveling with animals.

I've had the opportunity to work with animals in conservation efforts a number of times and the first time was with sea turtles. It's so important if you see these animals in the wild that you don't touch them! Not only is it a federal offense, but it's extremely harmful to the animal. As a rule for all animals, look don't touch!

The ocean makes up roughly 80% of earth, it's so important to keep our oceans clean and not lose anymore of our beautiful inhabitants. It's so important to keep your distance from these curious creatures and not participate in tourist traps such as diving, snorkeling or paddle boarding with manatees. Often even if something lists themselves as an eco tour they can have unethical practices.

Many places offer opportunities to get close to exotic animals be it alligators, tigers, elephants or monkeys but I will run the risk of belaboring my point to repeat if you are holding them, riding them, or using them as a photo prop it is not ethical. 

If you want to get close to animals there are many wonderful sanctuaries who need volunteers, but please do not resort to exploiting animals for your Instagram pictures.