Animal experiences can be life-changing and incredible. Unfortunately, not all animal encounters are in the best interest of the animals. Many animals are drugged, beaten, chained, and mistreated all in the name of a picture for tourists. Animal tourism is a booming business throughout the world. As travelers, it’s our responsibility to learn what is animal tourism and ensure that any animal encounters we partake in are ethical ones. You can also be sure to ask these 10 questions before engaging in an activity so you can be sure it’s ethical. Be sure to avoid these cruel animal encounters when traveling!
I’ve worked with a LOT of travel content creators to bring you ethical animal encounters from around the world. So you can be sure that any animal tourism you partake is in ethical and in the best interest of the animal.
As is most of the site, this page is organized by continent: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America.
Don’t forget to check out my 10 wildlife photography tips to capture those magic moments!
Visit an Elephant Orphanage in Kenya
Go Penguin Spotting in South Africa
Monitor African Painted Wolves & Lions in South Africa
Visit Elephant Nature Park in Thailand
Visit Surin Elephant Village in Thailand
Visit an Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand
Visit Maerin Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand
Swim with Turtles in the Philippines
Go to an Orangutan Rehabilitation in Borneo
Visit the Snow Monkeys in Japan
Take an Elephant Safari in Sri Lanka
Help Rehab Marine Animals in Florida, USA
Spot Wild Ponies in Virginia, USA
Go Swimming with Manta Rays in Hawaii, USA
Volunteer with Dogs in Maui, Hawaii
Observe Wild Horses in North Carolina, USA
Go Swimming with Whale Sharks, Mexico
Go Scuba Diving in Las Catalinas Islands, Costa Rica
Go Platypus Spotting in Australia
Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Australia
Watch Turtles Hatch in Australia
See Wild Sea Lions in Australia
