August is the ultimate vacation month. Those who haven’t gone away in the past few months probably have a trip planned for the next few weeks. Destinations can range from Caribbean coasts and Thai temples to large European cities and African deserts. Each country is a potpourri of colors, flavors, and traditions, many of which involve animals. Over the centuries, ancient customs have given rise to stereotypical images that we now associate with popular tourist areas. Examples include rows of dromedaries in the desert, trained elephants in Southeast Asia, and Spanish bull runs.
Lured by fantastic—and often somewhat idealized—imagery, we end up booking vacations in places that base much of their tourism business on exploiting animals. These animals are forced into lifestyles that are inadequate, if not completely contrary, to every principle of welfare. It is not always easy to recognize mistreatment. On the surface, the animal may seem fine, especially if it is an unfamiliar species. This is why it is crucial to be aware of what lies behind seemingly harmless tourist attractions. Avoiding these attractions will help reduce the number of exploited animals.
Now, let’s look at which entertainment activities most likely include animal suffering and are offered to tourists.
Elephant or Dromedary Rides
Riding elephants, dromedaries, and camels are among the most popular tourist attractions, offering a unique and unforgettable experience in close contact with nature. However, it takes little to discern signs of mistreatment, even obvious ones. As is the case with circus performances, these “excursions” essentially enslave the animals. To domesticate them to the point of being used as “cabs,” they are often captured as puppies and trained with prods and sticks. However, one does not need to see “behind the scenes” to notice their pain. One only has to see the chains tied to elephants’ feet or the ropes binding dromedaries together so tightly that they cannot move or break “the line.” Deprived of their freedom and forced into grueling shifts, these animals are the most obvious victims of the worst tourist businesses.
Close Encounters with Exotic Animals
It is not uncommon to come across exotic animals held in captivity and forced to live amidst a constant stream of visitors, cackling, selfies, and inappropriate contact. These animals include tigers, lions, parrots, elephants, and monkeys. Often, these are supposedly “ethical” sanctuaries that mainly operate in Southeast Asia. They attract tourists under the illusion that they can interact with local wildlife without inflicting any suffering. In reality, adapting a wild animal to interact with humans requires hours of training in chains, complete with threats of punishment. This training is necessary to accustom the animal to being as calm and docile as possible. Therefore, we are always wary of seemingly harmless proposals, such as llama walks, elephant baths, and dolphin swims. They should all be allowed to live in freedom, not at the beck and call of human whims.
Shows, Bullfights, and similar
Bullfighting and the running of the bulls are traditions that have stood the test of time in Spain and Mexico. According to tradition, matadors kill the bulls with a sword after piercing them with several spears. The suffering inflicted on these animals is enormous, which is why authorities are turning to “less bloody” alternatives. Mexico City, for example, provides shows without killing. Nevertheless, it’s clear that bulls experience unnecessary stress, which is contrary to their well-being.
The same is true for shows involving marine animals. Fish and cetaceans live in tanks that are too small or overcrowded. Sometimes, they must perform acrobatic tricks for the audience. Although trainers rarely use violent methods, the psychological distress of living in captivity and performing human-induced behavior takes a toll on seals and dolphins.
Buying typical Souvenirs and Products
Many of these items are made from parts of wild animals, such as feathers, fur, and horsehair, as well as turtle carapaces and elephant tusks. These items may come from poaching and the illegal trade of protected species or from regulated activities, such as raising animals for their skins. Regardless of legality, any business that exploits animals cannot be considered ethical.
Among the typical products of an area, food products are worth mentioning. Depending on the country, we may find ourselves faced with diverse dishes that often include ingredients of animal origin. It is better to prefer plant-based alternatives. This applies both on vacation and in daily life.
Carriage Rides
One does not have to go to the other side of the world to see a clear example of mistreatment in cities with a high tourist population: horse-drawn carriages. This practice, presented as a historical tradition, subjects horses to inhumane working conditions. They are forced to pull heavy loads through city traffic amid smog, deafening noise, and vehicles whizzing by inches from them. This occurs regardless of weather conditions, even in the summer under the scorching sun. The risk of accidents and illness is constant, as evidenced by recent cases. Avoiding this activity can send a clear message to municipal governments that animal exploitation is no longer welcome.
