Tourism is a booming industry, and it’s no secret that animals play a significant role in attracting tourists. From elephant rides in Thailand to camel rides in the Sahara Desert, animal tourism has become a popular activity for travelers worldwide.
But have you ever wondered how many animals are used in tourism? Let’s take a closer look.
The Dark Side of Animal Tourism
Animal tourism has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the last few decades that it became a global phenomenon. Unfortunately, with the rise of animal tourism came the exploitation and mistreatment of animals.
Many of these animals are taken from their natural habitats and forced to live in cramped conditions. They are often beaten, starved, and neglected so they can perform for tourists.
The Numbers
It’s difficult to determine precisely how many animals are used in tourism worldwide because many of these activities operate under the radar. However, according to World Animal Protection (WAP), approximately 550,000 wild animals are suffering at tourist attractions around the world. This number includes elephants, tigers, dolphins, and other wild animals.
Elephants
Elephant rides are one of the most popular tourist activities in Asia. However, what many tourists don’t know is that these gentle giants endure brutal training methods to make them submissive enough for humans to ride on their backs. WAP estimates that there are around 7,000 elephants living in captivity across Asia.
Tigers
Tiger selfies have become increasingly popular on social media platforms like Instagram. However, behind every cute tiger selfie is a dark reality: tigers are drugged and confined so tourists can take selfies with them. It’s estimated that there are around 8,000 tigers living in captivity worldwide.
Dolphins
Dolphin shows attract millions of visitors each year. However, these shows are a form of animal cruelty.
Dolphins are highly intelligent animals that need to swim long distances in the open sea to thrive. In captivity, they are forced to perform tricks in small tanks. It’s estimated that there are around 2,000 dolphins living in captivity for entertainment purposes.
What Can We Do?
As travelers, we have a responsibility to ensure that our actions don’t contribute to animal cruelty. Here are some things you can do:
- Avoid any activity that involves wild animals.
- Only support sanctuaries and conservation programs that prioritize animal welfare.
- Do your research before booking any activities involving animals.
- Spread awareness about the dark side of animal tourism and encourage others to make responsible travel choices.
The Bottom Line
Animal tourism is a complex issue, but one thing is clear: it’s time for us to rethink our relationship with animals. We must stop treating them as mere commodities and start considering their well-being. By making responsible travel choices, we can help put an end to animal cruelty in tourism and ensure that these beautiful creatures are treated with respect and dignity they deserve.