Navigating the Wild

Exploring the ethics of wildlife tourism and conservation efforts.

I’ll be the first to raise my hand in agreeing that wildlife tourism is fucking awesome. It’s through excursions like these that I’ve been able to see lion cubs play together up close, marvel at whales breaching one realm into another, be scanned by great white sharks cruising by our cage and hold my breath to not disturb a moose going about its own business.

I’ll say it again: wildlife tourism is fucking awesome. With one caveat – it’s awesome when done correctly.

Wildlife tourism is defined by the Collins Dictionary as “the observation of and interaction with animals and plants in their natural habitats.”

At the heart of wildlife tourism is the desire to connect with nature and witness the wonders of the animal kingdom. Wildlife tourism has gained significant traction in recent years, drawing people to travel from around the globe to witness majestic creatures in their natural habitats. From African safaris to seal watching tours and visits to rainforest reserves, the allure of encountering exotic wildlife firsthand is undeniable. And addicting. Are we surprised?

Yet, beneath the surface of this booming industry lie complex ethical considerations that demand careful examination. Again: are we surprised?

One of the biggest ethical dilemmas surrounding wildlife tourism revolves around the concept of ‘ethical exploitation.’ While responsible operators strive to minimize disturbance to wildlife and prioritize conservation efforts, the very act of introducing humans into natural habitats does exactly that (disrupt animal behaviours and ecosystems). Activities such as feeding wildlife, getting too close to animals, or engaging in intrusive behaviours for the sake of a photo opportunity can cause stress, alter natural behaviours, and compromise the well-being of animals.

The commodification of wildlife for what is essentially ‘entertainment value’ also raises questions about the inherent value of animals and the ethics of profiting from their existence. In some cases, animals may be subjected to captivity, exploitation, or mistreatment in the pursuit of satisfying tourist demand. Unethical captive breeding programs, circuses, and attractions that exploit animals for entertainment purposes often prioritize financial gain over animal welfare, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation that undermines conservation efforts. You then get into this argument on whether animals are valuable only insofar as they serve human interests, which ignores the importance of respecting their rights, welfare, and autonomy.

Like many things that involve animals, it all gets messy. And highly political.

While revenue generated from wildlife-related activities can fund conservation initiatives and habitat protection, it may also perpetuate the commodification of animals and prioritize financial gain over conservation ethics. Proponents of wildlife tourism argue that it can serve as a powerful tool for conservation and environmental education, with revenue generated funding not only conservation initiatives but also supporting local communities and incentivizing the protection of natural habitats.

The science says that when conducted responsibly, wildlife tourism can raise awareness about conservation issues, foster community engagement, and empower local stakeholders to become advocates for wildlife protection. But it’s hard to figure out if the operator you’ve signed up for is an ethical one. Insert your friendly environmentalist Latina friend, here to help you out! Here are some important factors I always consider before forking over mi dinero:

1. Commitment to Animal Welfare: Ethical wildlife tourism operators prioritize the welfare of animals above profit. Look for operators who demonstrate a genuine concern for the physical and psychological well-being of the animals under their care. And for those who house animals, they should provide appropriate habitats, enrichment opportunities, and veterinary care to ensure the animals' health and happiness.

2. Respect for Natural Behaviour: Choose operators who allow animals to engage in natural behaviours without coercion or manipulation. Activities that force animals to perform tricks, interact with tourists in unnatural ways, or deviate from their natural instincts should be avoided. Instead, prioritize operators who offer observation-based experiences that respect the animals' autonomy and natural rhythms.

3. Conservation Initiatives: Ethical wildlife tourism operators actively contribute to conservation efforts and habitat protection. Look for operators who support local conservation projects, engage in wildlife research and monitoring, and implement sustainable practices to minimize their environmental impact. Supporting operators that invest in conservation demonstrates a genuine commitment to preserving biodiversity and safeguarding natural habitats.

4. Accreditation and Certifications: Accreditation by reputable organizations and adherence to industry standards can be indicators of ethical practices. Look for wildlife tourism operators that are certified by recognized conservation groups or accredited by relevant regulatory bodies. Certifications such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) or membership in associations like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) tend to be a good indicator of responsible and ethical operations.

5. Transparency and Education: Ethical operators prioritize transparency and provide educational opportunities for visitors to learn about wildlife conservation and ethical tourism practices. Look for operators who offer informative guided tours, educational programs, and interpretive materials that raise awareness about local ecosystems, wildlife behaviour, and conservation challenges.

6. Respect for Local Communities: Ethical wildlife tourism operators engage with and support local communities in ways that promote economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and social responsibility. Look for operators that prioritize local hiring, invest in community development projects, and respect Indigenous rights and traditions!

7. Responsible Marketing and Advertising: Be wary of operators that prioritize sensationalism or exploit wildlife for commercial gain. Ethical operators use responsible marketing and advertising practices that emphasize respect for wildlife, conservation values, and sustainable tourism principles. Avoid operators that promote interactions with wildlife that may cause harm or distress to the animals.

At the end of the day, my stance is this: sustainable tourism practices that prioritize the well-being of wildlife, minimize environmental impact, and respect local cultures are essential for ensuring the long-term viability of wildlife tourism initiatives.