Avoid Photos with Compromised Wild Animals
Avoid Photos with Compromised Wild Animals
We understand some animals are kept captive for a reasonable purpose, for rehabilitation or rescue purposes, which are acceptable. There are however situations and venues which keep animals captive for tourism purposes only, which are not acceptable.
These situations where wild animals are compromised or kept captive for no genuine reason should be avoided, and not promoted. Such venues can include animals being caged, chained for tourism selfie purposes, walking with wild animals, riding wild animals and the like. These activities does not increase animal welfare nor allow wild animals to live in their natural habitat.
Taking a photo with a wild animal that is captive to achieve a particular status or simply to share on social media is not a means to benefit oneself glory, at the detriment of the animal.
Remember wild animals are just that, wild. We should let them roam wild in their natural habitat with others in their species. Being held in captivity chained up is not quality of life, regardless of how well the animal is being cared for. Put yourself in the position of say a chained up tiger, how would you feel being chained up for people to come up to you for a photo, I’m sure you’d prefer to be out roaming the world in your natural surroundings.
Intrepid have banned activities of this nature, making a stance on encouraging animal welfare and discouraging interaction with wild animals, which is a great initiative for the tourism industry.
So when exploring destinations, try to to avoid situations and photos with compromised wild animals, and don’t be ashamed to speak up or say no if you see venues still marketing such tourist attractions.
