Tripadvisor uses its influence for the welfare of wild animals and endangered species
Elephant ride are fro now on bygone, as well as selfies with tigers in captivity and swims with dolphins that might become “has been”! TripAdvisor and its online booking service Viator, announced Tuesday, October 11 they planned to stop selling tickets to attractions “where travelers can physically get in touch with captive wild animals or endangered species.” Online tourism giant uses its influence to contribute to animal welfare and thus helps to disclose a sustainable message that is respectful towards animals and aims to raise awareness. Besides, the activities will remain on the site with an explanation stating why they are no longer offered.
An online information portal with articles about animal welfare in tourist areas
But society wants to go further. At the beginning of 2017, she plans to put online an information portal presenting articles on animal welfare in tourist areas. And if a customer stays in an area where there are animals, a small logo will lead to this portal. The aim is to raise awareness of the animal cause, write better informed opinions and “to be aware of the opinions that exist on the implications for the conservation and benefits of certain tourist attractions”.
However, it will always be possible to see dolphins or killer whales in captivity, which are regularly controversial.
It is not a question of prohibiting any contact with the animals since the educational farms, equestrian clubs and other shows allowing to feed the animals in the zoos will remain authorized by TripAdvisor. Similarly for activities offering interactions with animals in accordance with a strict charter respectful of their well-being with scientific monitoring and working concretely for their preservation such as swim with Kaikoura dolphins or swim with Hector’s dolphins in New Zealand which are controlled and supported by specialized biologists who take care of their protection and set up backup programs.
