There’s something magical about seeing wildlife up close – the joy of spotting elephants on safari, swimming alongside sea turtles, or watching a troop of monkeys swing through the trees is unmatched. But as we learn more about the hidden harms of some wildlife tourism experiences, it’s clear that just wanting to be a responsible wildlife traveller isn’t enough.
The real challenge is simply knowing how to make ethical choices and putting them into practice. The good news? It’s easier than you think—and it all starts with a little awareness and a lot of respect for the incredible creatures we’re lucky enough to share this planet with.
What is responsible wildlife tourism?
Responsible wildlife tourism puts animals and their habitats first. Unlike exploitative attractions that disturb or harm wildlife for human entertainment, ethical experiences are all about observation, conservation, and education.
Whether you’re tracking big cats on safari, snorkelling over a coral reef, or visiting a sanctuary, the key is to make sure your presence doesn’t disrupt the animals or their environment. After all, the best wildlife encounters are the ones where nature carries on as if you weren’t even there.
But how do you become a responsible wildlife traveller? Our guide below will give you all the tips you need!
Always admire from a distance
It’s natural to want a closer look at wildlife – humans are hardwired to connect with nature. But the best way to appreciate animals is from a safe and respectful distance. If a wild animal changes its behaviour because of your presence, you’re too close. Use binoculars or a zoom lens instead of moving in for a better view.
Keeping your distance isn’t just for your safety – it’s for theirs, too. Getting too near can cause stress, disrupt natural behaviours, and even expose animals to harm. And no matter how tempting, never touch or interact with wildlife.
Many tourist attractions offering hands-on encounters (like elephant rides, big-cat selfies, or sloth handling) rely on harmful practices that put animal welfare at risk. Instead, choose ethical wildlife experiences, such as guided safaris, where you can witness nature on its own terms while keeping both yourself and the animals safe.
Be sanctuary savvy
Unfortunately, not all places that call themselves sanctuaries have the animals’ best interests at heart. While true sanctuaries provide a safe, natural environment for rescued wildlife, many facilities use the label to attract visitors while prioritising profit over welfare.
If a place allows direct interactions, like feeding or bathing, that’s a major red flag. Ethical sanctuaries focus on rehabilitation, not entertainment.
Resist the urge to feed wildlife
Tossing a snack to a curious monkey or hand-feeding a deer might seem like a harmless way to connect with nature, but it can do more harm than good. Wildlife that becomes accustomed to human handouts can lose their natural instincts, become aggressive, or even fall sick from eating the wrong foods. In some places, feeding animals has led to dangerous encounters and increased reliance on tourists for survival. Support wildlife by letting them find their own food, as nature intended.
Where to find responsible wildlife travel experiences
Now that you know how to be a responsible wildlife traveller, the next step is finding experiences that let you enjoy nature without causing harm. Here’s how to spot the real deal so you can travel responsibly and still get your fix of incredible wildlife encounters.
Research companies thoroughly
A slick website or advertisement that uses words like ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘sustainable’ doesn’t always mean a tour operator puts wildlife first. Dig deeper before booking – check if they have a clear conservation policy, support local communities, and follow ethical wildlife viewing guidelines.
Look for certifications from reputable organisations and read reviews from conservation groups (such as World Animal Protection) rather than just traveller ratings. A good rule of thumb? If a company promotes hands-on animal encounters or performances, it’s a no go. Responsible operators will always prioritise the well-being of wildlife over close-up selfies.
Ask questions
Even if a company doesn’t have a ‘modern’ website or a big-name conservation partnership, that doesn’t mean they aren’t doing things the right way. In fact, some of the smaller, local tour operators/companies often don’t. The key is knowing what to ask.
Reach out directly—email, call, or even message on social media—and inquire about their approach to wildlife encounters. Do they guarantee animal sightings? That’s a red flag—it often means animals are being baited or fed. Do they limit group sizes to minimise disturbance? Do they contribute to conservation efforts or local communities? If a company is truly responsible, they’ll be proud to let you know.
Wildlife tourism has the power to do plenty of good
Done right, wildlife tourism can be a powerful force for conservation. Ethical experiences help protect habitats, fund anti-poaching efforts, and provide vital support to local communities. By choosing responsible operators, you’re not only helping to protect wildlife and their habitats, but you also get to experience these incredible creatures in a way that respects their natural world—ensuring future generations can do the same.
