Activities with animals are a huge draw for travellers. (if you’ve never seen a lion of course you’ll want to see one in South Africa.) But how can you tell if you’re seeing wildlife responsibly? Just keep this in mind: wild animals can’t be “tamed” without cruelty.
Protecting animals isn’t just a one-day initiative for us, it’s an every day commitment. To allow our travellers to enjoy the incredible wildlife that we share our world with and protect these animals, we worked with The Jane Goodall Institute, World Animal protection, and The World Cetacean Alliance to create our Animal Welfare Policy to ensure all activities we offer involving animals never exploit wildlife.
Photograph wildlife in the wild and while respecting their space. Don’t support businesses charging for photos with animals.
Sometimes you’ll see animals in sanctuaries or encounter those that are bred for work (horses, donkeys, etc.). If you are in doubt that these animals are well cared for, report it immediately. If you’re on a G Adventures tour please report this to animalwelfare@gadventures.com as soon as possible so we can investigate.
Wild animals aren’t pets looking for belly scratches. Holding or petting wildlife is never kind to the animal despite your best intentions.
Feeding wild animals harms their ability to find food naturally and teaches them to get dangerously close to humans.
Elephants are wild animals and can’t be “tamed” without cruel treatment. Don’t try to ride them or visit businesses that offer this activity.
