Ethical Animal Tourism in Asia

While travelling, we have seen plenty of opportunities to engage with wild animals. Some of these experiences are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Seeing animals in their natural habitat can be wonderful and is often a great way to support local people in a way that ensures the survival of endangered species.

However, there are also plenty of activities where the experience of the animal is less than ideal. This could include them not being able to exhibit their natural behaviours (e.g. being kept in cages or confined areas), encouraging unnatural behaviours (e.g. excessive washing of elephants) or even inflicting pain and suffering (e.g. using punishment to teach animals “tricks”).

Sometimes it can be hard to tell if an experience is ethical. The word is often unregulated and animal welfare standards vary from country to country. To help you navigate this and to choose ethical animal experiences, we asked some friends to share their favourite activities.


Visiting Mandalao Elephant Conservation in Luang Prabang, Laos

Mandalao Elephant Conservation is an extraordinary destination for those who want to connect with elephants in an ethical and sustainable way. Unlike traditional elephant camps, Mandalao is committed to the well-being of its elephants, offering visitors a chance to interact with these majestic creatures without exploiting them. 

Mandalao owns a big chunk of land where they let elephants roam freely. Most of these elephants are rescued from logging operations or exploitative tourism ventures. Visitors to Mandalao can participate in guided treks through lush forests on their property alongside the elephants, learning about their behaviour, diet, and social dynamics from experienced guides. The excursions are held in small groups and are tailored to minimize stress on the animals while maximizing educational opportunities for visitors. 

When I visited, we didn’t have a chance to bathe with the elephants, while many other camps offer such an experience. So why is that? The guide explained that such other locations may be bathing elephants many times a day to make visitors happy. And while you are not riding the elephants, even this “forceful bathing” is not okay. So if the elephants feel like bathing, then you are in luck… if not, they will not be forced to do it, and that’s the beauty of it. 

So, in addition to walking with the elephants, guests may (or may not) be able to observe their bathing routines, help prepare their food, and hear firsthand accounts of their rescue stories.

Mandalao is conveniently located about 20km from Luang Prabang city center and they offer pick up. My first thought when booking the tour is that it is quite pricey since you don’t even get to “bathe” the elephants and just “ walk” with them. However, it was very well worth it! I could see that our tourist money goes to support the local community by creating jobs that align with conservation values, helping rescue the elephants (to be bought out of captivity) and even feeding the elephants (they need tons of grass daily). It was truly a very genuine experience and I could see that people do care: the managers, the guides - everyone! 

Written by Inna from Planet Dreaming

Image supplied by Planet Dreaming


Orangutan Rehabilatation Centre in Sepilok, Borneo, Malaysia

Orangutans are one of those unique creatures that feel like relatives. They have many human behaviours that show how closely we’re related.

Unlike humans, orangutans cannot adapt any environment to their liking. They lived in a very narrow band near the equator, which also happens to be the place where palm oil trees grow. So, the jungle is cut down, crops are planted, and these animals are reduced to ever-decreasing land areas.

The team at the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre are doing great work to help preserve this species. The centre is based on the edge of a native forest, so you'll see a mixture of animals here. Some are in full-time care and will remain at the centre. Others are wild or semi-wild; you’ll see them come to the feeding platform only if they choose to.

There are two daily feedings, and your ticket is valid for both. Arrive before the first feeding time with plenty of time to spare. That will give you time to wander through the forest and see the babies in care.

Being able to attend both feedings was great for us as it poured with rain during the first. No orangutans came out to feed. Later in the day, we witnessed a wild male come and join the youngsters in feeding. 

Sepilok is the best place to stay because it is within walking distance of the centre. We loved staying at Sepilok Jungle Resort so much that we extended our stay.

Shared by Slower Travels.


Majestic Red-Crowned Cranes in Kushiro, Japan

Did you know that cranes are a symbol of longevity and happiness in Japanese culture? In the northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido, you can see one of Japan’s most majestic birds: the red-crowned crane, known as Tancho.

These big birds, which are 140 cm tall, were once endangered due to overhunting. But thanks to the local community’s dedicated preservation efforts, more than 1,500 cranes fly to the region every winter today.

Located on the eastern coast of Hokkaido, Kushiro is one of the few places where you can see these wild cranes in their natural habitat. From November to March, the cranes migrate to Kushiro to feed at open-air sanctuaries like Tsurui Ito Tancho Sanctuary and Tancho Observation Center. The feeding here is ethical: the cranes are not kept in captivity but supported during the harsh winter months when food is scarce without disturbing their natural behaviour. You can also contribute by donating to these feeding facilities.

The best time to visit is mid-February when the cranes perform their elegant dances to find a mate. The closest airport is Kushiro, which you can fly to from Sapporo or Tokyo. Public transportation is available to the two feeding spots listed above. While in the area, you can visit Kushiro Marshland National Park and enjoy fresh seafood from the local port.

Shared by Yuuka from My Eastern Hokkaido

Image supplied by My Eastern Hokkaido


Bornean Sun Bear Rescue Centre in Sepilok, Borneo, Malaysia

When we planned our trip to Sepilok, we wanted to see the orangutans. We didn’t realise that right next door was an incredible rescue centre for sun bears - the world’s smallest bears.

These cute animals get their name due to the pattern on their chest, which resembles a sun. They are only found in Southeast Asia and love to climb trees. They are threatened due to habitat loss, hunting for parts and being caught to be sold as pets. 

The Bornean Sun Bear Rescue Centre is a large open space with enclosures to keep some bears separate from each other. Some have never interacted with others from their species, and some are disturbed from their previous lives in cages.

We wandered around on the walkways, often high up in the trees, looking to spot these bears. As avid climbers, you will often spot them dozing up in the branches of the trees.

The helpful staff were also out and about on the walkways. They had telescopes which helped us spot bears and see them much closer up.

Many bears cannot be released back into the wild, so this park gives them a safe place to live in peace without the fear of predation.

Shared by Slower Travels.

 
 

Dolphin Watching and Snorkelling Safari in the Maldives 

In February 2022, we stayed at the gorgeous twin-island resort of Niyama in the Maldives. One of the main highlights of our stay was getting to know more about the local marine wildlife and ecosystem. The hotel had a resident marine biologist whose energy and passion were infectious. She spent time with the children in the kids’ club, teaching them how to be around marine wildlife responsibly. The children went on a spinner dolphin watching cruise. This type of dolphin is the most acrobatic of all dolphin species, so they provide their guests with a spectacular show. All animal interaction through Niyama is entirely natural to minimize the impact on their behaviour. No food is ever offered from anyone on the boats or in the water. 

The marine biologist and a local expert accompanied us on a private snorkelling safari. We started the tour by planting new coral about 100 metres from the beach. It was fascinating to learn about the corals and rewarding to be able to help, albeit a very small contribution. A speedboat then took us further into the sea, where we could swim freely with whale sharks and manta rays. The local marine expert took us to several places where we could observe the animals. It was difficult for us to be quick enough to see these free ocean swimming animals, but worth it after you’ve spotted a few. 

Overall, the marine wildlife in a place like the Maldives is astonishing. Being able to be so close to it in an ethical way is an extraordinary experience. 

Shared by Wouter Mayeur, Property Invest Blog

Image from Unsplash


Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket, Thailand

Engaging with elephants is a common tourist activity in Thailand. However, varying levels of care are provided to the animals. Riding elephants used to be common, but people started to realise that this was unkind and it has fallen in popularity. 

Now, elephant bathing is becoming more popular. Although this is a natural behaviour for elephants, they are often overwashed, causing skin issues. 

So we chose to visit the team at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, where elephants rescued from tourist attractions or being used as labour can live out their days in peace.

Here, you get the chance to feed the elephants and boy, are they hungry creatures! When giving them a piece of fruit, they’d often want to fill up their truck so it was a giant mouthful before chowing down.

You also go for a walk around the park to learn more about these gentle creatures and spot them living in the open spaces of the park. There is plenty of space for them to roam and enjoy wide open areas. 

There is also medical care for those who need it. Often, those used in labour practices are not in a strong condition as they age - skin conditions, poorly healed previously broken bones or just an ageing body are common. One elephant spent most of his time in a pool to take pressure off his joints.

Shared by Slower Travels.


Animal Safari in Karnataka, India

Situated in southern India, Karnataka is home to many biodiversity national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The state is heaven for wildlife enthusiasts seeking ethical and responsible tourism and animal encounters. Some of the famous national parks include the Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

Since Karnataka is home to many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, the forest department manages and organizes wildlife jeep safaris that allow visitors to see wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and over 250 species of birds. The safaris are controlled and respectful, ensuring minimal disruption to the animal's natural habitat. The department emphasizes ethical tourism by strictly regulating safaris and adhering to the conservation guidelines set by the forest department.

What sets Karnataka state apart is its commitment to wildlife protection and conservation. These national parks and wildlife sanctuaries prioritize animal welfare and sustainable tourism, working closely with the local tribes and communities. Many eco-lodges around these parks are designed to be environmentally friendly, blending with the surroundings and employing locals to create a sustainable model that benefits both people and wildlife.

The tourists must follow the government-mandated rules. They are not allowed to get down from the jeep at any time during the safari, maintain silence, and avoid flash photography. 

Shared by Raksha, SoloPassport

Image supplied by SoloPassport


Stray Dogs in Lombok, Indonesia

Looking after animals doesn’t just mean thinking of the iconic, mega-fauna like bears or elephants. Dogs and cats need our love too!

Throughout much of Asia, wild dogs live on the street. Sometimes locals will feed them but life on the street can be hard for any animal.

Shelter for Lombok Dogs has stepped in to help the dogs of Kuta, Lombok in Indonesia. It works with as a shelter where it can take dogs, runs a sterilisation program, organises street feeding and helps rehabilitate sick or injured dogs. There is a lot of work to be done!

To get involved, volunteers can help out at the shelter walking and feeding the dogs, completing the daily street feeding rounds or assisting with the sterilisation program. There are minimum time frame requirements and a small donation required, but the work is super rewarding.

We’ve helped out at both the shelter and the with the street feeding. Afternoons at the shelter are a relaxed way to see how much work it takes to look after a lot of dogs. We took them out on a short hike in the hills and then returned to feed all of the dogs. Meal times can often lead to disagreements about who should get to eat first!

While travelling, we often feed stray animals we see. The organised street feeding by LomDogs is super easy, with a list of locations of dogs to feed and food provided. But it’s the sort of thing anyone can do, wherever you’re travelling.

Shared by Slower Travels.


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