animal friendly tourism

Exploring the World of Wildlife Tourism

All the tools, pointers, and inspiration you need to plan your next ethical animal adventure..

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Courtesy of Chobe Game Lodge

Oh, baby it’s a wild world.

People go to great lengths to see exotic animals on their travels

Braving the bitter cold of Antarctica to observe penguins, shelling out big to experience the great migrations of the Serengeti, and diving in shark-infested waters in Australia to swim with, well, sharks. But animal tourism isn’t always so cute and cuddly. Animals kept in captivity for tourism purposes, from “zoos” to elephant corrals, are frequently abused and mistreated.

However, there are still ways to ethically include animals into your vacation—by choosing wildlife outfitters, safari lodges, sanctuaries, and tour experiences that are committed to animal welfare and habitat preservation. And the search to find ethical organizations doesn’t need to be a wild goose chase! In this guide, you’ll find resources that will help you discern what makes an animal experience ethical, as well as pointers to plan your next trip, whether that be in the United States or abroad. And, to really get in the spirit, check out our stories from animal lovers across the world, from a burgeoning “craniac” to a self-proclaimed safari enthusiast.

- Mae Hamilton

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The ABC’s of Animal Tourism

Photo by Daniel Diesenreither/Unsplash

Is There Such Thing as Ethical Animal Tourism?

I’ll never forget the first time I saw a bullhook. In the late 90s, I visited the Big Apple Circus in New York City. Performers and crew members preparing for the night’s show raced around in an atmosphere that smelled of caramelizing cotton candy, hot peanuts, and animal manure. I was standing near a staging area when I saw a young girl wearing a sparkly costume and walking with an elephant. She held a stout pole with a metal hook at its end and I asked her what it was for. She raised her arm, made a fierce face, and said, “To hit them when they don’t obey.” My face flushed with shame—I considered myself an animal lover. Yet, I hadn’t known the elephants suffered for my entertainment. I felt foolish and sad. And I vowed to learn more.

Read the full story.

Everything You Need to Know About Wildlife Corridors—and Where to See Them

Yeah, yeah, we all know why the chicken crossed the road. But figuring out how a chicken could cross the road—especially in the age of six-lane highways and railroad crossings—is a far more pressing question for conservation biologists. The answer to the riddle may be wildlife corridors, which provide a “bridge” between habitats that have been separated by human activity. From elephant underpasses to crab bridges, these animal-friendly pathways provide safe passage for all kinds of critters and score big points for communities interested in ecotourism.

Straight From the Horse’s Mouth

Photo by Beliphotos/Shutterstock

The Great Nebraska Migration of the Sandhill Cranes and the Birders Who Love Them

I roll into Kearney, Nebraska in the pitch dark and hop out of my rental Buick at the Best Western Plus. I’m greeted first by a smell on the wind: the striking, wild, pungent attestation of livestock farming. It’s fantastic. I’m here.

It’s spring, and the sandhill cranes are making their annual journey north along the Central Flyway from southern Texas up into the northern reaches of Canada. For a couple weeks, these three- to four-foot-tall wading birds will take an intermission along this 75-mile stretch of Nebraska’s Platte River to stock up on food—remnants of last year’s corn harvest—and roost by night in massive numbers in the river’s shallow waters.

Botswana’s Chobe Game Lodge Is Changing Safaris With All-Women Guide Teams

As guests arrive at Kasane International Airport in the northeastern corner of Botswana, a woman driver begins to load luggage onto an open-air jeep. Wearing a khaki uniform with a red and white scarf tied neatly around her neck, she helps the fresh arrivals into her vehicle and cruises through the city’s asphalt roads until she arrives at the entrance of Chobe National Park . As she navigates the park’s bumpy dirt path, she points out blossoming fever berry trees, starlings winging away overhead, and a savanna elephant plodding along as her passengers ooh and ahh. She pauses for a moment to breathe in the air of the plains, before continuing on to join her 19 other fellow safari guides at Chobe Game Lodge —all of them women.

This Lion Safari Gives Travelers a Deeper Look at Wildlife Conservation in Africa

I had barely landed at Phinda Airport when I caught my first glimpse of lions.

I peered through the window of the bush plane at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve , located in a remote corner of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, and couldn’t believe my eyes. About a half dozen drowsy felines taking shade beneath an acacia tree near the tarmac began to rise from their nap. They stretched, then meandered away from the sound of our propellers. I’ve been on close to two dozen safaris in eastern and southern Africa, and lion sightings rarely come this easy. It’s as if these cats knew I was on a lion-themed safari and were here to greet me at the start of my journey.

Journalist Peter Martell on How Conservation Brought Kenyan Communities Together

Peter Martell is a British reporter who spent the past two decades as a correspondent for the BBC and Agence France-Presse, covering war, famine, and climate change across East Africa. His second book, Flowers for Elephants: How a Conservation Movement in Kenya Offers Lessons for Us All (March 2022, Hurst Publishers), includes many of these themes—but in a fresh and inspiring way. It tells the incredible story of how communities across northern Kenya worked together to create a network of protected lands across an area larger than Switzerland.

Wild Trip Inspiration

Photo by Ilona Froehlich/Unsplash

The 10 Best Places in the U.S. to See Wildlife

With nearly 3,000 different types of native animal species in the United States and 18,000 types of plants, this is one of the world’s most ecologically rich countries —in fact, it’s recognized by the World Conservation Monitoring Center as one of 17 mega-diverse nations. From Maine’s rocky shores to the green rain forests of Washington, there’s much to see and do right here at home—no long-haul plane ticket or safari lodge reservation required.

The Best International Trips for Wildlife Lovers

Encountering animals in their natural habitat is a sublime and unforgettable experience—and there are so many organizations angling to provide those moments for their guests. For every legitimate, ecofriendly operator, there are untold numbers whose practices are questionable, if not exploitive.

AFAR wants to help you find the best international trips to see wildlife in a responsible way. We have vetted a number of lodges and operators that embrace wildlife viewing practices that are ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible and offer close encounters—without getting too close.

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Animal Welfare & Travel

Be an animal-friendly traveller.

Under the guidance of World Animal Protection, we have developed our Animal Welfare in Tourism Code of Conduct , advocating for cruelty free animal encounters and encouraging travellers to follow the 10 steps outlined below.

10 Steps to Being an Animal-Friendly Traveller

The best animal encounter is a wild one. View animals in their natural habitat exhibiting natural behaviours and do not initiate contact with them.

Do not ride on the back of an elephant. To ‘train’ an elephant to accept riders, they are taken from their mothers at an early age and physically and psychologically abused.

Avoid aquariums or marine parks where large mammals like dolphins or whales are kept in captivity. These environments are very unnatural and cause stress to these intelligent and far-ranging animals.

Do not purchase souvenirs made from wild animals such as fur, ivory, shells, seahorses, teeth, rhino horns and turtle shells.

Never participate in lion cub petting and lion walking experiences, many of them breed the lions for the ‘Canned Lion Hunting’ industry, to be shot in captivity.

Do not attend festivals or attractions that subject animals to cruelty for entertainment such as animal circuses, dancing bears, dog or cockerel fights, running of the bulls and any festival that causes suffering to animals.

Don't take a wildlife selfie if ... the animal is being held, hugged, or restrained, if you are baiting the animal with food or if the animal could harm you.

Before riding on the back of a horse, mule or donkey, match your size to that of the animal and ensure that your weight is evenly balanced when riding.

Only visit and support animal sanctuaries and shelters involving wild animals in captivity if the objectives of the organization are in the animals’ best interests (e.g. re-homing, rehabilitation or release into the wild).

Speak up! If you see an animal in distress, please tell your World Expeditions guide. Make a note of the date, time and location as well as the type and number of animals involved. Take photos and/or videos as proof. Alternatively, if you see an animal that is well looked after offer praise to the owner and tell him/her why you have chosen to give them your business.

World Expeditions has also taken World Animal Protection's Elephant Friendly Tourism Pledge .

Our animal friendly adventures

South Africa Walking Adventure

Explore the best of South Africa on foot from the Drakensberg Mountains to Zululand and the kingdom of Swaziland (eSwatini), with a search for big game in Kruger National Park

South Africa Encompassed

A comprehensive accommodated tour through South Africa visiting Kruger National Park, Swaziland (eSwatini), Zululand, Drakensberg Mountains, Wild Coast, Garden Route and Cape Town

African Wildlife Explorer

A quality overland traverse through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls)

African Wildlife Explorer (VFA to CPT)

A quality overland traverse through Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls), Botswana, Namibia and South Africa

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An unrivalled journey through Argentina, Peru and Bolivia and a trek to Machu Picchu

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A complete exploration of the enigmatic island 'continent' of Madagascar

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Trek the Inca Trail with journeys to the Amazon & Lake Titicaca

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Explore the spectacular national parks and unique wildlife of Madagascar

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Animal-friendly travel tips

If you can ride, hug, or have a selfie with the wild animal, the chances are it’s a cruel venue. don’t go..

Seeing exotic animals when you're travelling can be an exciting experience. But please be cautious not to support attractions that exploit wild animals for tourist entertainment.

• DON’T   take selfies with wild animals.  DO   take lots of photos of wildlife from a respectful distance.
• DON’T   watch wild animals perform tricks.  DO   see humans perform tricks in animal-free circuses.
• DON’T   ride an elephant.  DO   observe elephants at a sanctuary, on a web cam or in the wild.
• DON’T   swim with dolphins.  DO   see dolphins in the wild with a responsible tour operator.
• DON’T   hold wild animals.  DO   watch them behaving naturally in the wild or in a sanctuary.

How do you know if an attraction or activity can harm an animal?

World Animal Protection uses the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare as our test to see if an animal’s basic needs are being met:

• Freedom from hunger and thirst
• Freedom from discomfort
• Freedom from pain, injury and disease
• Freedom to express normal behaviour
• Freedom from fear and distress

Join the movement to protect wild animals

Pledge your support to be an animal-friendly tourist when you travel. You can protect these animals by reducing the demand for wild animals in entertainment in the countries where you are on holiday.

As a thank you for taking our pledge, we'll send you a link to download our animal-friendly pocket travel guide, including this checklist. You can print the guide or save it to your phone or any device, so you'll have it handy on your next trip.

Pledge now: Join the movement to protect wild animals and get our animal-friendly travel guide.

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By working together, we can help end the suffering of wild animals in the name of tourist entertainment for good.

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Elephant tourism often involves cruelty – here are steps toward more humane, animal-friendly excursions

Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Project Dragonfly, Miami University

Disclosure statement

Michelle Szydlowski does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Miami University provides funding as a member of The Conversation US.

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Suju Kali is a 50-year-old elephant in Nepal who has been carrying tourists for over 30 years. Like many elephants I encounter through my research , Suju Kali exhibits anxiety and can be aggressive toward strangers. She suffers from emotional trauma as a result of prolonged, commercial human contact.

Like Suju Kali, many animals are trapped within the tourism industry. Some venues have no oversight and little concern for animal or tourist safety. Between 120,000 and 340,000 animals are used globally in a variety of wildlife tourism attractions, including endangered species like elephants. Over a quarter of the world’s endangered elephants reside in captivity with little oversight.

Wildlife tourism – which involves viewing wildlife such as primates or birds in conservation areas, feeding or touching captive or “rehabilitated” wildlife in facilities, and bathing or riding animals like elephants – is tricky business . I know this because I am a researcher studying human relationships with elephants in both tourism and conservation settings within Southeast Asia.

These types of experiences have long been an extremely popular and profitable part of the tourism market . But now, many travel-related organizations are urging people not to participate in, or calling for an outright ban on, interactive wildlife experiences .

Tourism vendors have started marketing more “ethical options” for consumers. Some are attempting to truly improve the health and welfare of wildlife, and some are transitioning captive wildlife into touch-free, non-riding or lower-stress environments. In other places, organizations are attempting to implement standards of care or create manuals that outline good practices for animal husbandry.

This marketing, academics argue, is often simply “ greenwashing ,” applying marketing labels to make consumers feel better about their choices without making any real changes. Worse, research shows that some programs marketing themselves as ethical tourism may instead be widening economic gaps and harming both humans and other species that they are meant to protect.

No quick fix

For example, rather than tourist dollars trickling down to local struggling families as intended by local governments, many tourism venues are owned by nonresidents, meaning the profits do not stay in the area . Likewise, only a small number of residents can afford to own tourism venues, and venues do not provide employment for locals from lower income groups.

This economic gap is especially obvious in Nepalese elephant stables: Venue owners continue to make money off elephants, while elephant caregivers continue to work 17 hours a day for about US$21 a month; tourists are led to believe they are “ promoting sustainability .”

Yet, there are no easy answers, especially for elephants working in tourism. Moving them to sanctuaries is difficult because with no governmental or global welfare oversight, elephants may end up in worse conditions.

Many kindhearted souls who want to “help” elephants know little about their biology and mental health needs, or what it takes to keep them healthy. Also, feeding large animals like Suju Kali is pricey, costing around $19,000 yearly . So without profits from riding or other income, owners – or would-be rescuers – can’t maintain elephants. Releasing captive elephants to the jungle is not a choice – many have never learned to live in the wild, so they cannot survive on their own.

Hurting local people

Part of the problem lies with governments, as many have marketed tourism as a way to fund conservation projects. For example in Nepal, a percentage of ticket sales from elephant rides are given to community groups to use for forest preservation and support for local families.

Increasing demand for wildlife-based tourism may increase traffic in the area and thus put pressure on local governments to further limit local people’s access to forest resources.

This may also lead to increased demands on local communities , as was the case in Nepal. In the 1970s, the Nepalese government removed local people from their lands in what is now Chitwan National Park as part of increasing “conservation efforts” and changed the protected area’s boundaries. Indigenous “Tharu,” or people of the forest, were forced to abandon their villages and land. While some were offered access to “buffer zones” in the 1990s, many remain poor and landless today.

In addition, more and more desirable land surrounding conservation areas in Nepal is being developed for tourist-based businesses such as hotels, restaurants and shops, pushing local poor people farther away from central village areas and the associated tourism income.

Some activists would like humans to simply release all wildlife back into the wild, but there are multiple issues with that. Elephant habitats throughout Southeast Asia have been transformed into croplands, cities or train tracks for human use. Other problems arise from the fact that tourism elephants have never learned how to be elephants in their natural elements, as they were separated from their herds at an early age.

So tourism may be vital to providing food, care and shelter to captive elephants for the rest of their lives and providing jobs for those who really need them. Because elephants can live beyond 60 years, this can be a large commitment.

How to be an ethical tourist

To protect elephants, tourists should check out reviews and photos from any venue they want to visit, and look for clues that animal welfare might be impacted, such as tourists allowed to feed, hold or ride captive wildlife animals. Look for healthy animals, which means doing research on what “healthy” animals of that species should look like.

If a venue lists no-touch demonstrations – “unnatural” behaviors that don’t mimic what an elephant might do of their own accord, such as sitting on a ball or riding a bike, or other performances – remember that the behind-the-scenes training used to achieve these behaviors can be violent, traumatic or coercive .

Another way to help people and elephant is to to use small, local companies to book your adventures in your area of interest, rather than paying large, international tourism agencies. Look for locally owned hotels, and wait to book excursions until you arrive so you can use local service providers. Book homestay programs and attend cultural events led by community members; talk to tourists and locals you meet in the target town to get their opinions, and use local guides who provide wildlife viewing opportunities while maintaining distance from animals .

Or tourists can ask to visit venues that are certified by international humane animal organizations and that do not allow contact with wildlife. Or they can opt for guided hikes, canoe or kayak experiences, and other environmentally friendly options.

While these suggestions will not guarantee that your excursion is animal-friendly, they will help decrease your impact on wildlife, support local families and encourage venues to stop using elephants as entertainment. Those are good first steps.

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20 Top Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations for You and Your Best Travel Buddy

Calling everyone who can't bear the thought of not being with your dog for more than 24 hours... here's the perfect guide to exploring the world with your furry companion.

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It was mid-2008 when Amy Burkert and her husband Rod found themselves adopting a stray German shepherd . The puppy was found near their home in Philadelphia, and after a few weeks of looking for his family to no avail, they decided to adopt him as their own and name him Buster. The issue? The couple, who at the time had a small dog named Ty, was planning a huge trip up to Canada about a month later and hadn't accounted for two dogs coming along.

Burkert searched online for dog-friendly hotels and dog parks along their route but didn't come up with much. The trip went well, but the experience taught her that other people probably were also looking for the same information.

In 2009, she launched GoPetFriendly.com , a comprehensive pet travel platform that quickly took off. Soon after, she and Rod, both who work remotely for their CPA firm, sold their place in Philly, hit the road in an RV, and haven't looked back since.

"In a few months, we will have been on the road for 11 years," Burkert says, adding that Ty and Buster have sadly passed, and they now have a new pup named Myles. "We love it, and by doing that with our dogs, we are walking the talk."

Since we're all attached to our dogs at the hip, here are some of Burkert's recommendations for how you can bring them along for a vacation.

How to Choose a Dog-Friendly Vacation Destination

Consider your itinerary.

There are many things to consider when traveling with your dog , from where you'll go to how you'll get there to fun activities to do along the way. While in the decision-making phase, Burkert recommends thinking about what you and your dog like to do together first.

"Do you like to go to the beach?" she asks. "What about hiking? Exploring cities? Or sitting at a coffee shop watching people walk by? It's important to think about how much your dog physically can and would want to do and what you'd want to do together."

And be prepared to make a few sacrifices for your four-legged companion. Dog-friendly vacation spots can come in various forms. Taking a road trip with your dog to New York City, for example, may not seem like a good spot because of the population density, but there are actually tons of great green spaces for your dog to play.

"That said, you might consider sacrificing your trip to the Guggenheim if you're with your dog," she says.

Think About Where You'll Stay

Your choice of accommodations is another important thing to keep in mind when planning your trip. While some locations have hotels that allow pets , other destinations with more natural surroundings might require flexible arrangements like renting a unique Airbnb or camping.

"A lot of people think that camping is a wonderful thing to do with a dog on vacation, but not if you're planning on leaving him or her in the camper all day," Burkert says. "That isn't much of a vacation for your pet. Instead, try to find a place that will work for you both."

As you decide the best vacation destination for your family (fur babies included), these Burkert-recommended places both domestic and international might just do the trick.

Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations on the East Coast

Eastern vermont.

Among the places on the East Coast to take your dog on vacation, a place called Dog Mountain in the Eastern Vermont town of St. Johnsbury ranks highly for Burkert.

"The people managing it have turned what was a dairy farm into an off-leash dog heaven," she says. "There is a pond, trails, even a dog chapel."

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

The town of Jim Thorpe , Pennsylvania, is home to the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway , which offers breathtaking trips through the Pocono Mountains. According to Burkert , the trip is a must for dog owners and is among the best dog-friendly vacation spots in the eastern U.S.

Bar Harbor, Maine

The 5,500-person town of Bar Harbor, Maine on Mount Desert Island is a great place to bring your pet companion, especially if you're interested in hiking at Acadia National Park . This island is the best of both worlds with mountains and sandy beaches within the park, and pet-friendly patios for eating in town. Doggie visitors are encouraged and there are tons of trails both you and your pup will enjoy.

Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations on the West Coast

Bend, oregon.

The 100,000-person town in central Oregon is so obsessed with dogs that they are allowed almost everywhere. Dog-friendly hiking trails are abundant at the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range, and within the city limits, you'll find many outdoor food carts , food truck parks, and breweries (including the award-winning Deschutes Brewery ), all of which welcome dogs.

San Diego, California

Sunny San Diego is among one of the best dog-friendly vacation spots thanks to its many open areas that accommodate them. If your pup likes to play on the beach, there are plenty of dog beaches and off-leash dog parks in and around this SoCal city. Check out Fiesta Island in Mission Bay, or Morley Field Dog Park in San Diego's famed Balboa Park .

If you're a lover of the sea, take advantage of SD's coastal location and rent a boat or a yacht to let your dog feel the wind in her hair. If you're looking for an activity that will satisfy your pup's competitive nature, catch a Padres baseball game at Petco Park where they have a special viewing area called The Barkyard just for people and their pets.

Northern Arizona

Many people are surprised to learn that Grand Canyon National Park , located in Northern Arizona, is a vacation spot that allows dogs. As Burkert explains , the South Rim is your best bet if you're bringing your furry friend.

Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations in the Midwest

Chicago, illinois.

"I love going to Chicago with dogs ," says Burkert. She suggests checking out the trails along Lake Michigan and exploring Navy Pier, as just a few examples of things to do.

When you get hungry, grab a slice on the patio with your pup at Paradise Park or a pint at Empirical Brewery , which is also home to a colony of beloved brewery cats .

Grand Haven, Michigan

Grand Haven is a picturesque town on Michigan's West Coast loved by tourists and their dog companions alike, mainly for the number of greenspaces and beaches. Grand Haven City Beach is a great place to go with your pup on a warm summer day. The vacation town even boasts the Must Love Dogs Boutique & Spa , a pet-friendly shopping spot where you can bring your pup to sniff around the store.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis is filled with great places to take your dog on vacation, including breweries, outdoor restaurants, and open spaces like White River State Park . The city's growing number of outdoor dining spots that allow dogs makes Indy a no-brainer for foodies bringing along their fur babies.

Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations in the Southern U.S.

Asheville, north carolina.

The sprawling Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., allows dogs on its grounds and outdoor patios (but not inside buildings). Still, at more than 8,000 acres to explore, it's absolutely worth bringing along the pooch, especially on a beautiful day. Once you've gotten your steps in stomping around the mansion gardens, the nearby town of Asheville has a ton of pet-friendly activities for the two of you to take on, as well. Check out the street art in downtown Asheville, or sniff out some local goodies at one of the town's many bustling outdoor farmer's markets. After you've gotten your fix of city life, head out to explore the miles of trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains and book a camping spot for your and your furry friend to soak in the sounds of nature.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is one of the most dog-friendly U.S. cities on our list, featuring many pets-allowed restaurants like Brown Dog Deli and Poogan's Porch , named after the friendly neighborhood dog who greeted guests until he passed in 1979.

If your dog wants to live like a princess for a day, Charleston Carriage Works offers historical tours of the city and allows dogs to come along for the ride in style. When you're ready to stretch your legs, check out Charleston's beaches at Sullivan's Island and Morris Island . If the weather isn't favorable, take your dog for a dip in the indoor dog pool at Wag-n-Splash .

Sarasota, Florida

Brohard Beach and Paw Park is among the top places to go in Sarasota if you have a pup in tow. The beach is especially accommodating for pet parents with its dog showers and fire hydrants for puppy bathroom breaks, according to Burkert.

International Dog-Friendly Vacation Ideas

Before you head out on an international adventure with your favorite travel buddy, keep in mind that there can be potential health risks when taking your dog on long flights . It may make more sense to explore the spots where you can safely bring your dog along in the car on a road trip, or even via train travel , before booking a trip to one of these pet-friendly international cities. As always, it's best to talk with your veterinarian about whether it's safe for your dog to accompany you on long flights or to visit other countries. Your vet will help you understand the risks and what you need to know before your pup gets a new passport stamp.

Venice, Italy

While may not be many sprawling greenspaces in Venice, dogs are still welcome in the charming Italian city limits. Pups are allowed in many water boats and are able to stroll the street with you. Just be aware that sometimes the small alleyways can be crushingly busy, so it's best to go in the off-season in November–March so your pup's not overwhelmed with the crowds.

Tokyo, Japan

Japan celebrates six native dog breeds , called the Nihon Ken, which have been designated as national monuments. So as you can imagine, the country is incredibly dog-friendly . Dogs are allowed in hotels, stores, and some restaurants, and there are tons of dog parks for them to run in cities like Tokyo. Some of the best of the capital city include Yoyogi Park Dog Run , Honmoku Sancho Park , and Ueno Park .

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Recognized as one of North America's most dog-friendly cities, Vancouver is well-known as a great destination for dogs and their human counterparts looking for an adventure. While here, make a stop at any (or all!) of the great beaches or off-leash parks throughout the city, and don't miss a day playing at the world-renowned Stanley Park and Arboretum.

When you get hungry, take an afternoon stroll through the Mainstreet Station Farmer's Market on Wednesdays in the summer months. Or explore all that Granville Island public market has to offer, from food to art to some pretty cool historical architecture, any day of the week. Outside of the city limits, Vancouver also has a lot to offer nature lovers, including some of the best hiking you'll ever do in every season.

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Guidelines for animals in tourism.

• February 4, 2022

Understanding your animal footprint

At the Good Tourism Institute we believe that animals belong in the wild, in their own natural habitat. However, animals in captivity remain a popular tourism experience. Still too many tour operators actively promote and offer animal activities where animal welfare guidelines are not adhered.

The use of animals in tourism experience is in demand by a large group of travellers. Riding elephants, cuddling with tiger cubs or posing with a monkey. It’s all seen as the greatest tourism experience. But are you aware of the poor living conditions and treatments of these animals? The process before a traveller can take a picture with a wild animal is long and not natural at all.

In order to become a better tour operator, it’s essential to understand your animal footprint and how your tours affect wildlife. Understanding these consequences is the first step to create a better future for animals, and at the same time offer great experiences too!

“Wild animals belong in the wild: help keep them there”. – World Animal Protection

Negative effects of animals in tourism

Often the negative impact on the animals is invisible, but this doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Actually, tourism often leads to disruption of wildlife’s normal daily activities. Using animals in tourism puts pressure on animal welfare and conservation. Threats facing the animals vary from:

• Egg collection
• Human wildlife conflict
• Habitat loss
• Being locked up and used as pet

Animals in captivity are facing poor welfare conditions. They are captured, taken from their own habitats or bred in captivity. Often separated from their mothers at a very young age, hand-raised and kept in small enclosures. Suffer a lifetime of abuse and cruelty. Are trained, their behaviour domesticated and exhausted for the entertainment of travellers. Imagine the process before tourists can ride elephants, walk with lions, stroke tigers or swim with dolphins.

However, not only in captivity, but also in the wild animals are disturbed. Whales, seals and dolphins are cornered when there are too many boats at the same time, just to take better pictures. The same situation occurs when safari vehicles want to get a better look at lions and elephants. Leatherback turtles are disturbed on beaches when laying eggs. The natural behavior of all these animals is disturbed by tourism and forces them to change their routine. Wildlife is endangered by actions of tour operators and travellers.

Positive effects of animals in tourism

Luckily, besides the negative effects, tourism also has a positive impact on animals. Tour operators and travellers are both in the position to contribute to their conservation and habitats. To conserve endangered species and to maintain their homes. Good wildlife tourism is encouraging people to enjoy and protect animals in the wild instead of destroying their natural environment.

Making animals more valuable alive than dead, serves as a powerful incentive to support conservation. Park fees are used for maintenance of national parks and protected areas. Furthermore, local communities are also financially supported. To stop them from poaching, they need to understand wildlife brings more income when they are alive.

Thereby, wildlife tourism also increases awareness around flora and fauna species. Wildlife tours connect travellers to nature and make them understand and value the ecological importance of wildlife.

The opportunities for travellers to spot wildlife in their natural environment are endless. By combining the activity with conservation research, the use of tourism is even more powerful. For example, whales can be tracked with a boat full of enthusiastic travellers eager to help. Part of the tour fee then goes to the local conservation research. Similar experiences can also conserve animals like:

• Polar bears
• Sea turtles
• And many more wildlife

Exception to the rule

Wildlife sanctuaries and rescue centers are the exception to the rule when it comes to captive animals in tourism. These centers simply exist to care for captive animals rescued from zoos and performance centers. They also exist to protect animals from extinction and to care for animal orphans due to poaching. These sanctuaries do not encourage touching or riding the animals and only keep them in captivity because they can’t be released in the wild (yet).

Putting it into practice

In order to become a better tour operator and to protect animal rights, it’s essential you put it into practice. To provide clarity, we have listed our own guidelines.

Good Tourism Institute animals in tourism guidelines

We discourage:.

• Activities that allow travellers to interact with captive wildlife such as riding, walking, (bottle)feeding and cuddling
• Organisations or places that do not follow animal welfare guidelines
• Wildlife centers with a breeding, trade or hunting program
• Parks with animal shows or performances for travellers

We encourage:

• Experiences where travellers can view wildlife in their own habitat
• Wildlife activities that comply with animal welfare guidelines
• Tourism activities that combine conservation research
• Wildlife sanctuaries and rescue centers that are exceptions to the rule

Managing customer demands

Even though there are still travellers demanding unfriendly animal activities, part of being a successful tour operator also includes taking responsibility for animal welfare. In this case, animal welfare takes precedence over customer satisfaction. Refuse to book unfriendly animal activities to your travellers.

“Being a successful tour operator also means taking responsibility for animal welfare”.

Education is key in upholding customer satisfaction. It will help travellers understand your decision and value you for it. By explaining the negative effects of tourism, and to show the positive effects of your animal friendly experience, you will help them make the right decisions (also in the future) that won’t harm wildlife.

The best place to behold animals is always in the wild, and from a distance. Always ensure local communities are also benefitting from wildlife tourism and support conservation projects. Offer your customers experiences where they can see wildlife in their own environment, involve them in conservation and make sure they have a great time.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Wow ,animal well being is paramount regardless of what our customers are opting for .We need to stand by our word as DMC.s and let customers understand what our values for both animals and plants are

Without a doubt Priscilla! This is such an important responsibility of a tourism business. How do you communicate this to your customers?

Anne de Jong

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animal welfare and tourism 

Selfies with bears in chains or petting lion cubs? Animal welfare issues to watch out for while on vacation

Other countries, other customs – that's one of the great things about traveling to new places. However, bear in mind that animal welfare standards abroad can often be lower than at home. What at first glance might appear to be an appealing tourist attraction or a culinary delicacy is often connected to pain and distress for the animals involved.

FOUR PAWS has advice about how to be considerate towards animals abroad and make sure that your vacation is animal-friendly.

Animal welfare and tourism: animal suffering in tourist attractions

Riding elephants in Thailand, watching bullfights in Spain, or petting lions in South Africa. Vacationers should avoid many of the tourist attractions offered at holiday destinations – they usually involve animal abuse.

One of the most popular tourist attractions, especially in exotic countries, is animal rides: may it be on elephants, ponies, donkeys or camels. These animals are often not held in appropriate conditions or treated with basic necessities. For example, they can be exposed to intense heat all day long without being given fresh water. Elephants are brutally mistreated while they are very young in order to make them docile and submissive. Despite barbaric training of these animals, direct contact with elephants, among other species, poses an enormous security risk, as numerous accidents go to prove.

Animal shows and entertainment involving animals often cause immense suffering. Whether it's the traditional bullfights in Spain and Portugal or cruel dog, bear and rooster fights: animals are tortured in all of them, and it is the customer who is paying for this cruelty to take place. One of Spain's oldest traditions, bullfighting, for example, uses various techniques to irritate the animals before the spectacle gets underway. These can range from blows to the kidneys to pricking the sexual organs with needles or administering medication that makes the animals lose their sense of orientation. During the "fight", the bull is often speared in the side. The highlight is the killing of the bull, whereby the animal usually dies by suffocating on its own blood after the "coup de grace" ("blow of mercy"). The bull never survives a fight.

Besides these supposed tourist attractions, animal friends should also be cautious when purchasing souvenirs . Many shops sell items made of ivory, tortoiseshell or coral, and leather products made from the skins of exotic animals. Purchasing these items contributes to making protected species extinct. The import of souvenirs stemming from endangered species is banned by the Washington Convention to protect endangered animals and plants, and is punished by fines and even prison.

what to WATCH out for:

• Avoid tourist attractions involving animals. Steer clear of activities like elephant, pony and camel riding, swimming with dolphins, and petting or feeding wild animals. Direct interaction in no way serves the welfare of these animals, it only gives pleasure to visitors.
• Do not visit animal shows. Even if you are keen to watch – please do not attend them. Here, wild animals are often forced to perform feats that are unnatural to them. The dressage of wild animals is frequently based on punishment. In these shows, animals are degraded to objects of entertainment. Also avoid sports and contests involving animals, like bullfights and cockfights, and horse and dog races.
• Do not take photographs or selfies with animals. Many tourists like to take photos of themselves with wild animals, and animal babies are especially popular. This is pure profiteering at the cost of the animals involved that are usually separated too early from their mothers, are kept in unacceptable conditions, or have even been taken from the wild.
• Caution when buying souvenirs and food. Many shops sell items made of ivory, tortoiseshell or coral, and leather products made from the skins of exotic animals. The import of such souvenirs stemming from endangered species is illegal. Also avoid local dishes containing meat of uncertain origin, which may be dog or cat meat or of exotic animals.
• Do not feed animals. Especially in southern countries, vacationers are surprised by the large number of stray animals. It's very tempting to feed them. This well-meaning gesture leads to strays quickly getting used to this new source of food. But with the end of the tourist season, the source dries up. From the perspective of animal welfare, feeding is also problematic because it causes the animals to reproduce faster. It is much wiser to directly donate to a local animal welfare association at your vacation destination, and to draw its attention to injured or undernourished animals.
• Avoid dubious wildlife parks. Serious sanctuaries give top priority to the welfare of the rescued animals. Healthy animals should have only minimal contact with animal care staff and no contact at all to visitors. Where possible, the animals should be released back into the wild. Wildlife parks should neither have animals perform nor breed them. Don't be deceived by the attractive names of animal parks when on vacation – take a good look.

did you know that...

...many tourist destinations have very low animal welfare standards and cruel keeping conditions ...like in south africa, lions kept for breeding are very likely to end up as targets for trophy hunting or killed for their bones. and that as young animals, they were abused on petting farms as tourist attractions. ...most animals in the tourism industry suffer in miserable living conditions. ...there are are not only dancing bears but also "selfie bears" and restaurant bears..

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Five Ways to be a Good Zoo Visitor

As captive wildlife facilities like zoos, aquariums and sanctuaries open their doors to visitors again around the world, after the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are keen to get back to normality following lockdown. With this in mind, in our latest blog we highlight the crucial steps you can take to ensure you’re a good zoo visitor and put animal welfare first when visiting wild animals in captivity. 

Zoos, aquariums and sanctuaries come in all shapes and sizes. They can be set in a rural area or in an urban or city environment, they can be large or small, historic and well-known or new and relatively unknown. They may advertise large, exotic animals or small, native species. But the one thing you should really be considering before visiting is not what size they are, but how much they are doing for their animals – are they a good zoo with good animal welfare?

Facilities which keep wild animals in captivity should be based around education, research, conservation, environmental sustainability and recreation, and while these are important goals, underpinning them must be good animal welfare. Good zoos, aquariums and sanctuaries should give their animals space to roam, animals should have choice and control over how they explore their enclosure, they should be able to experience natural substrates, such as grass and sand, as well as trees, rocks and other structures, and they should look relaxed and in good health.

Before going to a zoo or other captive facility to see wildlife, there is lots you can do to ensure the animals are being well cared for and not exploited or harmed, and therefore reassure yourself that you’ve done all you can to ensure good animal welfare before you visit. 

Here are five steps you can take to ensure you’re a good zoo visitor.

1. Research the zoo website before visiting

Look for membership to associations. If the zoo is a member of a national, regional, or international association it means they have met certain standards in terms of conservation, education, research, animal care, safety, and possibly animal welfare. This is not a foolproof measure and will not mean the zoo has perfect welfare, but it goes some way to indicate the facility is following certain minimum standards of care and welfare.

Check images for signs of healthy animals in natural environments. How do the animal enclosures look in website images? Do enclosures look natural, similar to environments you might find these animals in when in the wild? A natural environment that closely resembles its wild habitat is a good indicator the zoo understands its animals and is trying to ensure they are providing a good set-up for them in captivity.

2. Animal entertainment and animal interactions- what is the zoo offering?

Captive wildlife must be allowed to exhibit their natural behaviours and not forced to perform unnatural tricks or stunts, or forced into interactions with visitors. Before a visit use the facility’s website to see what shows, performances and visitor interactions they offer. Animals should be showing behaviours you would expect to see in the wild, not unnatural tricks or stunts and we do not recommend you take part in selfie experiences or riding wild animals. Think about how the animals may have been trained to take part in visitor interactions and where they might have to be kept while they are not performing.

If you see anything that you think compromises animal welfare or doesn’t seem right, we would suggest you do not visit. 

Once at the zoo, you want to see that animals are given choice as to whether they take part in activities or not. If there are public performances using animals, are they animal-friendly , how is it impacting the animal’s welfare? Think about the environment the animals are expected to perform in, is it loud, is it unnatural, are they performing circus-like tricks? There may be presentations given by staff where they offer information about the animals and during these they may offer opportunities to interact with animals, if anything you see seems inappropriate then do not engage in these activities and if you feel animal welfare is being compromised you can report your concerns to us.

3. Zoos have a role to educate, is there informative signage for you as a visitor?

Although a zoo is essentially there as recreation, it should also be performing educational and conservational roles. You should expect to see signage about the animals you are visiting, giving you information on their common and scientific names, where they are found in the wild, the habitats they live in and their conservation status as a minimum – this is informal learning, where you can find out more about the species you are observing.

If sign descriptions of the animal’s natural habitat bear no resemblance to its captive environment then it is unlikely to be able to experience natural behaviours and its welfare will be compromised. There may also be other signage about what conservation action the zoo is taking to help conserve this species in the wild and what action you can take to help the species or their habitats.

Can you use your day at the zoo to think about what new actions to take or habits to make that will help wildlife around the world?

4. Proper feeding – what not to do

All wild animals have specific diets which they have evolved and adapted to consume. Unless you are instructed by animal keeping staff, do not feed any animals or throw anything into their enclosure that they might try to consume. Doing so could have a negative impact on the welfare of the animals you are visiting in the short or long-term. Pay attention to the food animals are being offered by the staff and how it is being presented, what can this tell you about the species and how is that food perhaps being used as a form of enrichment (for example, a messy capuchin monkey enclosure may only look messy to you, because the staff have scattered fruit, nuts and seeds all over the floor, to enable the monkeys to forage for their food, as they do in the wild).

If you are allowed to feed animals, by purchasing food or taking part in an experience, consider if it is part of their natural diet, would they eat this in the wild and are the zoo regulating how much is being fed to the animal over the course of a day? Unregulated feeding can lead to unnatural behaviours such as begging, and may cause health problems such as tooth decay and obesity.

5. Respect the animals at all times

Good zoo visitors do not disturb animals for entertainment, although this is sadly something regularly seen at the zoo. While walking around a wild animal facility, it is very important to respect the environment and the staff but most of all the animals. Some species may be naturally timid, some may sleep or rest during the daytime or when it is very hot. Many species will relish zoo visitors and enjoy observing you as much as you enjoy seeing them, but not all of them.  It is not appropriate to shout at animals, try to wake them up, throw things into their enclosure or bang on the glass or fencing. Remember you are the visitor. Be respectful of their home and treat the animals as you would if you were visiting a friend’s house.

There are definitely a lot of things to consider when visiting wildlife in captivity, research is vital and being observant and respectful when you’re there are a must too. If you have any concerns about the welfare of animals in zoos, aquariums or sanctuaries that you research online or visit in person, you can contact us to make a report , as we may be able to help. 

In taking these five steps and remembering that animals are sentient beings with the ability to experience and feel a range of emotions, just like us, then you’re doing everything you can to put animal welfare first.

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• WILDLIFE WATCH

Does your favorite travel company promote harmful wildlife activities?

A new report rating 10 companies on their animal welfare policies shows some promote exploitative experiences like elephant rides and cub petting.

Some international travel companies promote activities that exploit animals, according to a new report by World Animal Protection (WAP), a U.S.-based animal welfare nonprofit.

The report assesses companies’ public animal welfare policies, their efforts to include wildlife-friendly options, and whether they feature interactive animal attractions that cause “irreparable and lifelong harm,” such as elephant rides, dolphin shows, and cub petting. The University of Surrey, in the U.K., carried out the independent analysis.

The report examined 10 companies that offer activities or experiences with wildlife: Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Groupon, Klook, The Travel Corporation, Trip.com, TripAdvisor’s Viator, and TUI Musement.

“These companies would likely agree that they are a trusted resource for their customers,” says Cameron Harsh, programs director at World Animal Protection. “Whatever they put out—in terms of an option for people to book or information about a venue—is going to be perceived a certain way by their customers as ‘this is acceptable to do.’”

Up to 6 million people visit wildlife tourist attractions every year, according to a 2015 study , and a 2019 survey by World Animal Protection of 12,000 people in 12 countries showed that nearly 80 percent of travelers said they’d pay more for activities that assured animals didn’t suffer. The organization’s new report gives guidance on “what companies are protecting wild animals and which are failing them, with the hopes of putting that pressure point on them,” says wildlife campaign manager Nicole Barrantes.   ( Learn more about how to engage in ethical wildlife tourism. )

Top scorers for their animal welfare policies were the California-based Travel Corporation , with 75 percent, and Airbnb , with 67 percent. Neither Hong-Kong based Klook , which connects travelers and local tour operators, nor U.S.-based Groupon has animal welfare policies. Both received the lowest rating of 4 percent.

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The Travel Corporation’s   policy references the five domains of animal welfare , which include rights to good nutrition and mental stimulation. Airbnb worked with WAP in 2019 to draft a   company policy that prohibits exploitative wildlife experiences such as elephant rides; interactions including feeding or petting; selfies with wild animal selfies; and the use of captive marine mammals in entertainment.

The WAP report focuses on four “flagship” species—dolphins, elephants, primates, and big cats—because of their complicated needs, their ability to experience emotion, and their prevalence in tourism attractions. ( Read more about what happens when elephants live alone. )

Half the companies list experiences with flagship animals. Klook and Trip.com (rated at 6 percent) offer elephant rides and selfies with tiger cubs . GetYourGuide (7 percent) offers primate interactions and elephant bathing , and travelers can book elephant interactions on TUI Musement (51 percent).

These animals “may have very complex social behaviors, foraging needs—things that cannot be adequately met at these facilities where their lives revolve around being used for human interaction,” says Kate Dylewsky, senior policy advisor at the Animal Welfare Institute.

TUI Musement hasn’t offered interactions with wild cats or added any "unacceptable" new activities with wild animals “for several years now,” Stephen Denton, head of external communications, says, adding that the World Animal Protection report “does not truly reflect” the action TUI has taken “in support of animal welfare.” If vendors don’t pass the company’s animal welfare audits, “we drop the activity,” he says.

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Meanwhile, in a report last year , WAP called out Groupon for routinely partnering “with some of the cruelest captive wildlife venues in the U.S.,” including roadside zoos and animal sanctuaries with recent welfare violations. For example, it lists discounted tickets for Suncoast Primate Sanctuary , which has violated the Animal Welfare Act several times, most recently in December , and it offers discounts to visit SeaQuest , which offers interactions with stingrays and sloths. Zoos, aquariums, and animal attractions “are among the most popular on our marketplace,” says Groupon spokesperson Nicholas Halliwell. But if those merchants are “not in good standing” with the proper oversight bodies, “we take action—including removing them from our platform.”

The new WAP report notes that in November 2021, Expedia, which scored 64 percent, banned sales of tickets to dolphin and whale performances and interactions—but it still offers sea lion interactions . Expedia is “committed” to “educating travelers about wildlife tourism, so they’re able to make better decisions on how they travel and interact with animals,” a spokesperson says, adding that the company works with animal nonprofits and routinely examines its product catalog to make sure prohibited experiences aren’t offered, according to its wildlife guidelines .  

Brian Hoyt, TripAdvisor’s head of global communications and industry affairs, says his company “has one of the tourism industry’s first and most comprehensive animal welfare policies, and we continue to be proud of efforts we make.” TripAdvisor’s policy prohibits selling tickets to physical interactions with captive animals, non-sanctuary captive cetacean facilities, and wild animal performances.

Klook, Booking.com, the Travel Corporation, and Trip.com didn’t respond to requests for comment. Airbnb responded with their animal welfare guidelines. GetYourGuide didn’t respond, but a spokesperson has been quoted as saying that the company would “sharpen its guidelines and offerings” in response to its rating.

‘Mistreatment behind the scenes’

Interactive tourist experiences often involve unseen animal suffering. For example, lion and tiger cub petting promotes speed breeding, in which young cubs are prematurely removed from their mothers’ care to allow for faster reproduction. As cubs grow too big for petting, they’re often killed or kept in cramped, barren enclosures, Cameron Harsh says. Dolphins that swim with humans often are confined in small tanks , where they’re seen chewing at the walls and bars from stress and boredom. At roadside zoos that sell elephant rides , the animals likely were “broken” as babies through such training methods as painful goading with bullhooks to make them docile around humans. As adults in captivity, they spend hours standing on hard, concrete surfaces, causing foot injuries , and when not giving rides, they’re usually kept in chains. ( Learn more about the unseen suffering behind wildlife tourism. )

“No matter what a facility may claim about how they treat the animals, if there is direct contact between people and animals, then there is always going to be mistreatment behind the scenes,” Dylewsky says. Interacting with wildlife is risky for humans too, she adds. “Most people would not walk up to an elephant in the wild and think that they could pet it or seek out a wild tiger and think that they could do a photo op.”

Any time travelers engage in wildlife tourism, they should approach it “with a healthy dose of skepticism,” Dylewsky says. She advises people to seek out places to view animals from a distance in a natural setting and to look for genuine wildlife sanctuaries, particularly ones accredited by institutions like the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries .

Consumers share responsibility to make sure their travel is wildlife-friendly, but ultimately, “travel companies are the middlemen between the traveler and the venue,” says World Animal Protection’s Nicole Barrantes. It’s “their responsibility to make sure that where they're sending tourists is not causing harm or suffering.”

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Pet friendly hotels in moscow, property types, distance from, traveller rating, hotel class.

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Best Pet Friendly Hotels in Moscow, ID

Pet friendly hotels in moscow, property types, distance from, traveller rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
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1. Best Western Plus University Inn

2. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Moscow Pullman

3. Monarch Motel

4. Super 8 by Wyndham Moscow

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Im planning to go to moscow next year for winter...

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Red Square Questions & Answers

Im planning to go to moscow next year for winter trip. I know winter in moscow will be extreme. Do advise me either march or april is better with less cold. Is april still snowy?

April is best

its cold, change dates

Today is 26th of November and day time is about minus 8 degrees with actual body feeling about minus 10-11 degrees. Very light snow fm time to time. Very cold.

Winter weather differs. Jan & Feb usually cold. March may still have snow. April will be safer, however, could be rainy and unpleasant. If you would like to enjoy Moscow in the winter go in the beginning of Dec: city dresses up for Holidays, it is fresh and crisp but not bone-chilling cold. But... whenever you go, you are for a treat. Layers, down coats, vests, thermal from Uniqlo is a life saver, besides gloves, bring mittens for if it is really cold. Waterproof, non skid boots.No need for fur hat or coat: too heavy and high maintenance. Metro, restaurants and etc. are well heated. Have fun!

I don't know ... But look like, April is better or Warmer specially in the end ... You can review the web sites related to Weather Forcasting

Well, I've been there last September, weather was cold but nothing special, we could walk everywhere and used umbrellas for few moments, nothing special. I suggest you look weather forecast 1 or 2 months earlier, it sure will help you. I do that everywhere I go.

Have a nice trip

April should be warmer. End of April should be good, well into Spring. I would recommend boots, and three layers of closing. Enjoy, it will be beautiful!

Not every winter is same. Most extreme temperatures are in January and February. March and April are warmer but still snowing. And of April will start melting of snow. April is dirty due to snow melts. If given a choice between March & April I would choose March.

April will be cold, I would recommend going in June as we did.

Possibly, yes. March will definitely be colder though.

Sorry, not sure. I went in August this year, and it wasn't particularly warm then. I would imagine April would be better than March, but still chilly.

well the later the warmer. ..april will have less cold than march... and may less than april :-). Aim for the april

April would be the pick as the weather is starting to change to more better temperatures

Sorry, I'm tourist myself, not a local. Use google for temperatures per month. There is a site. But I would guess april will be still cold given the geographical position of Russia. But

they sell lots of nice fur hats with earcovers in Moscow...

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The 19 best N.J. animal attractions for an epic day trip

• Updated: Apr. 25, 2024, 3:11 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 23, 2024, 7:00 a.m.

Its feeding time for the giraffes at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 John Jones | For NJ Advance Media

• Lauren Musni | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
• Karim Shamsi-Basha | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Lions and tigers and bears — in New Jersey!

The Garden State is full of attractions where you can view and even interact with some of your favorite animals in a safe way. From zoos to farms and aquariums, there is something for you and the whole family to enjoy.

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Travel Channel shows Palm Beach County is a…

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Subscriber only, travel channel shows palm beach county is a pets’ paradise.

We know that South Floridians love to bring their dogs to the supermarket, the beach and out to eat. But did you know we live in a “Pets’ Paradise”?

We do, according to “Pets in Paradise,” a show that will appear on the Travel Channel on Tuesday, April 23, and Thursday, April 25, as part of a marketing program sponsored by the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council. The half-hour show explores dog parks, beaches, hotels, restaurants and attractions in Palm Beach County and offers insight from a local veterinarian who details how to travel with a happy dog.

The show targets travelers but also locals who can learn that their pets will be welcome at more places than they might realize. Several tourists interviewed explained how they visited South Florida to escape northern winters and were thrilled their dogs could run freely in local dog parks and beaches.

The hosts of “Pets in Paradise” visit Juno Beach’s dog-friendly beach, the Palm Beach Lake Trail, West Palm Beach’s farmers market, Palm Beach International Airport, Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, West Boca’s Canine Cove, as well as restaurants and hotels that welcome pets with bowls of water and treats. Delray Beach veterinarian Jesus Aramendi offers tips on how to travel in cars and on planes with dogs in tow.

“There were so many more pet-friendly places than we anticipated,” said Paul Waide, a vice president at Apex Productions, the Riviera Beach-based company that produced the episode. “All these places welcomed us with open arms.”

If the episode gets lots of views, Waide said Apex hopes to find sponsors who will help produce shows in other pet-friendly destinations across the country.

“Pets in Paradise” will air on the Travel Channel at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, and Thursday, April 25.

Michelle Hillery, Palm Beach County’s film commissioner, said “Pets in Paradise” will air on several South Florida media outlets, including thepalmbeaches.tv , which showcases county destinations, and on streaming services run by local hotels, the Palm Beach County Convention Center and Palm Beach International Airport.

Go to petsinparadise.org .

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