5 Places for Ethical Animal Encounters

Seeing animals in the wild around the world is one of the reasons many people travel. From safaris to animalsactuaries, seeing animals in the wild is fun for both adults and kids. Below you can see 5 places to find ethical animals encounters that we’ve enjoyed as a family as well as some tips for ethical animal experiences.

Tips for Finding Ethical Animal Encounters

Here are five tips to help you find ethical animal experiences:

Research the Operator's Practices

Before booking any animal-related activity, research the operator's practices. Look for companies that prioritize animal welfare and are transparent about their treatment of animals. Check if they are certified by organizations like the Global Wildlife Conservation or World Animal Protection, which promote responsible tourism.

Avoid Activities Involving Animal Exploitation

Stay away from attractions that involve the exploitation or mistreatment of animals. This includes activities like elephant riding, wildlife circuses, or "swim with dolphins" programs that force animals into unnatural environments. Choose experiences where animals can roam freely, like wildlife safaris or visiting sanctuaries.

Support Sanctuaries and Rescue Centers

Seek out ethical wildlife sanctuaries or rescue centers that care for animals that have been rescued from captivity or harmful situations. These organizations often offer the chance to learn about conservation and interact with animals in a way that benefits their well-being.

Respect Wildlife in Their Natural Habitat

For wildlife encounters, the best ethical approach is to view animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them. Choose eco-friendly tours like responsible safaris, bird watching, or nature hikes where animals are free to roam. Ensure that the tour operator follows ethical guidelines that prevent interference with the animals.

Check for Transparency and Reviews

Look for reviews from other travelers who have experienced the animal encounter. Websites like TripAdvisor and Responsible Travel can offer insights into whether an experience is ethical. Additionally, ethical operators will often provide clear details about how they care for the animals and their role in conservation efforts.

Visit Elephants in the Wild

Elephants are impressive animals to see in the wild. Avoid places that promote riding elephants and look for places that let the animals roam freely - like on a safari or in a sanctuary. We got the experience of feeding and watching elephants during our visit to Thailand.

See Puffins in Iceland

For years I wanted to see puffins in the wild, and we finally made this dream into reality when we visited Iceland. In the far east of Iceland, Borgarfjörður Eystri offers the perfect place to get close and personal with these birds in the wild.

See more about how to visit puffins in Iceland.

Look for Monkeys and Sloths in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an animal lover’s paradise from birds and snakes to monkeys and sloths, many of the experiences are based on seeing these animals in the wild. We also visited an animal sanctuary focused on the rehabilitation of many of these animals - you can see many options around La Fortuna.

Find Bison in Yellowstone

There is a wildness to Yellowstone (if you can ignore all the cars) that comes from the roaming bison. You can also see deer, wolves, bears, and more in Yellowstone.

Check out our Yellowstone itinerary.

Snorkel for Underwater Creatures

Often the best animals are underwater. Planning a trip around snorkeling or diving gives you the chance to experience a completely different world. Search for fish or turles among the coral in the Caribbean or Mexico.

Have fun out there,

Gretchen