Four Paws Now Urges South Africans to Choose Ethical Wildlife Tourism Over Exploitation This Festive Season, Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on December 1, 2025

The holiday season is a wonderful time because many South Africans are preparing for their year-end vacations and are very excited to travel to new places. However, global animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS wishes to urge travelers to reconsider their interactions with wildlife while traveling. As the there are some popular tourist activities, such as taking selfies with lion cubs and riding elephants, which mask the darker tourist activities and the exploitation tourism which leads to the suffering of many. FOUR PAWS is trying to shift the wildlife experience to something with some more responsible tourism.

The Hidden Dangers of Wildlife Tourism

Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, highlights the unseen side of wildlife tourism, explaining that what may appear to be harmless fun for tourists often leads to a lifetime of suffering for animals. Popular activities such as petting lion cubs or riding elephants are rooted in exploitative practices. These animals are subjected to harsh training methods and deprived of their natural environments, often leading to a life of captivity and abuse.

Lion cubs, for instance, are often taken from their mothers at a young age to meet the growing demand for tourist interactions, such as photography sessions. As these cubs grow, they face grim futures, including being sold for trophy hunting or forced into degrading performances. Elephants used for rides undergo intense training that strips them of their spirits, turning them into mere tools for entertainment.

Even horses and donkeys, frequently used to carry tourists through extreme heat, suffer from neglect, often deprived of basic needs like water and food. These animals are pushed beyond their physical limits, a practice that is rarely seen by tourists, who may only view them as a means to an end.

The Call for Responsible Tourism

In response to the widespread suffering caused by these activities, FOUR PAWS is advocating for a new approach to tourism—one that emphasizes animal welfare and prioritizes ethical, compassionate travel. The organization has outlined ten essential guidelines for tourists to consider when making travel decisions this holiday season:

1. Enjoy Animals in the Wild

Instead of supporting animal-based tourism, travelers are encouraged to seek out wildlife in their natural habitats. Observing animals in the wild not only protects them from exploitation but also offers a more enriching experience for tourists. Safaris and eco-tourism experiences are excellent alternatives, providing an opportunity to witness wildlife while supporting conservation efforts.

2. Just Look, Don’t Touch

While many tourists may have the urge to interact with animals, touching wild animals can cause them harm. Such interactions often lead to physical and psychological stress, and some animals may even contract diseases from human contact. Just observing animals in their natural environment is the safest and most ethical choice.

3. Avoid Feeding Wild Animals

Feeding wild animals, while it may seem innocent, can disrupt their natural foraging instincts and make them dependent on human food. This not only negatively impacts the animals but can also pose risks to human safety, as some wild animals may become more aggressive in search of food.

4. No to Animal Selfies

Tourists often pay to take photos with animals, unaware of the toll it takes on the creatures involved. Selfie culture, particularly with exotic animals, encourages the abuse and exploitation of these animals. Taking pictures with animals in controlled environments often comes at the expense of their well-being.

5. Choose Genuine Sanctuaries

If tourists want to visit animal sanctuaries, they should ensure that these locations prioritize the welfare of the animals. Genuine sanctuaries focus on rehabilitation and preservation, offering safe havens for animals that have been rescued from exploitative situations. Visitors should research and verify that a sanctuary does not allow for direct interactions with the animals.

6. Say No to Animal Rides

Activities such as elephant rides and camel treks often subject animals to severe mistreatment. The training required for such activities is brutal, and the animals involved are often forced to work in harsh conditions. Choosing to forgo animal rides ensures that animals are not subjected to these cruel practices.

7. Avoid Animal Shows

Circuses and marine parks that feature animal performances often exploit animals for human entertainment. These animals are typically taken from the wild, subjected to inhumane training, and forced to perform unnatural tricks. Avoiding animal shows is a key step toward supporting ethical tourism.

8. Steer Clear of Animal-Based Souvenirs

Purchasing souvenirs made from animals, such as ivory or exotic leather, directly contributes to poaching and the destruction of endangered species. Tourists should opt for ethically made products that do not harm wildlife.

9. Avoid Eating Exotic Animals

In some tourist destinations, restaurants serve dishes made from exotic animals, such as dogs, cats, or endangered species. These animals are often victims of inhumane treatment, and eating them contributes to the demand for illegal wildlife trade.

10. Respect Wildlife by Keeping a Safe Distance

Tourists should always maintain a respectful distance from wild animals. Approaching animals too closely can cause them stress and even provoke aggressive behavior. Staying at a safe distance ensures both the safety of the animal and the tourist.

The Importance of Compassionate Travel

With the upcoming holiday season approaching, travelers have the option to participate in responsible and ethical tourism. In supporting animal welfare and the rejection of activities that exploit animals, travelers can ensure that this holiday season brings joy to both humans and animals. The holiday season is cruelty free. FOUR PAWS states, cruelty is never cute. Travel is a way in which we create memories. Let us remember to protect the world’s animals rather than harm them.