Ottawa – A new partnership between international charity World Animal Protection and adventure travel company World Expeditions sets a high standard for animal welfare in tourism.
World Expeditions has already won awards for environmental initiatives, responsible tourism and improving the living conditions of people in some of the most remote communities in the world. Last year, they removed all instances of elephant rides from their trips and that important change inspired them to do even more to protect animals.
Partnering with World Animal Protection, they have developed an Animal Welfare in Tourism Code of Conduct ensuring wild animals are only viewed in their natural habitats, requiring diligent research when evaluating visits to sanctuaries and preventing products made from animals (e.g. ivory and turtle shells) from becoming souvenirs. Together they have developed a list of quick tips for travellers and World Expeditions has committed to never include cruel activities such as posing with tigers or walking with lions in their itineraries.
“Many tourists who love animals are simply not aware of the hidden cruelties that go on behind the scenes at wild animal attractions and they unknowingly contribute to animal suffering when they participate in activities such as elephant rides or posing for a photo with a tiger,” says Josey Kitson Executive Director of World Animal Protection Canada. “By partnering with World Expeditions we can reach tourists and help local tour operators find alternatives that improve the lives of animals around the world.”
“We believe that all animals should have a good life and that we have a duty to protect them. We are glad to have World Animal Protection’s guidance on our code of conduct as we know that it is the best way to ensure that we improve the lives of animals everywhere we travel” says Donna Lawrence, Responsible Travel & Brand Manager for World Expeditions. “The code applies to our local operators, employees and our travellers. It sets a high standard for the treatment of animals across all possible encounters on our trips” she continues.