Source: The Washington Post
The Jan. 12 Travel article “Should you participate in elephant tourism? Here’s what experts say.,” questions the ethicality behind animal tourism experiences. Wildlife reserves and ecotourism operations should have a zero-tolerance policy for animal abuse, but providing opportunities for people to safely observe magnificent animals is a good thing.
As the planet faces its sixth mass extinction, preserving biodiversity is more important than ever. And emotionally connecting people to animals they cannot find in their own backyards can help to inspire the next generation of conservationists. After all, you cannot protect what you do not love, and you cannot love what you do not know.
Programs that certify tourism experiences for the humane treatment of animals are the way to go. Visitors can be introduced to the majesty of an elephant or the inquisitiveness of a dolphin — all while scientific standards and evidence-based practices are used to ensure wildlife is treated with respect.
Robin Ganzert, Washington
The writer is president and chief executive of the American Humane Society.