GetYourGuide
The Real Responsible Traveller
GetYourGuide is failing wildlife
GetYourGuide is a Berlin-based online travel agency and online marketplace for tour guides and excursions. They describe themselves as 'a revolutionary approach to tourism,' yet there is nothing revolutionairy about selling exploitative wildlife attractions.
Make memories not misery
World Animal Protection has reached out to help GetYourGuide develop an Animal Welfare Policy and and discontinue ticket sales for such attractions.
You have the power to show GetYourGuide that we won’t stand for animal suffering in the tourism industry. It's time to make a difference. Join us in boycotting brands that endorse the exploitation of wild animals for entertainment. Let's urge GetYourGuide to take action by revising their policies and discontinuing ticket sales for such attractions
Time for change is now.
How GetYourGuide is failing wildlife
In 2023 we launched the Real Responsible Traveller Report which reviewed global leaders in the tourism industry on their animal policies and wildlife offers.
GetYourGuide was one of the key brands profiting from selling and promoting harmful and exploitative circus-style performances and interactions.
In the report, we chose to focus on four species categories - dolphins, elephants, primates, and big cats, as well as a general section encompassing all other wild animal species. These animals were chosen due to their complex ecological, social and behavioural needs, their high levels of sentience and their common use in tourism entertainment.
How GetYourGuide is failing dolphins
The main concern for marine mammals, like dolphins, is the artificial and baron nature of their captive environment. No facility can replicate the vast reaches of the ocean that these animals traverse.
How GetYourGuide is failing elephants
Venues offering any type of visitor interaction with elephants are likely to be associated with cruel practices and unnecessary suffering. Activities such as petting or riding elephants require the trainer to establish dominance, and this often requires painful or traumatic training techniques.
How GetYourGuide is failing primates
Primates are incredibly intelligent animals and are hard to keep stimulated in a human environment. They are likely to become bored and frustrated, which leads to psychological problems and abnormal behaviour like self-mutilation. In addition to poor mental welfare, these attractions put primates at physical risk. Non-human primates are susceptible to human diseases and contact with tourists puts them at risk.
How GetYourGuide is failing big cats
Exploiting big cats for tourism leads to severe restrictions on their welfare. These animals typically needs large areas of land to roam and have complex behavioural needs that are difficult to address in captivity.
Depriving them of the large home ranges and social structure they need often makes them behave abnormally. Interactions with tourists can further increase stress, which can lead to more behavioural abnormalities and reoccurring health issues.
Unfortunately, most people who seek out captive wildlife experiences are unaware of the cruelty involved in keeping these animals captive and, frequently, the interactions they are forced to endure.
Captive wild animals are not able to fully engage in natural behaviours, impacting both their physical and psychological welfare. Wild animals are sentient beings that experience positive feelings and emotions such as contentment and joy, as well as negative ones such as pain, fear, boredom and frustration.
