Protecting wildlife in travel & tourism
Wildlife
Would a real responsible traveller have captive wildlife entertainment on their wish list?
The show can't go on
Animals kept in captivity under the pretext of conservation, education, and entertainment. But behind the enclosures, the reality is far from compassionate.
Through our campaign, we exposed the widespread suffering of animals held in zoos and aquariums across the globe. These places, often seen as family-friendly attractions, routinely prioritised profit over animal welfare.
Zoos and Aquariums: The Hidden Cruelty
What We Uncovered
Our investigation revealed:
- The majority of facilities failed to meet even basic welfare standards.
- Wild animals were bred not for release, but to maintain visitor numbers.
- Interactive experiences, such as swimming with dolphins or taking selfies with big cats, caused immense stress and harm.
Animals were confined to environments that didn’t meet their physical or psychological needs. What appeared entertaining for humans too often came at the expense of animal wellbeing.
Our Call for Change
We advocated for a world where wild animals were no longer exploited for human amusement. The campaign pushed for:
- An end to the breeding and acquisition of wild animals for entertainment.
- Investment in genuine, in-the-wild conservation efforts.
- Support for responsible, observation-only wildlife experiences.
The show can't go on
The truth behind the scenes, this report documents cruel and demeaning performances and activities taking place in venues linked with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
Read the full reportImpact and Legacy
This campaign helped change public attitudes and industry standards. It laid the groundwork for ongoing efforts to protect wild animals from being used as props, performers, or exhibits.
A Better Way Forward
While this campaign has concluded, our commitment to wildlife remains strong. We continue to champion ethical tourism and expose cruelty—because wild animals belong in the wild.
Related content
Wildlife
Our campaigns
Wildlife has the right to a wild life, free from any form of cruel exploitation and thriving in natural habitat that is protected.
Past campaigns
Learn about some of the achievements we've made for animals in the last 50 years.