Safari Parks: Ethical or Not? Discover the Truth!

Should we or shouldn't we visit safari parks

With zoos, it's clear. Wild animals shouldn't be in cages. And we shouldn't encourage such a practice. But can we go to safari parks?

4 November 2022 Teodora Ghenciu

Wild animal shows are one of the main attractions in many exotic destinations. And while circuses or zoos are easy to identify as places where animals are tormented, there are others where it's trickier to figure out if it's okay or not to participate in such activities.

I hope this article helps you make informed decisions for your next vacations.

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My last trip to Bali, Indonesia, made me think. I visited a Safari Park there.

In the list of activities provided by our local tour guide, many involved animals: elephants, monkeys, tortoises, giant bats, dolphins, and several others. Because I still felt guilty about an elephant ride I had taken many years ago in Thailand, I told him from the start to only take us if it wasn't a zoo and if the animals wouldn't suffer.

That's how we ended up at this Safari Park. I managed to look at their website before arriving and was frankly impressed by how serious and responsible they seemed to be with the animals. They rescued rare and endangered species from poachers, helped them continue to exist, provided medical assistance to injured tigers and elephants, had conservation and education programs, workshops for children where they made paper from elephant dung, everything was recycled, returned to nature, they made compost. They were even supported by the government in all these activities. Paradise!

And the truth is, that's how it felt when we got there. Zebras, monkeys, hippos, black bears, ostriches, and deer, all seemed to be in their natural environment. I didn't see a single cage. There were no bars. The animals simply carried on with their lives in a jungle. It certainly didn't resemble any zoo I had seen before. "Look, it is possible!" I thought. It's possible to see wild animals in their natural environment without them suffering.

However, I started to have doubts when the keepers began to guide us towards an "arena" where a tiger "show" was taking place. A tiger "show"? What does that mean? I wondered.

Well... that's exactly what it was. A show. In which the largest feline in the world began to parade in front of us, following a seemingly well-established routine. At certain moments, it would stroll, at others, it would climb a tree to devour an entire chick, and when told to jump into the water basin, it would jump to show us how well it could swim. Those people stood next to Bengal tigers almost with the same ease we have when we stand next to our cats. How was that possible?

All this time, someone was speaking through the speakers, explaining how endangered this species of tiger is and how they often rescue them from hunting, and that's why many of them have a certain disability as a result of the abuses from which they were pulled, in time.

Maybe that's why they're so gentle. I thought.

And yet, I imagine such training doesn't happen overnight. So after being rescued and nursed back to health, shouldn't they be released? Why are they still kept there and taught to entertain people? Were these, in fact, the education programs? I didn't understand anything anymore.

But I wondered and I still wonder: can you train a wild, predatory animal weighing several hundred kilograms with only kind words?

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These questions nagged at me for the following weeks. And I looked for more information. Are there safe parks? Are there really safari parks that don't harm animals? Is such a thing possible? We intend to take the children to such parks. Does it make sense? Or should we stick to documentaries?

**The information I found is as follows:**

[ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]An investigation conducted in 2017 by an international NGO for animal protection showed that out of 26 parks investigated,[/li][/ul][/ml]
in Bali, Lombok, and Gili Trawangan,

with captive elephants, tigers, dolphins, or civet cats,

NOT A SINGLE ONE MET even the basic needs of wild animals.

[ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]All parks offered elephant rides. And to achieve this, elephants undergo cruel and intensive training programs, which include pain, suffering, and traumatic procedures.[/li][/ul][/ml]
I didn't find out from this report if the park I visited was among the 26 investigated. But I know they also offered rides. They made paper from dung, but they also offered rides.

Right. So now that I know all this, what do I do? In the future? Because I can't change the past. Do I still take my children to see wild animals in safari parks?

The answer is provided by the director of this 55-year-old NGO, World Animal Protection, an association that has managed to convince 200 tourism companies, including TripAdvisor and Booking, to remove entertainment packages involving captive elephants, dolphins, or other wild animals from their offerings. The man says:

**"If you can ride, hug or take a selfie with a wild animal, then you are participating in cruelty. Don't do that, no matter how many likes it will get you on social media."** (Steve Mclvor, CEO World Animal Protection)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks associated with visiting safari parks?

Visiting safari parks can pose significant risks to animals, as many of them do not meet their basic needs. According to an investigation by an international NGO, most parks in Bali, Lombok, and Gili Trawangan do not provide adequate conditions for wildlife, and elephant rides are the result of harsh training programs.

Are there safari parks that treat animals with respect and compassion?

Although there are parks that promote animal conservation, most are involved in activities that can cause suffering to animals. It is essential to do your research before visiting a park, as many do not meet animal welfare standards.

What alternatives exist to safari parks for observing wildlife?

An alternative to safari parks is watching wildlife documentaries, which provide a real insight into their behavior in their natural habitat. You can also consider visiting animal sanctuaries, which focus on conservation and species protection.

How can I protect wildlife during my travels?

To protect wildlife, avoid tourist activities that involve direct interactions with them, such as walks or hugs. Choose to support organizations and parks that promote conservation and education without exploiting animals for entertainment.

What should we know before visiting a safari park with children?

Before visiting a safari park with children, it is important to research its practices and ensure that it adheres to animal welfare standards. Education about conservation and respect for nature are essential, and visits to parks that promote these values are recommended.