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Animal Welfare Policy

Fighting for the wildlife we love

Wildlife is a huge part of what makes travel so inspiring. Here at Contiki, we’re striving for a world where wildlife tourism is beneficial for the animals too. We launched our first Animal Welfare Policy back in 2014. In that same year, we joined forces with World Animal Protection to sign a pact that banned the sale of any unethical elephant experiences (i.e. riding elephants, elephant shows.) Since then, we’ve worked closely with organisations like the WTTC, Blood Lions and End Wildlife Crime to help make sure wildlife experiences are as safe and ethical as can be – across the travel sector.

It starts with suppliers

Our animal experiences are held to the highest standards, so you can relax knowing the animals you encounter are enjoying the quality of life they deserve.

Part of our Animal Welfare Policy is taking great care when choosing our suppliers. Working closely with our travel partners (and the Coalition for Ethical Wildlife Tourism) we provide regular animal welfare training across our business. We also audit all of our animal experiences, be it wild or domestic.

A colorful tucan sitting on top of a tree branch

Wildlife experiences on our trips

For most of our wildlife experiences, you’ll get to see animals in the wild (their natural habitat.) In some cases though, you’ll see animals in sanctuaries or rehabilitation centres instead. When choosing such experiences, we take into account the purpose of the facility, where the animal comes from, whether they’re free to behave as they would in the wild, facility credentials and breeding policies. Basically, if you visit an animal sanctuary or rehabilitation centre on a Contiki trip, you can be sure that it’s verified. The people in these centres do some incredible work across the world and, with Contiki, you can help to support them through tourism.

5 domains of animal welfare

The Five Domains of Animal Welfare are a globally-recognised criteria, focused mainly on the animal’s mental state. If these criteria are met, then the animal has the quality of life it deserves.

Nutrition

Does the animal have access to a healthy, balanced diet that mirrors what they’d eat in the wild? Plus fresh water of course?

Environment

Is the animal’s living environment warm (or cold) enough? Do they have enough space? Does their environment sound and smell like it would in the wild?

A green frog sitting on top of a green leaf

Health

Is the animal safe from disease or injury? Does it get the amount of exercise it needs to stay in perfect health?

Behaviour

Is the animal free to behave as it would in the wild? Can it explore? Does it have the right company? Is it mentally stimulated?

Mental State

By making sure the answers to all of the above is ‘YES’, we make sure that an animal’s predominant mental state is a happy and healthy one.

Find out more

Read our full Animal Welfare Policy

Animal Welfare Policy

How can you help?

What to do while travelling

Maintain a respectful distance from the animals (and stay quiet!)
Research the venues you’re visiting to learn about their animal welfare practices
Educate yourself on the criteria that sanctuaries, zoos and private reserves have to meet
Speak up if something doesn’t look right (if you see something on a Contiki trip, you can report it at animalwelfare@treadright.org)

What NOT to do while travelling

Touch, feed, chase, ride or harass wild animals
Take a wildlife selfie if the animal is being held, hugged or restrained
Buy wildlife souvenirs like ivory
Operate drones near wildlife (or anything that would disturb their peace)
Post pictures of endangered animals on social media platforms – especially if you’re tagging the location, because poachers can use this to target their prey