wildlife & conservation

People enjoying the view of an animal from a safari vehicle

We’re taking you into the wild

but we need to help keep it that way. That’s why in partnership with our TreadRight Foundation we’ll support 5 game-changing Wander Lightly Conservation Projects that protect wildlife and their habitats by 2030. Check out our most recent project partners below.

Trees for Life protecting the Scottish Highlands
Rainforest Rescue protecting the Daintree Rainforest

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 2014 and in partnership with World Animal Protection, we review our Animal Welfare Policy annually to ensure we’re upholding the highest and latest animal welfare standards.

Travellers in an open safari vehicle watch a giraffe cross the road in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

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.

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.

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

young people enjoying a wildlife experience

Read our full Animal Welfare Policy

Follow the link below to download a copy of the policy in full.

Read our full policy