A British tourist killed by a performing elephant in Thailand, a small boy devoured by circus lions in Brazil, a circus tiger on the rampage in Poland.... These three events, occurring within a six-week period in 2000, sent a clear warning about the dangers posed by wild animals in captivity.
Humane Society International urges travelers not to participate in events which exploit wild animals for entertainment, both for their own safety and for the welfare of animals.
Wild animals will always behave in instinctual and unpredictable ways. Wild animals in captivity generally live in extremely stressful environments; they are removed from their natural habitats and confined to small spaces, separated from their social/family group and subjected to interaction with humans, and often fed diets that do not meet their nutritional needs. Add to this training that is frequently abusive and may include frequent beatings and food deprivation, and you have a dangerous and potentially explosive situation.
A tourist attending wild-animal entertainment not only puts his or her own welfare at risk, but also supports the exploitation of wildlife for economic gain. You can make a difference: The way you choose to spend your travel dollars will either support this exploitation or encourage protection of animals and the environment. Make informed choices. Protect yourself and the animals with whom we share this planet.
