Environment & Nature
World Animal Protection reveals the travel company culprits STILL exploiting wildlife
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Embargoed January 16, 2023, 00:01 London — Companies like TUI Musement, GetYourGuide, Trip.com, AttractionTickets.com and Jet2holidays are STILL, exploiting wildlife for profit despite 84%1 of UK citizens who believe that tour operators should not sell activities that cause wild animals suffering, according to a report by World Animal Protection.
Elephant riding, selfies with tiger cubs and swimming with dolphins were some of the cruel wildlife activities on offer by these travel brands, according to the Real Responsible Traveller report. The study reviewed 9 leading travel companies on their commitment to animal welfare and wildlife friendly tourism with the aim to help holiday makers plan a wildlife friendly holiday.
Thousands of wild animals every year are forced to perform for tourist entertainment or be subjects for tourist “experiences” that are incredibly unnatural and stressful for them. For example, elephants in entertainment are captured in the wild or born into captivity and taken from their mothers at an early age. They are then subjected to violent training regimes causing huge physical and psychological harm.
Dolphins used for entertainment are mostly bred in captivity, (although some are still captured from the wild) and kept in barren tanks a tiny fraction of their natural home range which creates huge distress for these wonderful animals.
Travelling responsibly means never including captive wildlife entertainment or experiences on your itinerary and refusing to book your holiday with travel companies which may claim to offer responsible, sustainable travel, while continuing to profit from wild animal exploitation. The report also shows the travel companies who have made significant, positive steps for wildlife over recent years including Airbnb, and Booking.com. Expedia has improved in some areas, having stopped selling captive dolphin entertainment in 2021.
Katheryn Wise, World Animal Protection, Wildlife Campaign Manager, said: “Holiday makers have made it clear; they don’t want tour operators selling animal suffering, but the reality is, suffering is still being sold under the guise of entertainment. Who you book your holiday with matters. TUI Musement, Jet2holidays, GetYourGuide Trip.com and Attraction Tickets.com are STILL exploiting captive wild animals.
“World Animal Protection is urging responsible travellers to join us in challenging these companies to do better for animals. Real responsible travellers have the power to act and create lasting change for wild animals by refusing to support companies that still treat wild animals as commodities who they can exploit for profit.
“For more information on how you can make a difference visit our Real Responsible Travel Page at www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk/real-responsible-traveller.
“We are also urging the UK government to take action by passing the Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Bill, which sees its second parliamentary reading take place on February 3rd. This important bill intends to stop the sale and advertising of activities abroad which involve low standards of welfare for animals.”
The Real Responsible Traveller report builds on World Animal Protection’s 2020 Tracking the Travel Industry report, which assessed Airbnb, AttractionTickets.com, Booking.com, DER Touristik, Expedia, Flight Centre, GetYourGuide, Klook, The Travel Corporation, Viator, Trip.com and TUI Musement.
World Animal Protection commissioned the University of Surrey who independently analysed the public commitments travel companies have, and haven’t, made.
Companies were scored across four key areas:
- Commitment: Availability and quality of published animal welfare policies and how applicable they are to all their brands
- Targets and performance: Availability and scope of published time bound targets and reports on progress towards meeting animal welfare commitments
- Changing industry supply: Availability and quality of engagement with suppliers and the overall industry, to implement wildlife-friendly changes
- Changing consumer demand: Availability and quality of educational animal welfare content and tools to empower consumers to make wildlife-friendly travel choices
World Animal Protection then checked to see if they offered any of the five “animal attractions”:
- Elephant rides, feeding and washing
- Feeding or petting primates
- Selfies, shows, petting or walking with big cats
- Swimming with captive dolphins and dolphin shows
- The sale of any interactive “experiences” involving any captive wild animals (including for example sea lions, crocodiles and alligators)
For more information about industry best practices and how holidaymakers can make their concerns known to the travel companies click here.
Ends
References
- World Animal Protection commissioned Savanta in 2022 to complete a global online survey of 23,726 people across 15 countries (Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, the UK, Spain, South Africa, Kenya, China, India, Thailand, Canada, the USA, Australia, and Brazil) on their attitudes to wildlife used in the tourist industry
Notes to editors:
Images can be downloaded here.
- World Animal Protection scrutinised travel companies by their international reach and by country/region operations, as follows:
- International: GetYourGuide, Klook, Trip.com, Traveloka, TUI Musement
- UK: TUI Musement, GetYourGuide, Trip.com, AttractionTickets.com, Jet2holidays, Expedia, Airbnb, Booking.com, Tripadvisor
- Denmark and Sweden: GetYourGuide, Trip.com, TUI Musement
- India: Traveloka, Trip.com, TUI Musement, Yatra, MakeMyTrip, Club Mahindra
- Brazil: GetYourGuide, CVC, Decolar
- Canada: GetYourGuide, Trip.com, Groupon
Information on travel companies according to website searches in September 2022.
Scoring by University of Surrey took place in June 2022.
- World Animal Protection has been moving the travel industry to stop sales of wildlife entertainment for more than a decade. First focusing on stopping offers for elephant rides and shows, and having successfully moved Tripadvisor and other major brands, we expanded our focus to include captive dolphins in 2019, and have since moved Expedia, Virgin Holidays, Booking.com and others to drop captive dolphin and/or elephant sales and become “wildlife friendly”.
- We encourage travel companies to have full information about their supply chains including animal experiences so they can become true leaders for animals. Our intention is to help travel companies grow their ethical sustainability credentials, by identifying and implementing solutions that ensure good welfare and protection of the animals involved.
World Animal Protection
World Animal Protection is the global voice for animal welfare, with more than 70 years’ experience campaigning for a world where animals live free from cruelty and suffering.
We have offices in 12 countries and work across 47 countries. We collaborate with local communities, the private sector, civil society and governments to change animals’ lives for the better.
Our goal is to change the way the world works to end animal cruelty and suffering for both wild and farmed animals. Through our global food system strategy, we will end factory farming and create a humane and sustainable food system, that puts animals first. By transforming the broken systems that fuel exploitation and commodification, we will give wild animals the right to a wild life. Our work to protect animals will play a vital role in solving the climate emergency, the public health crisis and the devastation of natural habitats.
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Environment & Nature
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Brazil’s recent announcement to halt deforestation by 2030 marks a critical juncture in the nation’s environmental policy. This plan, revealed on November 3, 2026, underscores Brazil’s commitment to addressing climate change on a global scale. The government’s initiative is part of a larger framework aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions while safeguarding the Amazon rainforest, one of the world’s most vital ecosystems.
Central to Brazil’s strategy is collaboration with international partners, a move that reflects the global dimensions of environmental challenges. By integrating efforts with other nations, Brazil seeks to leverage expertise, technology, and funding to enhance the effectiveness of its deforestation plan. This cooperative approach not only enhances the plan’s feasibility but also positions Brazil as a leader in environmental diplomacy.
The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is a focal point of this initiative. The plan includes targeted measures to protect and preserve this crucial biome, which plays a significant role in global carbon sequestration. Protecting the Amazon is essential not only for Brazil but for the planet, as it contributes to stabilizing the global climate.
Brazil’s government has made it clear that reducing carbon emissions is a top priority. This aligns with international climate agreements and reflects a growing recognition of the urgent need to mitigate the impacts of climate change. By adopting stringent measures to curb deforestation, Brazil aims to set an example for other nations, demonstrating that economic development can coexist with environmental stewardship.
The plan is not merely a domestic policy but is being touted as a model for other countries facing similar environmental challenges. By providing a blueprint for sustainable development, Brazil’s initiative could inspire widespread adoption of deforestation curbing practices. This could lead to a more coordinated global effort to combat climate change.
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As Brazil moves forward with its deforestation plan, the world will be watching closely. The success of this initiative could have far-reaching implications for global climate policy. If Brazil achieves its goal, it will not only transform its own environmental landscape but also reinforce the viability of ambitious climate targets worldwide.
The coming years will be telling as Brazil implements its deforestation plan. The next significant milestone will be the development of detailed action plans and the establishment of partnerships essential for the plan’s success. All eyes will be on Brazil as it strives to fulfill its 2030 commitment, with the potential to reshape global environmental strategies.
Environment & Nature
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On October 29, 2026, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) announced its approval of $140 million in funding for green hydrogen projects in South Africa and Namibia. This substantial investment underscores a pivotal move towards renewable energy development in Africa, as the continent grapples with the twin challenges of energy security and climate change. The funding is poised to catalyze the growth of green hydrogen, a clean energy source that is gaining traction as a viable pathway to decarbonization.
The GCF’s decision marks a strategic investment aimed at harnessing the region’s abundant renewable resources. Both South Africa and Namibia possess significant potential for solar and wind energy, essential for producing green hydrogen. By tapping into these resources, the projects aim to create a sustainable energy supply while reducing dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with broader global efforts to mitigate climate change.
Green hydrogen is increasingly recognized for its role in reducing carbon emissions. Unlike traditional hydrogen production methods that rely on natural gas, green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources. This process results in zero carbon emissions, making it an attractive option for industries seeking to lower their environmental footprint. The GCF’s investment reflects a growing confidence in green hydrogen’s potential to transform energy systems.
The projects in South Africa and Namibia are not just about reducing emissions; they also promise significant socio-economic benefits. By enhancing energy security, these initiatives can provide a reliable power supply, crucial for economic development. Additionally, the projects are expected to generate employment opportunities, contributing to regional economic growth. This dual focus on environmental and economic benefits positions the projects as models of sustainable development.
The timing of the GCF’s announcement coincides with increased global interest in renewable energy investments. As countries around the world strive to meet their climate targets, Africa’s renewable energy potential is coming into sharper focus. The $140 million infusion from the GCF sends a strong signal to other investors about the continent’s viability as a hub for clean energy innovation.
Fuel Cells Works highlights the broader implications of such investments, noting that green hydrogen could play a critical role in Africa’s energy transition. By leveraging the continent’s vast renewable resources, green hydrogen projects can help bridge the gap between energy demand and supply, fostering a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
The GCF’s commitment to these projects aligns with its mission to support developing countries in their climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. By targeting Africa, the Fund is addressing a critical need for investment in regions that are disproportionately affected by climate change yet have contributed the least to its causes. This reflects a shift towards more equitable climate action.
As the projects move forward, they will be closely watched for their impact on local communities and the environment. Success in South Africa and Namibia could pave the way for similar initiatives across the continent, establishing a blueprint for green hydrogen development in other regions. The outcome of these projects will likely influence future funding decisions and policy frameworks related to renewable energy.
In the coming months, stakeholders will be keenly observing the implementation phases, looking for tangible outcomes that demonstrate the viability and scalability of green hydrogen as a cornerstone of Africa’s renewable energy strategy. The GCF’s investment sets a precedent that could drive further commitments from international donors and private sector players eager to support Africa’s clean energy ambitions.
Environment & Nature
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