With World Animal Day on October 4, travel with animal welfare in mind – The Canberra Times

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The best friend animals have ever had, David Attenborough, once remarked: "It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living." Humanity has always had a desire to explore and observe the natural world- from our earliest pioneers to the travellers of today. Seeing wild animals in their natural habitat is, clearly, one of life's greatest pleasures. However, with advancement in technology and the ease of travel, confinement, neglect and abuse have befallen millions of animals for tourists' entertainment, which is why it is more important than ever to travel responsibly when dealing with wild animals. A recent study by World Animal protection found that 75 per cent of wildlife tourist attractions were having a negative impact on wild animals. With exotic wildlife encounters a bucket list item for many travellers, Managing Director of Cruise Traveller, Craig Bowen said that it is important that people are aware of the dos and don'ts of responsible animal tourism so that the cycle of sustaining poor animal welfare can be broken. He provided these tips: "I feel we have a responsibility to show our guests amazing locations and wildlife and also emphasise the importance of responsible tourism and conservation to help improve the wellbeing of animals," Mr Bowen said. "The community section of our website outlines the many ways we like to give back to the environment. We and our clients are enriched so much by the wonders of nature so these measures are the least we can do to give back," said Mr Bowen.

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Humanity has always had a desire to explore and observe the natural world- from our earliest pioneers to the travellers of today. Seeing wild animals in their natural habitat is, clearly, one of life's greatest pleasures.

However, with advancement in technology and the ease of travel, confinement, neglect and abuse have befallen millions of animals for tourists' entertainment, which is why it is more important than ever to travel responsibly when dealing with wild animals.

A recent study by World Animal protection found that 75 per cent of wildlife tourist attractions were having a negative impact on wild animals.

With exotic wildlife encounters a bucket list item for many travellers, Managing Director of Cruise Traveller, Craig Bowen said that it is important that people are aware of the dos and don'ts of responsible animal tourism so that the cycle of sustaining poor animal welfare can be broken.

"I feel we have a responsibility to show our guests amazing locations and wildlife and also emphasise the importance of responsible tourism and conservation to help improve the wellbeing of animals," Mr Bowen said.

"The community section of our website outlines the many ways we like to give back to the environment. We and our clients are enriched so much by the wonders of nature so these measures are the least we can do to give back," said Mr Bowen.