Koala Hugging Ban: Milestone in Ethical Tourism, But Not the End

In June 2024, a Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Queensland, Australia, announced it would no longer allow "holding" encounters with the tree-dwelling marsupials. 

The decision reflects a growing awareness and responsibility towards wild animal welfare. It's a real call to action for all of us to reconsider our seemingly harmless interactions with wildlife whilst on holiday. 

This is Not Just a Koala Issue 

The practice of holding and cuddling wild animals for tourist experiences is more than just an issue for koalas. Many species are trapped in this industry, as World Animal Protection highlighted in our 2024 Bred for Profit report. Lion farms in South Africa and elephant camps in Thailand all exemplify decades-long suffering for commercial use that continues today.  

Lions in South Africa 

Few of us know that lions in South Africa, where I grew up, are commercially bred for tourism. The practice is known as “canned lions” or “canned hunting” where these magnificent animals are bred purely to be shot. As young cubs, they are used in interactive petting experiences to help them be friendly towards humans and therefore an easier target when it comes to being killed. 

Elephants in Thailand 

Elephants in Thailand are bred for use at tourism camps where they are forced to perform for visitors, carry people for rides and provide interactive entertainment on demand. To get an elephant to carry out these duties, young calves are kept in a “crush” to restrict their movements for hours on end and eventually break their spirits. These industries contribute to some of the worst examples of on-going exploitation of wildlife for profit.  

A 2015 study by Oxford University found that up to 550,000 individual wild animals used for tourism had their welfare status negatively impacted by tourist attractions. However, not all of these wild animals were captive-bred.  

Rethinking Wildlife Tourism 

The travel industry and tourists are moving towards a more ethical place - one where wild animals are no longer viewed as commodities, and the desire to interact with wildlife is not as strong as our desire for them to live without cruelty and suffering. 

Knowledge is key here 

Understanding that hugging, riding or other human interactions with wild animals can lead to significant stress and health issues for the animals involved. Being handled by multiple strangers daily can disrupt natural behaviours, cause physical harm, spread diseases and lead to stress.

This practice can also have broader ecological implications, disrupting local ecosystems and contributing to the decline of wild populations. 

Soft or scaly, they suffer the same  

Whilst koalas may gather attention because they are cute, it's crucial to remember that many other less 'charismatic' species generate less empathy. Crocodiles, snakes, and less 'photogenic' are also often exploited in the name of tourism.  

This industry thrives on the misconception that these interactions are harmless or even beneficial to the animals. However, the reality is that such practices often prioritise profit over animal welfare, leading to a cycle of exploitation that can be difficult to break. 

You can shape the future of wildlife tourism 

As travellers and consumers, we hold significant power in shaping the future of wildlife tourism. By making informed and ethical choices, we can help end the exploitation of wild animals.

Here are some steps you can take: 

Research Before You Go 

Before participating in any wildlife-related activities, research the ethical standards of the venues or travel companies involved. Look for sanctuaries and reserves that prioritise animal welfare and conservation over entertainment. 

Avoid Direct Contact

Refrain from engaging in activities that involve holding or directly interacting with wild animals. Opt for experiences that allow you to observe animals in their natural habitats from a respectful distance. 

Support Ethical Businesses 

Spend your money on businesses that demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices and animal welfare. Support venues that contribute to conservation efforts and the protection of wildlife. 

Raise Awareness 

Educate others about the impact of wildlife tourism and the importance of ethical travel. Share information with friends and family and advocate for better treatment of animals whilst on holiday.