TripAdvisor launches ‘no touching wild animals’ policy

If taking a selfie with a tiger or swimming with dolphins are some of the things on your bucket list, then well, shame on you! The travel industry boom has made it difficult for authorities and governments to regulate tourist behaviour, especially when it comes to places that offer physical interactions with wildlife. Due to the sharp rise in the interaction between humans and wildlife, wild animals are more prone to human abuse now than ever. TripAdvisor recently set an example by implementing a ‘no touching wild animals’ policy under which it will stop its sale of tickets to all places where tourists come into physical contact with captive, wild or endangered animals. This includes activities such as swimming with dolphins, petting tigers and riding elephants. According to a report by The Guardian, the policy will be fully implemented by 2017. Apart from this, the travel giant is also making an effort to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the exploitation of animals, and to this end, it’s showcasing destinations that practice wildlife conservation and sustainable living through an educational portal and campaign.