According to an animal protecting foundation, hundreds of wildlife animals are used for tourists’ amusement in Bali and Lombok. More than 1300 animals were allegedly abused for tourist amusement in subpar circumstances in Bali and Lombok, according to World Animal Protection’s Holidays that Harm report.
Elephants, orangutans, and dolphins were among the animals that were abused for people’s amusement. A recent investigation examined 34 locations in Bali and Lombok to provide an overview of the well-being of animals used in the tourism sector.
According to World Animal Protection, most of the venues it examined “didn’t even meet the basic needs of the wild animals being kept there.”
“What may be an island paradise for tourists is a captive hell for more than a thousand wild animals trapped in shockingly inadequate conditions across wildlife entertainment venues in Bali and Lombok,” said Suzanne Milthorpe, the World Animal Protection Organisation’s director of campaigns.
“People visit these places out of a love for animals, but they are ignorant about the secret brutality that occurs behind the scenes, where many animals are separated from their mothers as infants and made to go through harsh and demanding training in order to be safe among visitors.” Milthorpe continued.
“During our investigation, we witnessed wild animals being mistreated for selfies, which is caused by tourist’s demand and the absence of ethical guidelines from tourism stakeholders.” Milthorpe clarifies
A report on Bali and Lombok’s animal entertainment sector was published in 2017 by World Animal Protection. Following that study, businesses like Helloworld and Flight Centre removed specific locations and stopped advertising elephant rides.
“We urge the tourism industry to take responsibility for the activities they promote, and work with us towards a future where tourism is responsible, sustainable, and does not contribute to wildlife cruelty,” Milthorpe stated.
“To ensure that the present generation of wild animals kept in captivity is the last to experience this fate, governments must likewise enact breeding prohibitions.” Milthorpe continued.
Milthorpe noted that there had been a change in people’s attitudes regarding animals used as entertainment; more people realise the importance of keeping the wildlife in their natural habitat and not in some zoos for tourist amusement.
“Nevertheless, it might be challenging to act morally because of alluring offers, a lack of travel industry standards,, and false conservation promises,” the wildlife expert explained.
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