Ethical Animal Tourism Gains Popularity as Travelers Prioritize Wildlife Encounters

Travelers seek out experiences that benefit, rather than exploit, animal populations

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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As travel rebounds, a growing segment of the market is prioritizing experiences that include interaction with wildlife, driven by a desire for authentic, nature-based tourism. This trend is prompting a more discerning approach, with travelers increasingly focused on ethical considerations and seeking out encounters that benefit, rather than exploit, animal populations. The demand for unique animal encounters is being met with increasingly creative offerings, but the growing popularity of animal tourism also raises critical ethical questions. Fortunately, a growing number of organizations are prioritizing animal welfare and conservation, providing positive examples of responsible tourism.

Why it matters

The rise of ethical animal tourism could stimulate local economies in areas where wildlife conservation is a priority. By supporting responsible tourism operators, travelers can contribute to the economic well-being of communities that are actively involved in protecting animal populations. This creates a virtuous cycle, where tourism revenue supports conservation efforts, which in turn attract more responsible travelers.

The details

The desire for animal encounters doesn't cease at the airport gate. As travel rebounds, a growing segment of the market is prioritizing experiences that include interaction with wildlife, driven by a desire for authentic, nature-based tourism. This trend is prompting a more discerning approach, with travelers increasingly focused on ethical considerations and seeking out encounters that benefit, rather than exploit, animal populations. The demand for unique animal encounters is being met with increasingly creative offerings, such as a dolphin-watching boat ride in New Zealand that featured trained dogs to sniff out the rare and endangered Hector Dolphins.

  • The desire for animal encounters has grown as travel has rebounded following the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • A recent trip to New Zealand provided one traveler with a memorable dolphin-watching experience.

The players

Loong Lim

A finance executive from Singapore who prioritizes outdoor experiences like safaris, farms, and rescue sanctuaries when traveling, driven by a desire to reconnect with nature and spend time with animals.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT)

An organization in Kenya that focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants, providing a positive example of responsible wildlife tourism that contributes to animal welfare and conservation efforts.

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What they’re saying

“Our pet dog, Sandy, is very much our child, he said, highlighting the emotional connection many pet owners feel. Unfortunately she's slightly too large to fly in-cabin, so spending time with animals when travelling helps to fill the Sandy-shaped hole she leaves!”

— Loong Lim, finance executive (newsdirectory3.com)

“It offers a very different type of experience to a city-centric holiday, and a chance to reconnect with nature in a way we struggle to in Singapore, he explained.”

— Loong Lim, finance executive (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The growing demand for ethical animal tourism is likely to drive investment in conservation projects and responsible tourism operators. Companies that prioritize animal welfare and sustainability are likely to attract a growing customer base, potentially leading to increased revenue and market share.

The takeaway

The shift towards ethical animal encounters represents a maturing of the travel market, as travelers are no longer content with simply observing animals. They want to engage with them in a way that is respectful, sustainable, and beneficial, driven by a growing awareness of the importance of animal welfare and conservation.