An investigation by World Animal Protection (WAP) has condemned the “cruel’ activities of wildlife parks in Bali.
The report, Paradise Lost, alleges that more than 1,300 wild animals,
including elephants, orangutans, and dolphins, are being exploited for
tourist entertainment in inadequate conditions across Bali and Lombok.
The investigation also found that despite increasing demand for
responsible tourism options, many of the world's largest tourism
operators are still promoting and selling “these cruel wildlife venues
in Bali, thereby profiting from animal abuse”.
An assessment of 34 venues concluded that there has been no
significant improvement in animal welfare since the last WAP report in
Bali, six years ago.
“Wild animals are still suffering from inadequate conditions across all venues visited during the investigation,” WAP said.
It identified elephant riding and bathing, wildlife selfies, swimming
with dolphins in artificial pools, and touching turtles in small pens
as “some of the cruellest wildlife attractions observed”.
WAP said global travel companies including GetYourGuide, Traveloka, and Trip.com continue to sell “cruel” wildlife entertainment attractions in Bali and Lombok for profit.
Liz Cabrera Holtz, senior programmes manager, World Animal Protection
US, said, "Bali might be a paradise for tourists, but wild animals are
living in misery in venues across Bali. Tourists have a responsibility
to ensure their travel experiences are not hurting animals.
“We're urging all travellers to steer clear of all wild animal venues
and instead support places like accredited sanctuaries and Wildlife
Heritage Areas."
Wildlife Heritage Areas have been established in the United States,
Peru/Colombia, Brazil, Italy, Australia, Portugal, and South Africa to
provide a solution for eliminating the exploitation of animals by the
tourism sector.