Investigation Finds Wildlife Parks in Bali and Lombok Don’t Meet the Needs of Animals

On the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok, wildlife entertainment parks promise visitors a chance to see wild animals at close range. However, according to a recent report from World Animal Protection (WAP), none of the wildlife parks on these islands meet good welfare standards. Out of the 34 wildlife parks investigated, many did not provide for the animal’s basic needs. WAP’s findings, released in a report titled Holidays that Harm, investigate the treatment of more than 1,300 animals at these 34 venues. The current report shows little change since 2017.

Cruelty at Wildlife Parks

Investigators found animals at these wildlife centers endure horrifying cruelty. Parks frequently keep elephants, dolphins, tigers, orangutans, and macaques chained or confined to small enclosures. Many animals endure unnatural isolation. For social creatures such as macaques and elephants, this leads to extreme stress and self-harming behaviors.  

At wildlife parks, animals are often starved and beaten. Elephants are frequently separated from their mothers at young ages and trained using cruel methods. They are then forced to perform in shows and allow people to ride on them. Other animals, such as dolphins and tigers, also undergo abusive living conditions and training so they can be used in shows. Even venues that do not offer animal rides or shows were found to offer subpar living conditions for animals.

Responsible and Humane Tourism

Bali and Lombok’s wildlife venues sometimes market themselves as rescue centers or sanctuaries. They frequently provide misleading information on their websites. This can make it difficult for tourists to determine whether venues are providing adequate care to animals. According to World Animal Protection, tourists should assume cruelty is involved if they are able to interact with an animal in ways that would not be possible in the wild. This includes elephant rides, dolphin shows, or handling small animals. 

Tourists and travel companies can help end the mistreatment of captive animals. Support only reputable wildlife rehabilitation centers and sanctuaries. WAP asks tourists to take the following actions: seek out venues promoting ethical and humane animal experiences, observe rather than interact with animals, avoid souvenirs made from animal products, and not share or like social media that depicts animal cruelty. Travel companies also play a significant role. Companies such as TripAdvisor should remove content promoting irresponsible and cruel animal interactions. 

Empty The Cages Sweatshirt By Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

Related Content:

• New Theme Park Being Built Near London Could Be Devastating For Wildlife
• Two Men Charged with Shooting Animals at a Safari Park in Quebec
• Safari Park Owner Caught on Video Punching Lion
• Our Great National Parks: Barack Obama Hosts and Narrates Upcoming Wildlife Documentary on Netflix
• “Tiger King” Star Doc Antle Faces Conviction for Wildlife Trafficking

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!