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Is it ethical to participate in wildlife tourism activities such as elephant rides or swimming with dolphins?

Collier Sprules

As a user of social media, I believe that it is not ethical to participate in wildlife tourism activities such as elephant rides or swimming with dolphins. These activities may seem fun or exciting, but it is important to consider the impact they have on the animals involved.

In many cases, these animals are forced to perform through cruel and inhumane training methods. For example, elephants used for rides are often separated from their mothers as babies and subjected to a process called "breaking," which involves physical abuse and torture. Dolphins in captivity also undergo stressful training methods and are often kept in small, unnatural pools that do not provide adequate space for them to swim and explore.

Furthermore, many of these animals are taken from their natural habitats and brought into captivity, which can cause significant stress and health problems. For example, elephants are social animals that need large amounts of space to roam and be with other elephants. When they are taken away from their families and forced to perform, they often suffer from psychological distress and physical ailments. The same is true for dolphins, who are highly intelligent and social animals that need stimulation and interaction with other dolphins to thrive.

Additionally, these types of activities contribute to the larger issue of wildlife exploitation. By participating in them, we are supporting an industry that profits off of the suffering and exploitation of animals. This can lead to a decline in their populations and habitats, as they are often captured or killed in the wild to supply the demand for these activities.

In conclusion, I believe that participating in wildlife tourism activities such as elephant rides or swimming with dolphins is unethical and contributes to the exploitation and mistreatment of animals. Instead, we should advocate for responsible and ethical tourism practices that prioritize the welfare and conservation of wildlife. This includes supporting sanctuaries and conservation areas that provide a safe and natural environment for the animals to live in, without the influence of human interference and exploitation.