Ethical Wildlife Tourism With Kristen Diederich

Encountering animals on our travels is one of the most life-changing experiences we can have, but how can we do it in a more ethical and responsible way? Kristen Diederich is with me today to talk about ethical wildlife tourism and how to be more informed when choosing our animal experiences.

Kristen is the founder of Compassionate Travels, which focuses on crafting ethical, wildlife-centric adventures for responsible, values-driven travelers. As an animal rights advocate and well-traveled adventurer, she has first-hand experience on the scale of animal suffering in the tourism industry and the challenges of finding experiences that don’t contribute to it. 

Kristen and I discuss the complex issues around common experiences like elephant riding, taking photos, feeding and touching, and even cultural experiences like dog sledding. She shares the concept of “welfare washing” and why even some of the most seemingly ethical sanctuaries or rescues are still causing harm. You’ll learn how to identify truly ethical sanctuaries and tour operators and gain an understanding of the broader impact of mass tourism on animal welfare.

How have your thoughts changed on animal tourism? I’d love to hear what you took away from this episode and hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Premium Passport:

Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (decided on by YOU), exclusive content, direct access to me to answer your questions, and more? Click here to try Premium Passport for only $1.

Tune In To Learn:

What it was like writing her thesis on wildlife tourism while on the ground in Sri Lanka

How she found her way to this work and the difference between conservationists and animal rights activists

The common types of animal exploitation and the complicated issues around for-profit and cultural/historical use

Why terms like “sanctuary” and “rescue” can be misleading

How to identify ethical sanctuaries and tour operators 

Why we need to consider the bigger picture when choosing to partake in animal tourism

Why farm visits and using domesticated animals for tourism can be a problem

What she enjoys about solo travel and advice for new digital nomads

And so much more

Resources:

Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter

Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, Land Rover

Learn more about Compassionate Travels

Follow on Instagram and Facebook

HappyCow vegan food app

Kristen's List of Certifications and Organizations You Can Trust:

Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (for primate facilities)

World Animal Protection’s list of companies that have taken a wildlife-friendly pledge

World Animal Protection’s list of elephant-friendly facilities

World Cetacean Alliance (for ethical whale and dolphin watching)

Wildlife Heritage Areas

Born Free

Wildlife SOS (India)

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Kenya)

WildAid

Want More?

Ethical Animal Travel w/ Melisa Beveridge

Ethical Travel, Life In Mozambique and Ocean Love w/ Francesca Trotman

Living in Ecuador, Indigenous Communities, Rainforest Conservation, and Cultural Experiences With Photographer Mark Fox

Thanks To Our Sponsors

Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb!

You’re up for any challenge that comes your way, and the Land Rover Defender 110 is too. Learn more at landroverusa.com/defender.