In this interview, Susanna “Sooz” Shanker, founder of Curiosity Saves Travel, shares disturbing findings about exotic animal cafés in Japan and their wider impact on wildlife.

Recent studies show that around 60% of the animals found in Japanese animal cafés belong to species listed on conservation concern registers, with 50% classified as threatened with extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

While many of these animals are bred in captivity through wildlife breeding schemes, 14% were found to be wild-caught, meaning they were taken directly from their natural habitats and placed into café environments. Even more concerning, these cafés have been linked to an increase in wildlife trafficking and a growing demand for exotic pets, both in Japan and internationally.

Sooz explains how seemingly harmless animal attractions can fuel a much larger system of exploitation and why travellers need to look beyond the surface when choosing ethical wildlife experiences.

Petition people can sign: https://www.change.org/p/end-the-support-for-wildlife-cafes-in-japan-that-cause-animal-harm

Video of the animal market - warning it is upsetting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqDrrINjN3Y

Ethical cat cafés in Tokyo: https://www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/ethical-cat-cafes-tokyo/

Curated and vetted animal cafe experiences: https://giveback.guide/search/?q=animal+sanctuaries

Animal Cafe Guide: https://curiositysavestravel.com/are-animal-cafes-in-japan-and-asia-ethical

Learn more about Sooz: ⁠Curiosity Saves Travel⁠

Join a Veggies Abroad Tour: ⁠veggiesabroad.com⁠

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