Animal Welfare

The opportunity, for some, to get up close with a wild animal and have that once-in-a-lifetime selfie may be tempting.

But ask yourself how this naturally dangerous animal is so placid that you can get so close?  It doesn’t take too much imagination for you to know the answer to this question.

No tour at ICON Adventures will endorse organisations where there are any signs of cruelty or abuse of animals.  We respectfully ask that our independent travellers do not visit these places either.

THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE WILDLIFE

IS IN THE WILD

When visiting animals in the wild we:

  • Only use reputable licenced safari companies and local experienced guides
  • Keep a respectful distance so as not to scare the animals or disrupt their natural behaviour
  • Always ask the guide the rules in relation to photographs
  • Do not feed wild animals or leave anything behind.

The second-best way to experience wildlife

IS AT A SANCTUARY OR CONSERVATION CENTRE

When visiting sanctuaries or conservation centres, we only recommend those that:

  • Keep animals in enclosures similar to their natural habitat
  • Don’t force animals to perform in shows or do tricks
  • Give animals the chance to express natural behaviours
  • Stop visitors getting too close to the animals. Animals must be free from fear, distress and apathy
  • Give animals choices to have privacy
  • Educate visitors about welfare and conservation
  • Keep animals reasonably free from injury or disease and must not be subjected to pain for any reason other than their own medical care

When best practice is followed, wildlife excursions can bring much-needed revenue into local communities and lead to increased conservation projects.

DOMESTICATED ANIMALS

If you come across animals which are domesticated eg dog, pet or perhaps a farm animal then your own discretion can be used.  For your own safety though, remember that getting too close may spook the animal and cause it to have a fight or flight response.

Lastly, only ride domesticated and well looked after animals eg horses, donkeys, camels etc, please, NO elephant rides.