Urge TripAdvisor to Stop Promoting Activities that Exploit Animals

Up until this week, I had been a longtime fan of TripAdvisor. Anytime I planned a vacation, TripAdvisor was one of my go-to sites for information on lodging, dining and top 10 things to do at my chosen destination. 

That all changed when I learned that they continue to list companies and activities that exploit and abuse animals such as for elephant rides, animal performances and animal selfies. They do this despite their October 2016 announcement that they would no longer sell tickets for activities that involved physical contact with wild animals. They're still allowing their website to serve as a promotional platform for companies who profit at the animals’ expense, and they're letting these exploiters capitalize on tourists who simply don’t know the ugly, behind-the-scenes truth.

Example of a bullhook used in the elephant trekking industry

When I volunteered with Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, I saw the victims of irresponsible tourist attractions and activities. These animals suffer unimaginable horrors—which leave physical, psychological and emotional scars behind—and it needs to stop now.

Please sign Animals Asia’s petition urging TripAdvisor to ban the promotion of companies and activities that exploit and abuse animals.

And while you’re at it, here’s a petition telling Shriners International to ban circuses that use animals in its acts.