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When most people think of animal experiences, they think of zoos and circuses – places where animals are often kept in cramped enclosures and subjected to cruel training. But did you know that there are a variety of ethical animal experiences available throughout Europe?
These experiences provide you with an opportunity to connect with nature while actively protecting the environment around them. From whale watching in Norway to visiting a wolf sanctuary in Portugal, these 10 best ethical animal experiences will leave you feeling inspired and connected to the natural world!
What Makes an Animal Experience Ethical?
When it comes to animal experiences, it’s essential to take into account the ethical implications of such interactions. Ethically responsible animal experiences prioritize the wellbeing and conservation of the creatures involved, as well as respect for their natural habitats and behaviors.
A fundamental element of ethical animal experiences is that they do not involve any sort of animal exploitation or abuse. This includes shunning activities such as elephant riding or petting zoos, where animals are coerced to carry out or interact with humans in an unnatural or distressing manner.
Rather, ethical animal experiences typically focus on observation and education. For instance, wildlife safaris or birdwatching tours allow visitors to observe animals in their natural habitats without disturbing them. Additionally, animal sanctuaries and rescue centers provide the opportunity to learn about animal conservation and rehabilitation initiatives.
Another crucial factor of ethical animal experiences is that they prioritize the animals’ wellbeing over the visitors’ amusement. This implies that activities should be designed with the animals’ needs in mind, such as providing generous space, suitable food and shelter, and opportunities for socialization and enrichment.
Moreover, ethical animal experiences should support conservation efforts and contribute to the protection of endangered species and their habitats. This could involve donating a portion of profits to conservation organizations, implementing sustainable practices, or backing local communities that depend on conservation initiatives.
To sum it up: ethical animal experiences prioritize the wellbeing and conservation of animals, respect their natural behaviors and habitats, and promote education and conservation efforts. By selecting ethical experiences, you can enjoy memorable and meaningful interactions with animals while also supporting their long-term survival and wellbeing.
Now that we know what makes animal experiences ethical, let us take a look at 10 of the best ethical animal experiences you can have in Europe.
1) Whale Watching in Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is THE destination in Norway for whale watching. It’s home to one of the largest populations of humpback and killer whales in Europe, making it an ideal spot for those wanting to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
The local tourism industry has taken great steps towards responsible animal experiences by promoting sustainable wildlife tourism which respects animals’ rights while allowing people to enjoy humane animal encounters.
This whale watching tour offered by Brim Explorer is not only eco-friendly, but also ethical. The boat has been specially designed to limit the disturbance to the whales, and the experienced guides will ensure a respectful distance.
The silent electric engine guarantees that the whales will not be disturbed by the boat’s presence and all of these measures ensure that the whales can be observed in their natural habitat without any disruption.
Besides that, the staff of expert whale watchers will give you detailed information about the behavior of the whales, and the natural environment around you. Enjoy the rare opportunity of being close to these majestic creatures, with a success rate of over 95%!
2) Bear Watching in Lentiira, Finland
When it comes to ethical animal experiences in Europe, bear watching in Lentiira in Finland can’t be beat. The area is well known for its healthy population of both adult and cub bears, giving you a unique chance to observe these animals up close without disturbing their natural habitat or posing any risk to them.
The bear watching experience in the Bear Centre in Lentiira is not only eco-friendly and ethical, but also offers a unique chance to observe and capture nature in its rawest form. It starts off on an exciting note as visitors get ready for their adventure by learning about the local ecology and safety protocols from experienced guides.
Afterwards, you will head out into the wilderness armed with binoculars and cameras so you can take home lasting memories of this incredible encounter. There are 29 different hides located in areas that are naturally populated with bears and other wildlife, so the animals are not disturbed or enticed to come closer.
You don’t need to worry about getting too close, as all sightings are conducted at a respectful distance that ensures everyone’s safety and comfort while still allowing for amazing photographic opportunities!
The lodge of the Bear Centre is also a sustainable one and provides comfortable accommodation while being respectful of the environment. This bear watching experience is the perfect way to observe and appreciate the beauty of nature without disturbing its delicate balance!
3) Visiting the Wolf Sanctuary in Mafra, Portugal
Venture to the Iberian Wolf Recovery Centre (IWRC) in Mafra for an unforgettable animal experience. This ethically managed sanctuary is home to dozens of wolves who have been rescued from around Europe and given a safe place to live out their lives with dignity.
From strategically located observation towers you can observe these majestic creatures in their semi-natural settings. Furthermore, it served as an educational hub to inform the public on the true nature of wolves and the risks they face in the natural environment.
The Wolf Sanctuary’s dedication to ethical animal experiences has made it a popular destination among those looking for unique wildlife encounters not far from Lisbon. The center follows strict guidelines when it comes to interactions between guests and wolves—no physical contact is allowed—so you can rest assured that all visits are conducted with respect and safety in mind.
In addition, all profits generated by the sanctuary go towards supporting conservation initiatives across Europe. So not only will you be able to witness these incredible animals firsthand, but your visit helps ensure they remain protected far into the future.
4) Going on a Bison Safari in Białowieża Forest, Poland
The Białowieża Forest in Poland is the perfect destination for an unforgettable animal experience. This ancient woodland is home to some of Europe’s most iconic wildlife, including a unique herd of European bison.
This bison safari is the perfect ethical and eco-friendly holiday, as you will be able to observe the magnificent European bison in the strictly protected part of the Białowieża National Park, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, without disturbing them.
The safari guides are knowledgeable about the local environment and can provide interesting facts about the region as well as insight into how humans interact with its inhabitants.
When booking this tour you will also get the chance to stay in an environmentally friendly guesthouse and freely explore the local environment either by bike or on foot.
All of these activities promote ecological conservation and sustainability, making this bison safari a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a wild holiday that is also responsible and respectful to the environment.
5) Visiting Animal Sanctuaries in the UK
The UK is home to some of the world’s best animal sanctuaries, where visitors can enjoy ethical experiences with animals in need. From bird sanctuaries to wildlife reserves and conservation parks, there are plenty of opportunities for travelers who want to experience nature up close.
For those looking for something exotic, England’s Monkey World should be the first choice. Nestled in the Dorset woodland, Monkey World is an oasis of 65 acres dedicated to the wellbeing of over 250 primates.
Established in 1987 by Jim Cronin, the park offers a safe, stable home to abused monkeys and works together with foreign governments to prevent illegal smuggling of apes from Africa and Asia.
Meanwhile, Wales’ Redwings Horse Sanctuary provides a safe haven for horses rescued from abusive situations or neglectful owners. Here you can help care for these majestic creatures by cleaning stables and grooming them before taking a leisurely stroll around the grounds.
Make sure to read this blog post for more inspiration on some of the best animal sanctuaries in the UK. Wherever you decide to go, you will be able to make lasting memories while giving back to our animal friends in meaningful ways!
6) Bat Watching in Predjama, Slovenia
Located on the Karst Plateau and famous for its dramatic caves, this stunning location also offers you one of Europe’s most unique ethical animal experiences: bat watching!
Slovenia is home to over 15,000 caves, and the bat cave below Predjama Castle is just one of many spectacular show caves worth visiting. In the summer, when the bats have ended their hibernation, visitors can explore the depths of the cave below Predjama Castle.
The latest data reveals that the cave is home to fourteen different species of bats. One of the most intriguing is the lesser horseshoe bat, which weighs no more than a sheet of paper!
It’s an incredible sight that will stay with you forever and a great chance to get up close with these remarkable creatures of the night. As well as providing an unforgettable spectacle, it’s also a great opportunity to learn more about these fascinating mammals on a guided tour.
7) Ethical Horse Riding in Reykjavik, Iceland
One of the best ethical horseback riding experiences in Europe is offered by Íslenski Reiðskólinn in Reykjavik. They provide you with a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Icelandic countryside while interacting with some of nature’s most majestic creatures.
Explore the stunning volcanic terrain of Iceland atop an Icelandic horse while local experts share their knowledge of the horse, culture and country with you as you go.
You will experience the unparalleled beauty of Iceland by taking a horseback riding adventure, and enjoying the smooth gait and friendly personalities of Icelandic horses as you explore the breathtaking landscape of snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes and verdant valleys.
With this unique and unforgettable journey, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Iceland and make truly lasting memories!
8) Bird Watching in Tarifa, Spain
In Tarifa in Spain lies a paradise for bird watchers. This small coastal town is known as one of the best places to observe some of Europe’s most majestic birds in their natural habitat.
From raptors like eagles and buzzards to rare species such as bee-eaters and the griffon vulture, it has something for everyone with an interest in ornithology. Even those who are not into bird watching will be able to appreciate the stunning views of this unique location on the Strait of Gibraltar.
When booking a tour through Terra Incognita, one of the best ethical ecotour providers out there, you will get the incredible opportunity to experience two exceptional wildlife areas at the cusp of two seasons.
As autumn ends and days shorten, you will have the chance to witness a spectacle you can’t see anywhere else in the world – marveling at over 2,000 vultures crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to winter in Africa in just a single hour!
Make sure to not miss out on this unforgettable experience and check out their website to read about other ethical bird watching experiences you can book with them.
9) Husky Sled Ride in Rovaniemi, Finland
If you’re looking for an ethical animal experience in Europe, a husky sled ride in Rovaniemi in Finland should be on the top of your list. Located close to the Arctic Circle, this is one of the most breathtaking areas on the continent and it’s all made even more special when you throw some furry friends into the mix.
The Husky Sled Ride offers visitors a unique chance to explore some beautiful snowy landscapes with a team of friendly dogs that are used to working in such extreme conditions.
The staff does everything possible to make sure that these animals are well taken care of and never overworked or mistreated, and with years of experience handling these powerful four-legged creatures, they will teach you how to drive them properly so you can enjoy this amazing outdoor activity safely.
That means that whether you’re a beginner who just wants to take things slow or an experienced sledder looking for an adrenaline rush, there’s something here for everyone—so head up north and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
10) Dolphin Watching in Albufeira, Portugal
Dolphin watching in Albufeira in Portugal is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Located on the stunning Algarve coastline, it’s one of the best places to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Here you can spot bottlenose dolphins playing and frolicking in the waves all year round – an impressive sight that will leave you feeling inspired by nature’s beauty!
For more than a decade, Dolphins Driven has been providing amazing sea voyages. Collaborating with conservation initiatives to monitor the presence of dolphins and whales in the area, the experienced skippers will know exactly where to find the most active pods of dolphins.
Embark on a 2.5 hour journey along the west coast of the Algarve and be prepared to be mesmerized by the incredible scenery. From the Albufeira Marina to the Alfanzina Lighthouse, soak in the sights of pristine beaches and majestic rock formations and keep your camera close to you to capture dolphins in their natural habitat!
Conclusion
By choosing ethical animal experiences, we can support conservation efforts while enjoying meaningful and unforgettable interactions with animals. Europe offers a diverse range of ethical animal experiences that allow us to observe animals in their natural habitats, learn about conservation efforts, and contribute to the protection of endangered species.
Whether it’s whale watching in Tromsø or bear watching in Lentiira, witnessing animals in their natural habitat is a humbling reminder of our interconnectedness with nature.
By prioritizing animal well-being and conservation, we can create a better future for both animals and humans. So, choose your favorite ethical animal experiences in Europe and be ready to make a positive impact on the world!
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Wow, this post was so informative! This is something more people should consider when wanting to see animals. We’ve been whale watching once and it was by far one of the best experiences we’ve had over any zoo.
Tromso is definitely on our list and we have wanted to go for a while. I remember seeing the Icelandic horses roaming freely when I visited. We didn’t do a tour, just had our own car. They are so friendly and very beautiful in person.
What a great strategy to consider when traveling. We are nature and animal lovers, and this sounds like something we would love to do. So neat to see these great places!
I love wildlife in a natural environment, and I always follow ethics when choosing places or trips. It’s a great article about places in Europe where you can observe wildlife ethically. On my bucket list is whale watching in Tromso and bear watching in Lentiira, Finland. I love bear viewing.
What a great post! I’m always having mixed feelings – or even really bad ones – when I hear about the combination of wildlife and tourism. The latter can be quite destructive. Therefore, I appreciate you took the time to put together this truly eco-friendly guide. I’m quite surprised that there is bird-watching in Tarifa, though. I thought it was exclusively for surfers 😉
I enjoy watching wildlife in their habitat. This post is so informative but I was a bit skeptical when I got to England’s Monkey World part because for me, transporting the primate from Africa or Asia itself is not ethical. But then you said they are saving the life of the abused monkeys and working together with foreign governments to prevent the illegal smuggling of apes. So, I think it’s a good thing to do.
I do have mixed feelings when I visit animal attractions. But I know there are facilities like some of the ones that you mention that actually benefit the animals. A husky sled experience was something I always wanted to do. So good to know there is a place to go that takes care of of the animals.
We saw the bats below the Predjama Castle. We have not experienced the others. We are just not looking for animals innour European trips. But à camel in Morocco was so badly treated it was not good to see. You bring up such a good point!