A Traveller’s Guide to Animal Welfare & Biodiversity Protection

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM GUIDELINES
A Traveller’s Guide to Animal Welfare
& Biodiversity Protection

LUSSO
Responsible Tourism & Sustainability

A TRAVELLER’S GUIDE TO ANIMAL WELFARE & BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION
At Lusso, we are committed to promoting
responsible tourism and helping to
safeguard the wellbeing of animals and
the protection of their habitats. Seeing
animals in the wild or in genuine wildlife
sanctuaries can be a wonderful holiday
experience, but it should never detract
from the animals’ wellbeing.
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LUSSO
Purpose Of The Guidelines
These guidelines have been designed to help travellers make responsible choices that support animal welfare and
environmental conservation while exploring the world.
Wildlife encounters can be a meaningful part of travel but they should never come at the expense of an animal’s
wellbeing or the health of its natural habitat. This guide provides practical advice to help ensure that interactions
with animals are ethical, sustainable and aligned with Lusso’s commitment to responsible tourism.
By following these guidelines, travellers can contribute to the protection of biodiversity, support ethical tourism
practices and help preserve wildlife for future generations.
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A TRAVELLER’S GUIDE TO ANIMAL WELFARE & BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION
Keep A Safe Distance
Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Observing animals
from afar allows them to behave naturally and minimises stress.
Use binoculars or camera zoom lenses to get a closer look.
Do Not Disturb
Avoid sudden movements, loud noises or gestures that could disturb
animals or their surroundings.
Respect animals’ habitats and remember you are a guest in their
home. Be patient and allow the animals to come to you, if they
choose to do so.
Avoid trampling on fragile ecosystems such as wetlands, forests
or dunes that are critical for biodiversity. Stick to designated trails
and be mindful of nesting sites and water courses while exploring.
Avoid entering restricted or protected areas that may contain
sensitive habitats.
Remember that every action you take can have an impact on plant
and animal life.
No Feeding
Do not feed wildlife under any circumstances.
Human food can be harmful to animals’ health and feeding them disrupts
their natural foraging behaviours, making them reliant on human handouts
and teaching them to get dangerously close to humans.
Altering animal behaviour can also have cascading effects on local ecosystems.
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No Harassing Of Animals
Do not chase, provoke or harass animals in any way. This includes
attempting to touch, ride or interact closely with wild animals.
Disturbing animals can cause stress and may contribute to broader
impacts on biodiversity or local ecosystems.
Domesticated Animals
When riding domesticated animals such as horses, mules, or camels,
choose providers who demonstrate good animal welfare. Animals should
appear healthy, be treated with care and have access to food, water,
shelter and shade.
Respect Local Customs
Be aware of and respect local customs and beliefs related to wildlife. Some
cultures may have specific taboos or traditions concerning certain animals.
Respect Marine Life
When engaging in marine activities such as snorkelling or diving, maintain
a safe distance from coral reefs and marine creatures.
Touching or standing on coral can cause serious damage to these delicate
ecosystems, and in many cases, the effects may be long-lasting or
irreversible. Use reef-safe sunscreens to prevent chemical pollution
in the water.
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A TRAVELLER’S GUIDE TO ANIMAL WELFARE & BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION
Choose Ethical Wildlife Activities
Choose wildlife experiences that prioritise the wellbeing of animals and the
conservation of biodiversity.
Avoid activities such as elephant rides, wildlife performances and swimming
with captive marine life.
Opt for sanctuaries and ethical tours that are transparent in their support
for conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
Dispose Of Waste Properly
Dispose of your waste, including food wrappers and plastic items, responsibly.
Litter can harm wildlife and their habitats.
Use designated bins and recycling facilities and aim to minimise plastic usage.
Support Conservation
Of Biodiversity
Choose tours and activities that actively contribute to the conservation
of endangered species and ecosystems.
Your tourism choices can support efforts to preserve regional biodiversity,
help protect rare species and contribute to the health of natural habitats.
Educate & Inform
Educate your fellow travellers about responsible wildlife interactions and
the importance of conserving biodiversity.
Share ethical guidelines and the value of respecting ecosystems.
Encourage others to observe animals from a distance and to act responsibly
towards the environment.
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Be Mindful Of
Wildlife Photography
When taking photos, avoid using flash, especially with nocturnal animals,
as it can disturb them.
Do not use drones for wildlife photography as the noise and presence of
drones can cause stress to animals and disrupt natural environments.
No Selfies With Wildlife
Avoid taking selfies with animals, especially those in captivity. Flash
photography and close contact can distress animals and disrupt their
natural behaviour, with the potential to harm both you and the animals.
Don’t support businesses that charge for photos with animals.
Choose Responsible Souvenirs
Refrain from purchasing souvenirs made from wildlife products, such
as ivory, tortoise shell or feathers.
Support local artisans and choose sustainable products that aim to
minimise environmental harm and support biodiversity protection.
Aim to choose products that are not linked to the unsustainable
use of natural resources.
Support Conservation Efforts
Consider contributing to local wildlife conservation organisations.
Your support can help protect endangered species, restore natural
habitats and sustain ecosystems vital to wildlife survival. Your
contribution can support lasting progress in both animal welfare
and environmental preservation.
Report Violations
If you witness any violations of these guidelines or observe mistreatment
of animals or damage to the environment, report it to your tour guide, the
tour operator or local authorities. Your vigilance can make a meaningful
difference in supporting animal welfare and responsible tourism practices.
By adhering to these guidelines, you are not only
contributing to the wellbeing of animals but also
playing a part in the conservation of biodiversity
and the preservation of natural habitats.
Thank you for being a responsible traveller
and for supporting efforts to protect animals,
ecosystems and the environment.
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A TRAVELLER’S GUIDE TO ANIMAL WELFARE & BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION

A TRAVELLER’S GUIDE TO ANIMAL WELFARE & BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION
Learn More About
Animal Welfare In
Tourism And Being
A Responsible
Traveller
ABTA ANIMAL WELFARE GUIDELINES
https://www.abta.com/sustainability/animal-welfare/advice-travellersactivities-involving-animals
GOV.UK LEGISLATION (September 2023)
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/legislation-to-clamp-down-oncruel-animal-experiences-abroad
SOUVENIRS
Please be mindful of the legal and animal welfare implications when
purchasing souvenirs, and make sure you’re aware of what is and isn’t
permitted to bring back into the UK. For further information please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/banned-andrestricted-goods
RESPONSIBLE TOURIST GUIDE
Follow practical steps to make your travels as rewarding and as safe as
possible for you, the people you meet and the places you visit:
https://www.unwto.org/responsible-tourist
Giving Us Feedback
We welcome your views on the support and information we provide.
This will help us to identify what we do well and what we can do better.
We invite your feedback by emailing responsibletourism@lussotravel.com
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LUSSO
No. 1 Glasshouse – 1LG1
Alderley Park
Alderley Edge
Cheshire
SK10 4TG
Tel: +44 (0) 1625 591 116
LUSSO is a trading name of LUSSO Travel Ltd
Registered in England No. 06915677. VAT Registration 979 8758 17