How can we make a difference as tourists?
As one who loves to travel,
I have often struggled with witnessing the treatment of animals worldwide.
Before I could even recognize my emotions as a child I was feeling sadness for
suffering creature. I recognize that now as compassion. I can’t even fathom the
idea of enjoying an elephant ride, while ignoring their looks of sadness. I can’t
imagine enjoying a horse-carriage ride while witnessing the sad state of the
horse’s overworked body. I can’t imagine enjoying snapping photos of a depressed
caged animal in a zoo.
However, I do understand how
people can turn a blind eye. Not long ago (2 years) I went to a circus to see
the elephants. Elephants are my favourite animal. It was there that I had that
familiar feeling in the pit in my stomach while watching the elephant. I
was finally able to recognize this feeling. I didn't agree with using animals for our entertainment. I didn't agree
with my contribution to the suffering of these creatures just so I could snap a
photo of it. I spent the next two years pouring myself into research about
animal abuse, reading blogs, articles and meeting like-minded people. Sometimes
I reach a breaking point where I can’t take any more tragic information. But if
I’m not a witness to these stories and if I’m not fighting this battle what can
I expect from others? So on I continue. Through leading by example and
educating myself and others I hope to make a difference – if only a small one.
This brings me to my point
today – tourism. While travelling through Greece and Italy we witnessed
exploitation of animals everywhere. From horse carriages to donkey rides. My
question to you is this: is the suffering of this animal worth your
entertainment? “See yourself in others. Then whom can you hurt? What harm can
you do?” Make educated choices and do not place the value of a photograph or an
animal “encounter” over the value of their life. Find alternatives while
travelling. Support companies and causes that strive for a high moral standard.
Do your research. And then return home with a happy heart, knowing you have
done your part.
A wonderful example of this
is “Elephant Freedom Project” in Sri Lanka.
 |
| Which place do you choose to support? |
Having heard the term “sanctuary”
in our travels before and realizing it was nothing but a money grab, we did our
research. Turns out that out of the many “sanctuaries” in Sri Lanka, this is the first
and only project of its kind in the country. It is possible to enjoy animals while you travel but again, you must do your research! And use your heart. It will always tell you what is right.
 |
| Satsu, one of the two elephants at the project |
Back to Elephant Freedom Project... I had my thinking challenged on
this visit. While on the way there I discovered that they are still chaining up
their two elephants at night while they are in the process of making the enclosure
safe for them to wander. I immediately stated that I didn't want to go and
support such a place. My friend challenged me in saying “it seems that you are
more of an animal idealist, not an animal realist”. Of course my response was
to think that of course I’m an idealist and that's how it should be.
However arriving at the sanctuary, we chatted with the co-founder Tim. He spoke
candidly with us about his struggles. He was honest in telling us that their two elephants are still property of their original owner and he just
rents them. The owner still gets a say in what happens with these elephants.
Tim is fighting a battle with owner and a battle with the local government. He
desperately wants to help the elephants of Sri Lanka but needs to be careful with
all of his actions in order to keep peace with everyone involved. He was honest
with us about his struggles with the enclosure and getting the architecture to
work out. The rain causes the inclines to be muddy which runs the risk of an
elephant breaking a leg. Because of this the elephants need to be chained at
night and cannot be left unsupervised.
 |
| The beginning stages of the elephant enclosure |
While there are many things that still
need to be improved, it is a start. Tim is in the beginning stages of his freedom project. It is places like these that we should choose to support. It reminds me of a quote I like “The
journey of a thousand miles must start with a single step.” I had a shift in my
thinking this day. It’s okay to have a high expectation and an idealist view.
But to get to that ideal conclusion, we must have realistic ideas of how to get
there. It won’t happen overnight. There’s no black and white here. And maybe it’s
okay to be a bit of a realist too.
 |
| With Tim, the co-founder of The Elephant Freedom Project |
I will continue to make
educated choices. I will do my best not to contribute to the suffering of
creatures around me. I hope you do the same. Remember:
“It’s better to light one candle than
curse the darkness. There are so many people that sit back and say ‘we’re
screwed’. But with that one candle, maybe someone else with a candle will find
you. And that’s where movements are started.”
