Sri Lanka
The wildlife of Sri Lanka is very diverse and has one of the highest rates of biological endemism (16% of its animals and 23% of its plants are found only in this country) in the world. It has sloth bears, elephants and leopards, which attract tourists and volunteers from all around the world. Sri Lanka is also a great place to see blue whales.
Eco-tourism activities
Sri Lanka is becoming a popular eco-tourism destination thanks to its growing number of safaris and adventure tours which allow tourists to learn about local fauna in its natural habitat. The government of Sri Lanka is willing to increase revenues in this sector and has even allocated funds to help with the promotion of this type of tourism. Many supporters of eco-tourism believe that increasing this type of tourism will also increase security within national parks and make funds more available to preserve natural resources. However, some companies which claim to sell eco-tourism experiences without actually helping conservation projects in any way can take advantage of this trend. For this reason, it is very important to inform yourself well before booking any activity related to wildlife and carefully choose a responsible tour operator.
Photos with wild animals
Just like many other countries, Sri Lanka offers tourists an opportunity to take photos with wild animals, such as monkeys dressed up as humans or elephants in various shows. Behind each animal, which was taken from its natural habitat and forced to behave unnaturally, there is always hidden abuse and mistreatment.
More information about this topic here.
Sea turtles
Sea turtles represent a major tourist attraction, and in recent years the projects that involve their study and handling along the coast have multiplied. Unfortunately, it is feared that many of these projects are nothing more than another way to get money from tourists, who end up participating in activities that have nothing to do with the real conservation of these animals. For this reason, it is very important to look for information, especially before visiting those centers called turtle “farms” or “hatcheries”.
Elephants
In this country tourists can also hire elephant rides, an activity that involves very serious physical and psychological problems for these animals (more information here)
Moreover, in Sri Lanka you can see these animals in temples, where they are mainly used for “bringing fortune and luck” and where tourists can take a photo with them in exchange for a donation. The life of these elephants in temples is full of stress, boredom, loneliness and physical pain as well as psychological suffering. They are held chained in the same place for long period of time (including permanently) and often on hard surfaces (which are harmful for their delicate feet). The temples are not equipped with adequate facilities for taking care of an elephant and cannot meet their basic necessities. For more information: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s93
We remind that in this country you can also come upon false elephant rescue centers, places which although claim to work to improve the lives of animals, actually have the only real purpose to make profit of them. Here is more information on how to distinguish between a false and a real elephant sanctuary.
Likewise, to celebrate the Sri Lankan New Year (which generally takes place on April 13), bull, horse and elephant races are organized, where all these animals have to compete, forced by their trainers, between loud noises and on a soil which they are not naturally adapted to.
According to information from May 2014, the Department of Wildlife Conservation would be planning to use DNA testing as a tool to curb illegal elephant trafficking in the country, which is being carried out to feed the growing tourism industry: http://turismo-responsable.com/blog/buenas-noticias-para-los-elefantes-de-sri-lanka
Here is a list of local NGOs that can be contacted in case you want to make a donation, a complaint or find an animal that needs help in Sri Lanka:
Animal Welfare and Protection association
Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL)
Recommended rescue centers:
Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society
