Bolivia
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a popular tourist attraction in Bolivia, thanks to more than 1400 species of birds that live here, between which you can see the critically endangered blue-throated and red-fronted macaws.
To learn about responsible birdwatching, you can consult this link: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s64
Photos with animals
It is not uncommon to see animals in the most touristic areas of Bolivia - particularly squirrel monkeys and black-striped capuchin monkeys - used for shows or photos with tourists. Some of them are even trained to steal wallets from tourists and unsuspecting residents and run away! These animals are taken away from the wild when they are still young and usually after their mothers are killed. If you pay to attend shows or take pictures with them, you are contributing to the continuation of this cruelty.
For more information: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s15
Stray animals
In this country, tourists can see many stray dogs and cats that pervade the city streets and can pose a danger to both the health of people and other animals. The only solution to this type of problem would be sterilizing the animals, and although several non-governmental organizations are already working in this direction, it is essential that local governments support permanent campaigns to resolve this situation. Unfortunately, in most cases, the local administrations just as those of other affected tourist destinations prefer to solve this problem by killing as many animals as possible. This type of solution is not only cruel, but also ineffective, since it does not eradicate the problem from the root - uncontrolled reproduction of dogs and cats - and at the same time contributes to greater growth of their population, since the remaining animals have access to more resources and reproduce faster.
More information: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s95-perros-y-gatos-callejeros
Recommended projects and rescue centers:
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 Bolivia:
APLAB, Amor por los animales Bolivia
I S I S - Programa de Protección Animal y Ambiental
Centro de Adopciones San Martin de Porre
