United States of America
Animals on the menu – shark fins
Despite increasing criticism, shark fin dishes can still be found in several areas of the US, and tourists should avoid eating at restaurants that offer this type of specialties. The most common dish is the "shark fin soup," usually offered in Asian restaurants. New York has recently introduced a ban on shark fins and California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington are enacting similar bans that were passed last year, while Florida, Illinois, Maryland and Virginia have this legislation pending.
More information: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s82
Dolphinariums
The United States has a large number of dolphinariums, and SeaWorld facilities in Orlando in particular are known worldwide for their shows with marine animals. Before capturing cetaceans in the waters of United States was illegal, it was known that these centers captured wild animals, separating them from their families to entertain tourists. Although this practice is now prohibited, SeaWorld and other dolphinariums continue to capture animals in other waters and receive international criticism for their training methods and animal welfare standards. The deaths of trainers and the cases of dolphins that have attacked children and adults with whom they were forced to interact that have occurred in these centers over the years, only show that facilities and shows of this type harm not only animals, but also people.
More information: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s26, www.sosdelfines.org
Rodeos
Rodeos are a very important tourist attraction in the US, with about 10,000 events held throughout the country every year. Marketing tactics usually announce that visitors will be able to experience historical livestock practices and a bit of the 'Far West' heritage, however, these places can cause serious animal welfare problems and put human participants and even the spectators at high risk.
More information: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s38
Swimming with tigers
As if the different options of interactions with dolphins were not enough, in some zoos in the US tourists also have the possibility of swimming with tiger cubs. The cost of this experience is approx. $ 200 and although there have been several controversies about the possible risks for people and regarding the fate of these animals, it is still a legal activity and attracts many tourists every year.
More information: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s98
Swimming with sharks
Cage diving with sharks means being submerged underwater in a metal cage with the aim of getting face to face with a shark. This type of practice, very popular on the coast of Florida, although it can also be found in Hawaii and California, generates concern and controversy for several reasons: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s21
Horse carriage rides
Romantic and nostalgic horse carriage rides in cities like New York are not so enjoyable for the animals, which are forced to work long hours, dragging heavy loads and often enduring extreme weather conditions.
Numerous animals spend all day exploited beyond their limits, while taking tourists through complicated terrain at bargain prices, often in the sun, with little shade, water and rest. These animals suffer from sunstrokes, wounds, beatings and injuries as a result of these "tourist experiences" and the economic benefit that their owners can gain from these activities is always above their animals´ welfare.
Horse carriages can have accidents with other vehicles, especially in cities with heavy traffic. The animals are usually trotting, which is too high a speed, as if it stops suddenly the carriage could crash into the animal. Moreover, the little rest that the animals get is usually in blocks located in the center of the city and, often, in inappropriate conditions.
More information: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s24
Observing bears
In the US, among other types of wildlife observing, it is possible to watch bears. This activity is usually carried out on excursions organized and led by an expert guide. There are also observation sites with pathways and hiding places to observe these animals in a semi-organized way. Both to prevent accidents, and to safeguard these animals, it is important to be very clear about the general principles and guidelines of this type of watching, which can be consulted here: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s99
Ostrich rides
Some farms offer tourists the chance to ride ostriches or do races on their backs, in attempt to take advantage of these animals beyond their meat and feathers.
But far from being a harmless activity for ostriches, these races cause injuries and even deaths of many animals, which suffer from a lot of stress and often serious falls or sometimes even collapse on the ground due to overexertion.
More information: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s102
Dog sledding
Although at first glance it may seem like a harmless activity, mushing is still exploitation of animals for entertainment and sometimes business, either to entertain tourists or to compete. And although in many cases it is carried out in a responsible manner, sometimes there may be cases of abuse, neglect, overexploitation or mistreatment. In the United States, this activity takes place mostly in Alaska.
For more information on the topic: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s85
Turtle watching
The 1st of May marks the beginning of the sea turtle nesting season in Florida, United States. Every year on this date, thousands of endangered sea turtles (such as the green, the loggerhead and the Kemp´s Ridley sea turtle) leave the water, dig in the sand and lay their eggs. This same date also marks the beginning of "turtle tourism" season as millions of people arrive in Florida particularly to witness the nesting and hatching of small turtles. And so that their presence does not negatively affect these animals, which are protected by both state and federal law, it is very important to keep some good practices in mind: http://turismo-responsable.com/blog/tortugas-marinas-de-florida-consejos-para-turistas-responsables
Photos with animals
There are different centers throughout the US which self-proclaim as animal sanctuaries, while at the same time offering tourists the possibility of interacting and taking photos with wild animals. The best known case is that of Myrtle Beach Safari where animals belonging to the most endangered species in the world (tigers, elephants, chimpanzees, etc.) are played with, photographed, dressed up and even forced to swim with tourists who generally do not know the type of business they are encouraging and do not seem very aware of the risks they are undergoing. There are also hotels that keep wild animals in their facilities as a tourist attraction: despite having been denounced on different occasions by animal protection organizations, the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas continues keeping lions in a small glassed area of its reception, under the constant gaze of customers and curious crowds.
More information on the topic: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s15
Recommended projects and rescue centers:
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre (AWCC)
Forest Animal Rescue by Peace River refuge & Ranch
Gibbon Conservation Centre (GCC)
International Primate Protection League (IPPL)
PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (PAWS)
Return to Freedom Wild Horse Preservation and Sanctuary
The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary
THREE RING RANCH EXOTIC ANIMAL SANCTUARY
