Tourism and Animals - Captivity
Although there are some centers with a genuine preservation and protectionist purpose that put the welfare of the animals first, usually these centers are run by non-profit organizations and therefore in the minority.
In most cases, centers defining themselves as "shelters, orphanages, farms, etc." are just interested in exploiting animals for profit. For this kind of business model they often capture, breed and trade wild animals - or their parts- as well as using them in shows. Where tourists get deceived, elephants, crocodiles, snakes and turtles are the victims.
Millions of wild animals are exhibited in zoos and aquariums all around the world where they have to live in artificial environments. Generally, their living conditions are appalling. The animals suffer due to overcrowding, lack of space and environmental enrichment, stress, and the suppression of their natural behaviors.
