Ruthless Tourism:


A peek into Europe's wildlife entertainment industry

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Think before you book


A guide to an animal friendly holiday

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#RuthlessTRade


Closer than you think!

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Animal abuse for tourism is happening now, right on our doorstep

#RuthlessTourism

From festivals, to zoos, circuses or for selfies, across Europe animals are suffering for our entertainment.

Few tourists are aware, however, that these animals have not adapted to be around humans, but are usually sedated or psychologically ‘beaten’ down to the point of submission. They go back to small cages, where they spend the rest of their lives, with no access to proper food, nature or even light. 

This is their true story. 

Think before you book!

What at first glance might appear as an appealing tourist attraction or a nice souvenir, 
is often connected to pain and distress for the animals involved. 
Please be considerate towards animals and ...

Locked up


Exhausted after 4 shows a day, the bear is immediately put back in his trailer.

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Tamed with a whip


To make the lions perform, trainers use whips and muzzles and punish them when they don’t obey.

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exploited


Tiger Noa is born and raised in captivity. She is now used for selfies and walks, only to go back alone in her cage. 

this is noa's story

Going cheap


It costs 5 euros to ride an elephant in Germany, but an invaluable amount of suffering for the animals.

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suffering


Often, unscrupulous ZOOs keep the animals in spaces far too small, with no provision for individual feeding or sleeping areas.

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psychological trauma


Kept in a small cage with no proper light of vegetation, this is a far cry from the life these intelligent animals would live in the wild.

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HEALTH PROBLEMS AND INJURIES


In the wild, giraffes live up to about 25 years, but in captivity, they rarely make it that long.

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chains of abuse


Wolves used in Medieval shows in France develop a submissive behaviour, looking timid and scared around their handlers.

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FORCED


This bear must perform tricks and unnatural movements for the entertainment of the crowd. 

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Harmful entertainment


Sea lions are usually found in groups with complex social structures, that cannot be provided in captivity.

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Life in captivity


The wild animals spend their lives in a trailer, only to be taken out for shows.

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no natural habitat


Bears have been a touristic attraction in this moat since 1707.

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Ruthless tourism Trailer

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Animal abuse for tourism is happening now, right on our doorstep.

Spain

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Tigress Noa

For 150 euros, tourists can now 'rent' Noa for an hour, walk her on a leash, pet her and take selfies.

GERMANY

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Elephant Riding

For just five euros you ride on an elephant’s back in Germany. They can be ridden, as well as fed, washed and taken for a walk. If the elephants are not booked, they perform tricks in the circus or pull visitors on sledges in the winter. 

czech republic

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Circus shows are endlessly cruel!

Looking visibly weak, the animals in this Czech Republic circus are made to perform tricks such as jumping over hurdles, running around the ring, standing up and posing, and spinning on small platforms. 

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Centuries of captivity!

Bears have been kept in this moat in the Czech Republic since 1707. The enclosures don’t resemble their natural habitat, and the wild animals deserve better than being kept as a fun visitor experience!

france

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Wild animals-shows at Medieval festivals are brutal and unnecessary!

The owner believes these shows are educational and that the animals choose to perform, but the reality looks much different.

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This venue in France offers interactions and shows with animals!

Kept in a cage for life, these animals are deprived of their natural social structure and habitats. Because of this, often animals are seen rocking back and forth or pacing. These are signs of psychological trauma.

Our responsible alternatives to wildlife tourism

Our FOUR PAWS sanctuaries and collaboration projects provide the adequate care for numerous wild animals rescued from poor kept zoos, circuses and other exploitative venues and industries.

Arosa Bear Sanctuary

Arosa Bear Sanctuary

The first bear sanctuary in Switzerland

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Tiger at TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary

TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary

FOUR PAWS provides an animal-friendly sanctuary in Germany

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Bear at BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz

BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz

The biggest bear sanctuary in Western Europe

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