Our Newest Partnership Transforms the Tourist Industry Through Wildlife-Friendly Travel

An estimated 110 million people visit cruel wildlife attractions every year, and more than half a million wild animals are suffering for tourist entertainment worldwide. Sadly, some travel companies exploit animals for profit by selling tickets to captive wildlife attractions, such as dolphin shows or elephant rides. Animals deserve better. We’re partnering with Kodama Travel to bring wildlife exploitation in the travel sector to an end.

Kodama Travel’s founder, Amy Xu, knew that her vision of bringing a curated marketplace of high-quality tours that are kind to wildlife and the environment required a strong animal welfare policy. To make this happen, Amy reached out to World Animal Protection for guidance, and our partnership began. Over the last few months, Kodama Travel and World Animal Protection co-developed Kodama Travel’s animal welfare guidelines. These guidelines ensure all vendors, experiences, and trips are wildlife-friendly.

Amy Xu shared why she was inspired to start Kodama Travel:

“I am saddened to see the continued exploitation of wildlife in the travel industry, and I’m determined to put an end to this as my life’s mission. This is why I founded Kodama, combining my experience in strategy consulting and conservation. Kodama is an online trip-booking platform that prioritizes wildlife welfare, and we solely work with high-quality suppliers who are committed to responsible travel. You can read individual supplier’s ethos under every trip we’ve curated. There’s a lot to be done. To end dolphin and whale captivity, to end animal performance, to end community displacement due to tourism, and ultimately, to make responsible travel the norm, not the exception. I hope you’ll join us on this journey.”

Amy Xu, founder of Kodama Travel.

It’s Vital to Protect Animals When You Travel

Wild animals worldwide are being taken from their natural environments to be exploited for entertainment and profit. Whether bred in captivity or captured from the wild, animals suffer physically and psychologically from not being able to move and behave as they would naturally in the wild. Sadly, many tourists who love animals may actually contribute to animal suffering simply because they’re unaware of the hidden cruelty. 

Do’s and Don’ts

DON’T hold wild animals for selfies. 

DO take lots of photos of wild animals from a safe and respectful distance. 

DON’T watch wild animals perform tricks. 

DO watch humans perform tricks in animal-free circuses. 

DON’T ride an elephant. 

DO watch elephants grazing with their herd in the wild or in a genuine sanctuary. 

DON’T swim with dolphins or visit dolphin shows. 

DO see them in the wild from a safe and respectful distance with a responsible dolphin-watch tour company.

DON’T buy souvenirs made from wild animals. 

DO buy local souvenirs and give back to the local community.

Kodama Travel is committed to making ethical travel the norm, not the exception. Its highly curated marketplace makes it easy for travelers to book ethical and wildlife-friendly travel experiences globally. You can join us in ending wildlife exploitation and animal cruelty in tourism by visiting Kodama Travel and by reading our Wildlife-Friendly Travel Guide. 

World Animal Protection’s partners are making a positive impact for animals across the globe by ending cruelty and animal suffering. Our partners’ commitment to animal welfare sends a positive, progressive message to their communities, inspiring their customers and employees to make long-term, sustainable changes for the greater good of animals, people, and the planet. If you’re interested in partnering with World Animal Protection, please complete our partnership form or contact Kara King, Development Manager, at karaking@worldanimalprotection.us or 646-783-2224.