What makes an animal encounter ethical in tourism?

Ethical animal encounters are defined by choice, care, and respect.

Animals should never be treated as props. Ethical tourism experiences allow animals to control their level of interaction, avoid stress, and live enriched lives outside visitor hours.

Ethical animal encounters typically include:

• Voluntary interaction

• Clear boundaries and supervision

• Education rather than entertainment

• Welfare-led experience design

In ethical settings, visitors are guided to understand animal behaviour rather than override it. This creates safer, calmer, and more rewarding experiences for everyone involved.

Ethical tourism also considers the emotional wellbeing of animals. Overhandling, loud crowds, and constant stimulation are avoided. Instead, quality interactions replace quantity.

Visitors play a role too. Ethical encounters encourage patience, observation, and empathy — values that deepen connection and understanding.

At Iris Lodge Alpacas, animal welfare underpins every experience. Our alpacas are part of our family, and every interaction is shaped around what keeps them comfortable, curious, and content.