1. Look for The Five Freedoms

Each living creature has a different set of needs and requires a unique approach. However, certain basic guidelines to animal welfare are relevant for all species. The Five Freedoms can act as a useful baseline guide for animal welfare, regardless of species or location. According to these guidelines, all animals in captivity have a right to the following:

• 1. Freedom from hunger and thirst
• 2. Freedom from discomfort
• 3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease
• 4. Freedom to express normal behaviour
• 5. Freedom from fear and distress

2. Don’t pose for photographs with tigers

This old school animal tourism scam just won’t go extinct. Tigers are apex predators that could easily make a meal of the average tourist, so ask yourself: why would this animal willingly put its head in my lap for a photo? The answer, invariably, is that they have been drugged, beaten or trained through torture to exhibit unnatural behaviours. Whether in zoos, parks or dedicated ‘tiger temples’, the conditions these animals live under are usually deplorable, and their lives in the public eye are degrading. Don’t support this exploitation of tigers on your travels.

3. Do your research on elephant rides and shows

This is a contentious issue in Thailand; while some insist that elephants should never be ridden or interacted with, others believe these domesticated animals are too integrated with people to be treated as wild. The solution probably lies somewhere in the middle; the best we can do for elephants is to push for improvements in the standards and practices that govern their lives in captivity; Panorama Destination Thailand prefers to work with elephant providers to raise their standards, rather than campaigning against them. That being said, you should never support any begging, entertainment or activity that exploits elephants with unnatural behaviour. For elephant rides, the industry consensus right now is that they should be permitted, but with certain essential guidelines in place to ensure the welfare of the animals involved.

Further reading: elephant standards
The Asian Captive Elephant Working Group (ACEWG) provides a set of standards and criteria as guidelines and references for elephant camps, while Asian Captive Elephants Standards (ACES) has also created best practices and standards of welfare, living, and working conditions for all elephants engaged in tourism. ACES works alongside camps, governments, mahouts, universities and local communities to ensure all captive elephants are provided with the best care and conservation outcomes possible.

4. Don’t buy animal products or souvenirs

Ok, so this is an easy one. DON’T buy animal souvenirs in Thailand. Depending on where you go, you’re likely to be offered any combination of coral ornaments, ivory trinkets, shark teeth, snake or tiger wine, bush meat and other animal products – even the animals themselves! The answer is simple: just say NO. When the buying stops, the killing stops too.

5. If you see animal cruelty, report it

At Panorama Destination, we are dedicated to animal welfare and continually strive to improve our services and raise industry-wide standards, to ensure animals in Thailand are respected, protected and cherished. We support positive change that can help achieve this aim, so if you see any violations on your travels, please report them to us. We can then take the necessary action to protect the animals involved and, if necessary, help bring offenders to justice.

Whether captive or in the wild, the welfare of animals must take priority over entertainment or enjoyment at their expense. Travellers in Thailand want memorable wildlife experiences, but they also expect high animal welfare standards. Panorama Destination is working to ensure that all tours and services provide both.
For a tailor-made tour that combines eco-friendly elephant encounters with a visit to one of Thailand’s most fascinating tribes, check out our Chiang Mai and Mae Tang Trek.

Recommended Partner:
Panorama Destination Thailand works closely with Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT); a registered NGO that’s provides rescue, rehabilitation and veterinary care for animals in Thailand. WFFT also offers educational initiatives to local Thai people and tourists at their Elephant refuge, lodge and rescue centre. WFFT responds to reports by the public about wildlife in need of protection – from the illegal pet trade, poachers or exploitative tourism businesses. For more information about volunteering, donations and daytrips, check out their website.