Ethical Wildlife Tourism With Kristen Diederich

Encountering animals on our travels is one of the most life-changing experiences we can have, but how can we do it in a more ethical and responsible way? Kristen Diederich is with me today to talk about ethical wildlife tourism and how to be more informed when choosing our animal experiences. Kristen is the founder of Compassionate Travels, which focuses on crafting ethical, wildlife-centric adventures for responsible, values-driven travelers. As an animal rights advocate and well-traveled adventurer, she has first-hand experience on the scale of animal suffering in the tourism industry and the challenges of finding experiences that don’t contribute to it.  Kristen and I discuss the complex issues around common experiences like elephant riding, taking photos, feeding and touching, and even cultural experiences like dog sledding. She shares the concept of “welfare washing” and why even some of the most seemingly ethical sanctuaries or rescues are still causing harm. You’ll learn how to identify truly ethical sanctuaries and tour operators and gain an understanding of the broader impact of mass tourism on animal welfare. How have your thoughts changed on animal tourism? I’d love to hear what you took away from this episode and hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (decided on by YOU), exclusive content, direct access to me to answer your questions, and more? Click here to try Premium Passport for only $1. Tune In To Learn: What it was like writing her thesis on wildlife tourism while on the ground in Sri Lanka How she found her way to this work and the difference between conservationists and animal rights activists The common types of animal exploitation and the complicated issues around for-profit and cultural/historical use Why terms like “sanctuary” and “rescue” can be misleading How to identify ethical sanctuaries and tour operators  Why we need to consider the bigger picture when choosing to partake in animal tourism Why farm visits and using domesticated animals for tourism can be a problem What she enjoys about solo travel and advice for new digital nomads And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Today's Sponsors - Airbnb, Land Rover Learn more about Compassionate Travels Follow on Instagram and Facebook HappyCow vegan food app Kristen's List of Certifications and Organizations You Can Trust: Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (for primate facilities) World Animal Protection’s list of companies that have taken a wildlife-friendly pledge World Animal Protection’s list of elephant-friendly facilities World Cetacean Alliance (for ethical whale and dolphin watching) Wildlife Heritage Areas Born Free Wildlife SOS (India) Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Kenya) WildAid Want More? Ethical Animal Travel w/ Melisa Beveridge Ethical Travel, Life In Mozambique and Ocean Love w/ Francesca Trotman Living in Ecuador, Indigenous Communities, Rainforest Conservation, and Cultural Experiences With Photographer Mark Fox Thanks To Our Sponsors Sometimes, it just makes more sense. Book your next group stay with Airbnb! You’re up for any challenge that comes your way, and the Land Rover Defender 110 is too. Learn more at landroverusa.com/defender.

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✈️ The Zero To Travel Podcast has been downloaded 12+ million times and named a "Best Travel Podcast" by The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, The Telegraph, and Forbes. Subscribe now and get everything you need to travel the world on your terms, no matter what your situation or experience. Welcome to our amazing global listening community! ABOUT THE SHOW Do you want to fill your life with more travel than you ever thought possible? Whether you're a travel newbie dying to figure out how to explore the world, an occasional traveler longing to make your holiday every day, or an experienced globetrotter seeking unique ways to keep traveling full-time, you're in the right place. Since 2013, "Travel Ambassador" Jason Moore from zerototravel.com has been picking the brains of adventurous people living life on the road so you can discover new ways to travel endlessly. Along the way, you'll get actionable advice, life-changing perspectives, and key resources that will improve your life AND help you travel as we get down and dirty on topics like; starting and running an online business from anywhere, the best off-the-beaten path destinations to visit, travel and work opportunities, gutsy budget travel strategies, surprising ways to earn free travel, the digital nomad life, unconventional travel based lifestyles, fun travel jobs, how to plan epic adventures, backpacking, remote work, how to take a gap year or a career break, 4-hour work week inspired topics, ex-pat life, slow travel, travel hacking, sustainable travel, human powered adventures, trips worth planning, and everything in between. Host Bio: Jason wandered the planet as a nomad for over a decade and spent 15+ years on the road as a tour manager in events/music, a seasonal adventure travel tour guide, and a digital nomad. Originally from the USA, he is now a dual citizen (Norway/USA) based in Oslo. He is obsessed with helping YOU explore our planet on your terms, regardless of your current situation or experience. Follow the show (it's FREE!) and welcome to the global community. 🙏 PS - If you'd like to access our paid premium feed with ad-free shows, bonus episodes, and more for just $3/month go to zerototravel.com/premium.