Photo: German Animal Protection Association
Lions, dolphins, monkeys and Co. are not happy about flashlights
For the dolphin, there is a peck and the monkey we are nicely cuddled: What should look good in the photo, is a nervous tightrope act for the poor animals.
What looks at first glance, such as a cute photo subject and posted by people following on Facebook or glued into the almost old-fashioned album , the affected animals is not remembered as a beautiful moment .
These are exposed to enormous stress when they are constantly being touched by people. After all, who likes to be eager for a whole day by completely strangers? The German Animal Welfare Association therefore appeals very clearly to all those who could not resist to be photographed with their favorite animals, and advises to monkeys, dolphins and Co. in the future to leave their free space.
The protection of the animals is an important topic not only at home but also on vacation. Especially abroad, tour operators increasingly offer attractions such as elephant riding or a trip to the dolphinarium. For the animals, this means an existence full of torment.
For example, before an elephant can be ridden, it must be subdued. This is achieved by chaining, binding and beating the animal. By visiting dolphinariums, on the other hand, indirectly, the hunt for free-living dolphins is encouraged, who are persecuted to allow them to spend their remaining lives in captivity. Even lions are often abused as a tourist attraction. While the little baby lions are separated from their mothers much too early to serve as a photo object, the older animals fall victim to hunting tourism.
Thomas Schröder, President of the German Animal Welfare Association, says: "Animals are often paraded and tormented just for the enjoyment of people, often living a life of deprivation that is often hidden from tourists, but that they should not under any circumstances support."
However, the lower the demand for such "attractions", the less they are offered.
Photo: German Animal Protection Association
