WILDLIFE WARNING: IRISH TOURISTS travelling abroad have been warned about being tricked into posing for photographs with captive animals that have been drugged, mutilated or restrained.
Unsuspecting European travellers often unwittingly take part in photo opportunities with maltreated animals unaware of the cruelty involved, according to the Born Free Foundation wildlife charity.
It says that cases that have been reported to it include lions and tigers that have been drugged, declawed and chained to tables, alligators passed from one person to another with their jaws wired shut and monkeys on tight leashes being paraded along beaches dressed as superheroes.
Wild animals are used as photographic props in hotel resorts throughout the Caribbean and Mexico, as well as popular destinations such as Spain, Romania, Tunisia, Morocco, Sri Lanka and China.
The British-based Federation of Tour Operators has thrown its weight behind the Born Free Foundation's campaign to stop the mistreatment and misuse of wild animals exploited by photographs at resorts worldwide.
The organisation has written to resorts and hotels, asking them not to support or encourage these activities.
Chris Thompson, the federation's head of responsible tourism, said that it is particularly eager to stop animals being used solely for the purposes of entertainment, without any real benefit to the animal or its species.
"We have asked suppliers with whom we work to cease the use of animals as photographic props and help us to work with the local authorities to remove similar occurrences."
Daniel Turner of Born Free said the organisation is sure there are many more facilities that are abusing animals and endangering the public in this way.
"We need to hear from compassionate members of the public who have witnessed animal cruelty during their holidays. With the support of the federation and responsible travel companies, we will do our best to investigate and prevent suffering."
• www.bornfree.org.uk