is woburn safari park ethical

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Are Safaris Ethical? 8 Things to Know

Liz is a collector of grand adventures. She first discovered her passion for meaningful travel wh...

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Witnessing wild animals in their natural habitat can be an awe-inspiring experience, and getting up close and personal with local fauna often lands at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists. Safari travel makes it possible to connect with the world’s incredible animal diversity while checking off that bucket list item. In fact, safaris are one of the main attractions for travelers visiting Africa. But this often raises an important question: Are safaris ethical?

Safaris are incredibly adventurous! But it’s good to make sure they’re ethical first.

While visiting a safari tends to be more ethical than supporting zoos and circuses that over-breed and abuse wildlife for entertainment, it’s important to do your research to ensure your time and money are going to sustainable safaris. There are still many safaris out there that support hunting and abuse; however ethical safaris have the possibility of protecting wildlife and supporting local economies.

Here you’ll find everything you need to know about the disadvantages of safari parks and how to find sustainable, ethical safaris that help to preserve wildlife.

Are safaris bad for animals?

While the world has become increasingly environmentally conscious and most humans would never support the idea of killing animals for sport, it can still be easy to fall into the trap of unethical safaris.

Safari originated in colonial times, where shooting trophy animals, like lions and elephants, proved high social status. Today’s safari parks may have lost the guns, but often we show up in colonial-inspired khakis and disrupt wildlife with our intrusive presence, tracking down elephants, rhinos, and cheetahs for a good photo to show our friends at home.

If you’re touring with a reputable, professional organization, your experience will be ethical—and memorable!

When safaris support personal contact and disruption of the animals’ natural lifestyle, it’s never good for the animals. Other disadvantages of safari parks include habituation, which can cause wildlife to lose their natural instincts, and animals can even risk contracting human disease if people are able to pet, touch, and take selfies with them.

The reality is, safaris house wild animals, and it will always be safer and healthier for them to live a natural lifestyle where they aren’t interrupted by humans.

At the same time, when ethical safaris step in, they have the ability to protect species from poachers, protecting them from endangerment and extinction, while boosting the economy for local communities. There’s a fine line between ethical and unethical safaris, so it’s important to do your research to know how to identify those with the best intentions.

How to know if your safari is ethical

Ethical practices during a safari will only enhance your experience.

What do you need to look out for when choosing ethical safaris? Here is the best advice to help you steer clear of unethical safaris and support the ones that protect the wildlife and their surroundings.

1. Choose the right provider

When choosing a provider for sustainable safaris, it’s important to ensure the provider’s mission is in alignment with supporting the local community and only visit parks that maintain the natural habitat of local wildlife.

IMA Safaris Africa organizes adventure treks and educational tours around Africa, visiting countries from Kenya to Tanzania to Zambia. Through their travel tours, study opportunities, and experiential internships, IMA takes you to some of the least exploited nature parks in Africa, like the Selous Game Reserve, where you can observe wildlife from afar while learning about the health and well-being of the local people.

2. They respect safari etiquette

Following safari etiquette keeps animals safe and undisturbed.

Ethical safaris follow proper safari etiquette: they encourage tourists to keep their distance, avoid contact and flash photography, and speak quietly so as to not disturb the wildlife.

They also limit the time spent inside the reserve, as their main focus is to reduce stress on the animals protected in the reserve.

3. There is no human contact with the animals

If a safari park lures you in with opportunities to cuddle tigers, ride elephants, or take photos with giraffes, it’s clear their top priorities are not protection and conservation. These kinds of safaris are more focused on tourism and making money.

Often, the opportunity to connect physically with wildlife comes with abuse and drugging of animals so that they are reduced to a state that allows them to be around humans without posing a threat.

Instead, opt for the sustainable safaris that teach you to admire animals from a distance, preserving the peace of their environment.

Incredible photos and memories will last you a lifetime!

4. They’re open about their conservation initiatives

Sustainable safaris love to teach you about the charities they’re involved with and always aim to show you how they participate in sustainable tourism, preservation, and farming.

Ethical safaris are proud of the work they do, and they will take any opportunity to spread awareness of animal conservation. If a safari withholds information about their involvement with charities and sustainability, it’s a major red flag.

5. Your money goes to conservation

Not only will sustainable safaris be an open book about conservation initiatives and their involvement with the local community, but they’ll also want to ensure tourism boosts these initiatives, too.

Wildlife conservation can only be successful when the community is flourishing, so ethical safaris will always want to ensure money is going back into conservation and the local economy. What does your money cover when participating in safari tourism? Who is the money helping?

If it’s going back to charities, conservation, and local communities, you can bet you’ve stumbled upon ethical safaris.

6. Animals roam freely

Seeing animals in their natural habitat is awe-inspiring.

The whole point of visiting a safari is to connect with the local wildlife in their native environment. When animals live in captivity, their natural lifestyle is disrupted.

At ethical safaris, animals live freely, uncaged. They can roam where and when they want and they can hunt and eat what they want. Here, you’ll feel like a visitor, an observer, who is watching from the outside.

7. They use traditional safari transportation

You can spot an unethical safari based on the transportation they use to show tourists around the reserve.

Some unethical safaris use the method of travel as an adventure opportunity, allowing tourists to explore on quad bikes or other noisy vehicles that can startle the animals and damage the delicate flora that grows throughout the park.

Instead, ethical safaris use traditional transportation methods, either by walking on foot or in an appropriate safari vehicle. You’ll also never be alone; you should always be accompanied by a guide who is familiar with the area and the wildlife that surrounds it.

Having the right transportation during your safari makes a bigger difference than you may realize!

8. Even the souvenirs are sustainable

It goes without saying, but if a safari is offering souvenirs made from poached animals, you can bet it’s unethical.

Buying products made out of ivory, shells, or fur are a sure sign that hunting is still supported. Instead, support the safaris that offer local, handmade items made from sustainable materials.

You’ll leave with a treasure, while supporting the local craftsmen and giving back to a sustainable park that has the best intentions.

Talk to our Online Advisor & get matched with 5 safaris abroad—it’s free!

Be a responsible ecotourist—choose an ethical safari.

You won’t regret it!

While it can be tempting to choose a safari adventure that allows you to get up close and personal with animals we’ve never seen before, the most incredible moments come from witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat, undisturbed by humanity.

Ethical safaris ensure our furry friends are protected, living their best lives, while also giving back to the community. Choose ethical safaris for the adventure of a lifetime.

Explore ALL Safari Adventures on GoAbroad.com

This article was written with help from International Medical Aid , who also provided all photos seen above. IMA is a not-for-profit organization that offers medical programs for students in places like East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean through an ethics-based approach to care. They offer summer, fall, and winter programs.

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12 BEST Safari Parks in the UK

From guided tours and drive through safaris, to wallaby walkthroughs and big cats roaming, here are the best safari parks in the uk..

Forget going to the zoo, this post is all about going on safari in the UK!

Did you know that the UK offers some of the best safari park experiences in Europe? It’s true! And it means you don’t need to spend big bucks when seeing the big 5.

Whether you’re looking for a drive through experience or to get up close and personal with the animals, we’ve compiled a list of the best safari parks in the UK. These are the best ones in England , Scotland and Wales .

From drive-through experiences at Longleat, to walkthrough experiences such as the foot safari at Woburn Safari Park, there are so many options to choose from. And all of them are guaranteed good days out!

If you prefer a guided tour with zoo experts, West Midland Safari Park offers fantastic mini bus tours. Or maybe you’d prefer to walk with the wallabies at Manor Wildlife Park? 

We absolutely love watching the monkeys climb on top of the cars at Blair Drummond – be warned because they are very cheeky! Will you choose to sleep with the animals, ride a safari, or hand feed parakeets?

Find out all of this and more in our list of the best UK safari parks.

Best Safari Parks in the UK

Longleat safari park.

Check out the UK’s Number 1 safari park at Longleat, Wiltshire! Discover big cats, elephants, wolves and more at the drive-through safari experience.

Wind up your windows for the safari of a lifetime as you pass through Tiger Territory, Cheetah Kingdom and The Big Game Park, where you can see a herd of Southern white rhinos.

Don’t forget to check out our favourite part – Monkey Mayhem. The troupe of macaques are known for causing mischief (just watch out for your windscreen wipers!)

Jump out at the African Village and Walking Safari as you journey across the African reserve and discover giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and ostriches. 

• Address: Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW
• Website: https://www.longleat.co.uk/
• Tickets: Get your Longleat tickets here

West Midland Safari Park

Whether you’re driving yourself or jumping on a guided minibus tour, the safari experience at West Midland Safari Park can be enjoyed by everyone.

Animal fanatics can book onto a guided minibus safari tour where the knowledgeable staff will teach you all about the different animals. Can you spot the rhinos, lions, camels and elephants across the 5 different zones? You can even take your own car if you’d prefer to experience the safari at your own pace.

View the animals up close on the African Walking Trail. Watch out for the elephants roaming their new habitat, or the giraffes grazing on the trees.

• Address: West Midland Safari Park. Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF
• Website: https://www.wmsp.co.uk/
• Tickets: Get your WMSP tickets here

Chessington Safari Resort

For a unique type of safari experience, check out Chessington Safari Resort. With a range of themed rooms, you can see animals whilst you sleep.

Choose between exquisitely themed rooms with views over the enclosures of your favourite animals. The giraffe room, tiger room, penguin room and monkey mayhem room overlook the Wanyama reserve.

Many of the rooms include access to the savannah splash pool and hotel entertainment. To finish off your trip, check Chessington World of Adventure for a day full of thrill rides and zoo fun. 

• Address: Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Rd, Chessington. KT9 2NE
• Website: https://www.chessington.com/
• Tickets: Get your Chessington World of Adventures tickets here

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Whipsnade Zoo is one of the biggest zoos in England with over 10,000 animals. As part of the Zoological Society London , Whipsnade is dedicated to conservation, sustainability, and science. 

Whipsnade Zoo has many incredible animals you won’t see elsewhere, like brown bears and wolverines. This year an endangered baby Asian elephant was born at the zoo! Grab tickets for the Elephant Cafe where you will be able to see mum and baby.

Why not try one of the many experiences at the zoo? Become a keeper for the day and you can work with the rhinos, giraffes and elephants. 

• Address: Whipsnade, Dunstable. LU6 2LF
• Website: https://www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo
• Tickets: Get your Whipsnade tickets here

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park

Scottish readers are definitely going to want to visit Blair Drummond Park to get their animal fix. From lions and macaques, to deer and antelope, there’s so much to see. 

Venture through the African animals, Asian animals, the lions and the macaque reserve in your own car for a day of family fun. Will you spot the rhino in the grass or hear the lion roar? The cheeky monkeys love to jump on cars as they pass so don’t forget to lock your doors!

Once you’ve had your drive-through fun you can check out the 300 species at Blair Drummond. I’m a big fan of the wallabies!

• Address: Blair Drummond, Stirling. FK9 4UR
• Website: https://www.blairdrummond.com/
• Tickets: Get your Blair Drummond tickets here

Manor Wildlife Park

If you like to get up close and personal with the wildlife, Manor Wildlife Park in Wales is the safari park for you. With several walkthrough safari experiences, there are so many animals to spot.

Start off your day in the Wallaby Walkthrough, where visitors can see young Joey’s hop into their mother’s pouch. I love to look for my favourite animal, the red panda, through the forest canopy. 

Don’t forget to visit the Lemurs in their Madagascan home where you can watch them jump and climb. If you’re lucky they might even sit next to you!

• Address: Manor Wildlife Park, St Florence, Tenby. SA70 8RJ
• Website: https://www.manorwildlifepark.co.uk/
• Tickets: Get your Manor Wildlife Park tickets here

Port Lympne Safari Park

Come face to face with rare and endangered animals at Port Lympne Safari Park. Head to Kent to experience hundreds of acres of savannah. 

Port Lympne offers three unique safari experiences for you to choose from. On the AAA safari, an expert ranger takes you on a guided tour to see Savannah animals, like the giraffe, zebra, ostrich and wildebeest. Can you spot the black rhino?

Perhaps you’d prefer to jump on the rhino and giraffe safari, or the rangers tour, where you’ll journey through the Asian and African exhibits. 

• Address: Aldington Rd, Lympne, Hythe. CT21 4LR
• Website: https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/
• Tickets: Get your Pork Lympne tickets here

Knowsley Safari Park

Did you know that Knowsley Safari Park is actually the biggest safari park in the UK?

This 550 acre safari park is home to animals from across the globe. Journey through Eastern and Southern Asia, where you can see yaks and deer, or check out the African Savannah zone which is home to one of the largest white rhinos in the UK. Hop on the baboon bus for a car-friendly view of the baboons as they swing off the ropes.

Finish off your day with a walk through the Amur Tiger trail where you can get nose to nose with the two tigers.

• Address: Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot. L34 4AN
• Website: https://www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/
• Tickets: Get your Knowsley Safari Park tickets here

Woburn Safari Park

Check out over 300 acres of drive-through safari nestled amongst the Bedfordshire landscape at Woburn Safari Park. You can have a whole day of fun with the drive-through and walk-through safari experiences.

Drive through the vast nature reserves to spot the animals lurking within. From bison and rhinos, to bears and tigers, there are so many incredible animals across 5 zones. I’d recommend the Kingdom of the Carnivores, where you can see tigers, lions, bears and wolves!

End your experience with the foot safari, where you can explore small mammals and birds. With lemurs, penguins, birds of prey, otters, wallabies, and more, this is not one to be missed.

• Address: Woburn Safari Park, Crawley Rd, Woburn, Ridgmont, Bedford. MK43 0TU
• Website: https://www.woburnsafari.co.uk/
• Tickets: Get your Woburn Safari Park tickets here

Knepp Wildlife Safari

If you’re looking for something different, check out the safari experiences at Knepp Safari. Encounter local wildlife, such as ponies, deer, and pigs, on one of the many vehicle and walking safaris at Knepp.

Hop on the all terrain vehicle and enjoy the half-day safari to discover British wildlife. You will see free-roaming herds of cattle, ponies, pigs and deer on your journey.

You’ll get to stop at the wildlife ‘refugia’ and spot small animals, such as grass snakes, toads and voles. There’s even a cafe stop so you can enjoy delicious local brownies.

Why not try a themed safari, such as the autumn safari, where you can spot red deer stags, or the bats and moths safari, where you can see nocturnal creatures.

• Address: Knepp Wildland Safaris, New Barn Farm, Swallows Ln, Dial Post, Horsham. RH13 8NN
• Website: https://www.kneppsafaris.co.uk/
• Tickets: Get your Knepp Wildlife Safari tickets here

South Lakes Safari Zoo

Home to over 1,000 of the rarest and most endangered species across the globe, South Lakes Safari Zoo is the perfect place to get up close and personal with the animals.

From Africa and Madagascar, to Australia and South America, there’s so much to see. Check out the jaguars and snow leopards or head to the lemurs and arctic wolves. South Lakes Safari Zoo is committed to conservation so you can view the animals in their natural environment. 

Why not book an animal encounter to learn all about your favourite animal? I’d love to prepare Stanley the sloth his favourite snacks!

• Address: South Lakes Safari Zoo, Melton Ter, Lindal in Furness, Ulverston. LA12 0LU
• Website: https://www.southlakessafarizoo.com/
• Tickets: Get your South Lakes Safari Zoo tickets here

Peak Wildlife Park

Peak Wildlife Park offers fantastic walk through experiences for all the family. Whether you decide to explore the African village or walk with the penguins, there’s something for everyone.

Have you ever wanted to walk with the lemurs or wallabies? I certainly have! Watch the lemurs leap through the canopies and listen to their distinct calls, or check out wallaby wonderland where the friendly animals will munch on branches out of your hands.

Head to the African village where you can spot meerkats, chickens, and Pygmy goats. Don’t forget to give their horns a good scratch!

• Address: Peak Wildlife Park, Winkhill, Leek. ST13 7QR
• Website: https://www.peakwildlifepark.co.uk/
• Tickets: Get your Peak Wildlife Park tickets here

Twycross Zoo

Twycross Zoo prides itself on being at the heart of conservation. With several walkthrough enclosures and a brand new The Gruffalo Discovery Land, this is a fantastic choice for little ones. 

Walk among the flutters of colourful wings in the Butterfly Paradise or hand feed the birds at Lorikeet Landing. Head to the goat walkthrough where your little ones (and the biggest members of the family!) can stroke the farmyard animals. 

Check out the lemurs as they weave in and out of your feet. You can even watch the tigers roam above you in the glass visitor tunnel. 

• Address: Twycross Zoo, East Midland Zoological Society, Burton Rd, Atherstone. CV9 3PX
• Website: https://twycrosszoo.org/
• Tickets: Get your Twycross Zoo tickets here

That concludes our list of the best UK safari parks. Which one will you be visiting on your next day out with the family? If you have any questions at all, you can let us know in the comments below!

If you’re looking for other fun days out, then check out our guide to the best theme parks in the UK . Again, this is perfect for the whole family!

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The best safari parks in the uk.

Though nothing can beat seeing animals in their natural habitat, safari parks can be a great substitute when time, money and other circumstances get in the way of your dream trip. Visiting a safari park in the UK can also be a good introduction to safaris for children and other first-timers, as well as a more ethical choice of day out for animal lovers than the zoo.

In this post, we explore the UK’s best safari parks to help you support conservation from the comfort of home. 

The UK’s Best Safari Parks

Longleat safari park.

Set in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, Longleat Safari Park is a really family-friendly day out. In the main park, you can walk past enclosures housing everything from creepy crawlies to wild cats and primates. 

At certain times of the day, you can join a jungle cruise out onto the estate’s huge lake where, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a pair of hippos in the shallows and the silverback lowland gorilla and his family on the island in the centre. Keep your eyes peeled! As part of the trip, you’ll also have the chance to feed the resident sea lions who splash and swim alongside the boat in hopes of gobbling down some fish. 

Of course, the highlight of any trip to Longleat is the self-drive safari. Yes, Wiltshire’s plains are home to 3 of the big 5: lions, rhino and Anne the elephant, as well as cheetah, wolves, tigers and deer. As long as you drive safely and keep your windows closed, the animals are well accustomed to vehicles and can treat you to some incredible encounters. 

Other experiences available at Longleat include giraffe feeding, a lemur walk-through and monkey mayhem, where the rhesus macaques are free to clamber all over your vehicle and remove whatever takes their fancy! You might decide to take the safari bus for this exact reason… 

Longleat is committed to conservation right across the world. From breeding programmes to help restore populations of wild dogs and black rhinos in Tanzania to funding the conservation work of the Red Panda Network in Nepal, Longleat relies on donations and purchases from its visitors to support this critical work. By visiting, you’ll be doing a world of good!

Port Lympne

My personal favourite safari park in the UK is Port Lympne in Kent. This game reserve is the closest you’ll get to Africa in the UK, thanks to its safari drives and various lodge-style accommodation to stay overnight in for the ultimate experience. 

There are enclosures in the main park, housing beautiful animals like lynxes, gorillas and brown bears, as well as lions, tigers and cheetahs in larger pens. You can visit each of these areas on foot, and I recommend timing your visits alongside the programme of ranger talks. These give you the opportunity to hear more about the incredible animals and ask any questions you can think of!

Like Longleat, there are wide open plains that are home to giraffes, zebra and antelope, but the only way to see them is by joining one of the tours, where an experienced guide takes you and a group of others out into the wild on a safari canter. You’ll be lucky enough to see these animals roaming free (or as free as is possible in the Kent countryside), as well as rhinos, elephants, wild dogs and other rare species behind fences.

What makes this place really special is the Aspinall Foundation’s link to conservation efforts in Africa and beyond. Port Lympne has a hugely successful breeding programme that has returned various animals to the wild, including five eastern black rhinos, two cheetahs and over 60 gorillas.

At each enclosure, you’ll be able to read whether the animals inside are candidates for reintroduction, and there are dedicated teams at the park who will be more than willing to tell you more when you visit.

Woburn Safari Park

Over 80 rare and endangered species call Bedfordshire home, and you’ll be able to see them all at Woburn Safari Park. 

Much like other UK safari parks, your visit may begin with a drive-through safari that will take you on a journey across the globe. From the comfort of your own car, you will drive across plains and through grassland to see rare horses, bison, wildebeest, camels, southern white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, monkeys and zebra. 

Of course, my favourite area at Woburn Safari Park is the Kingdom of the Carnivores. Here, you could see Amur tigers, timberwolves, black bears and lions, each species separated into their own enclosures large enough that you’d still need to be lucky to spot them.

Once you have completed your 60-minute loop of the self-drive, your visit will be far from over, as your foot safari treats you to sightings of the smaller animals. Think parrots, meerkats, wallabies, otters, lemurs, sea lions, penguins, squirrel monkeys, red pandas and far too many more to mention.

By purchasing a ticket to Woburn Safari Park, you’ll be helping the team to sustain the population of animals kept onsite, as well as funding the critical conservation work they help to fund around the world. Various projects they support include the International Elephant Foundation, the Wildcats Conservation Alliance and Helping Rhinos. All very worthy causes, I’m sure you’ll agree! 

Knowsley Safari Park

Knowsley Safari Park near Prescot in Merseyside boasts the UK’s longest safari drive over 550 acres. 

Here you’ll have close encounters with African lions, white rhinos and bison from the comfort of your own car. Though if you’re nervous about damage to your vehicle in the baboon enclosure, book a spot on the baboon bus, which is kitted out with climbing ropes and ladders for the baboons to roam free on. You can’t get much closer than that! 

There’s even more to see on the foot safari, including Amur tigers, giraffes, meerkats, bush dogs, birds of prey, sea lions and tapir too. What a treat! There are animal talks and shows scheduled throughout the day, so make sure you plan in advance to see everything you want to.

Knowsley has a dedicated conservation team tasked with educating visitors and the wider public about their critical projects. They also work on the ground with endangered species, including monitoring, anti-poaching activities and fixing fences to reduce human conflict in their natural habitats. 

West Midland Safari & Leisure Park

This safari park in the heart of the Midlands makes a great day out or a holiday in and of itself. A stay in any of the luxury safari lodges promises an incredible encounter with animals including tigers, rhinos and elephants; but with a drive-through safari and village walk also on offer, you’ll have just as good a time without the expensive short break.

The safari drive can be done in your own car or as part of a guided minibus tour, where you’ll see African lions, giraffes, zebra, wild dogs, cheetahs and antelope. There’s also a Wild Asia area housing Indian rhino, swamp deer and blackbucks too.

There is arguably more to see here once you’re out of your car, including lemurs, ostriches, red pandas, hippos, meerkats, penguins, sea lions and… dinosaurs. Yes, really! Animatronic replicas of T-rexes, velociraptors and more growl and roar through the bushes in the Land of the Living Dinosaurs. There really is plenty to see and do here!

You’ll notice ‘Leisure Park’ has been appended to the name, meaning there’s more here than the animals. Virtual reality experiences, rollercoasters, log flumes and more can be found in the Adventure Theme Park, where rides are available for an additional fee. 

As perhaps the most theme park-like safari park in the UK, you’d be forgiven for believing this makes conservation less of a priority for West Midland. But that’s far from the truth. From research projects to breeding programmes, your entrance fee and other purchases will be supporting endangered species and biodiversity across the world. 

Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park

Located just outside Stirling, Blair Drummond is easily one of the best safari parks in the UK, let alone in Scotland! 

As well as the famous safari animals like lions and rhinos in the drive-through area, Blair Drummond is also home to a huge variety of rare and fascinating species. Over 300 animals including Highland cattle, red ruffed lemur and llamas can be found on foot, making for a packed and wild day out. 

Conservation is an important aspect of Blair Drummond’s work. Since 2014, the park has given over £192k worth of funding to conservation projects, with that money contributing to the salaries of anti-poaching teams, their equipment and fighting deforestation. 

So there you have it: The UK’s best safari parks from every corner of the county. Which one will you discover first?

Anna is the founder of Really Wildlife. She's a 30-something lover of wildlife travel, vegetables and listening to the Lion King soundtrack on full blast.

Woburn Safari Park

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WOBURN SAFARI PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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How ethical are animal safaris really?

Animal safari is a bucket list favourite, but are there are drawbacks to playing paparazzi around animals?

If safari’s history is rooted in hunting, cameras have replaced the gun. Few destinations appear on travel bucket lists as much as the exploration of African parks. Seeing animals in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience, laden with expectation and, rightly or wrongly, it remains one of the most enticing reasons to visit Africa. But is it ethical?

The background of safari is strongly interwoven with hunting; shooting trophy animals such as elephants or lions were considered as high status with colonialists – and consequently Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, Clark Gable and Robert Redford – as a luxury yacht is Philip Green. There is, of course, a tasteless repulsiveness in swathes of white men roaming a country that didn’t belong to them, killing their animals, while the locals carried their belongings.

.css-1pfpin{font-family:NewParisTextBook,NewParisTextBook-roboto,NewParisTextBook-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-size:1.75rem;line-height:1.2;margin:0rem;padding-left:5rem;padding-right:5rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1pfpin{padding-left:2.5rem;padding-right:2.5rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1pfpin{font-size:2.5rem;line-height:1.2;}}.css-1pfpin b,.css-1pfpin strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1pfpin em,.css-1pfpin i{font-style:normal;font-family:NewParisTextItalic,NewParisTextItalic-roboto,NewParisTextItalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;} "If safari’s history is rooted in hunting, cameras have replaced the gun"

Now, in an era where we are more environmentally conscious than ever before, the idea of killing animals for entertainment repels us, and the idea behind safari has evolved. But the idea of it as a fantasy still stands. We still wear the same colonial-inspired khaki garb of our predecessors and we expect, over the course of our dream holiday, to see an animal. Instead of pointing a gun at an animal, we wave our phones and long lens cameras at them.

The former obviously has a more devastating effect than the other, but we are still hunting. We track them through jungles on foot, or we follow them in open-top jeeps with binoculars. We surround them with iPhones as they eat or climb up trees, or sleep with their families. In Africa, we become the paparazzi.

“There’s a gut instinct because to be up close to any of these beautiful animals is awe-inspiring, and it’s something people 10 years ago wouldn’t have even questioned,” says Peta’s Corporate Project Director Yvonne Taylor. “But now, people are questioning, ‘was that right? Why were those animals so happy to sit there and have their photos taken?’ It’s a question of how did that animal become so relaxed around its predator.”

Animal tracking – be it gorillas, lions or wild dogs – has risen with tourism’s demand for a more authentic travel experience. Tourists in small groups join guides and rangers in natural parks, jungle and forests to follow animals that have been habituated, ie tamed to be comfortable around humans. Peta reports the number of companies offering activities that use animals as entertainment has fallen, but that tracking could fall under the same umbrella.

“It’s not only unnatural, but it’s also unsafe to habituate an animal,” says Taylor. “These are wild animals; no matter how long they’ve been in captivity or have been around humans, they still retain a natural instinct. Even animals who have been born and bred in captivity can still attack or kill people in these facilities. This is not something working in their best interest. If the animal’s best interest is to live and full and natural life in the wild, it’s not to try and have them accustomed to human behaviour so that tourists can take selfies.”

"If the animal’s best interest is to live a full life in the wild, it’s not to try and accustom them to human behaviour so that tourists can take selfies"

Another challenge facing wildlife safari is the risk that the animals have in contracting human illnesses. While, in the case of game drives, humans are kept at a distance from the animals, some organisations offer activities where visitors can take up close-up pictures with them, and sometimes even touching them. There have been examples where docile lions posing with humans were found to have been drugged, or elephants who have been tamed via “spirit crushing means”, as Taylor says, but – as safari companies become more ethical in terms of animal treatment – one if the key issues is how to prevent the wildlife from contracting human illnesses.

Bwindi Field Office Manager and Community Health Field Officer Alex Ngabirano, who has been working in the Ugandan field for 12 years, says it’s certainly a problem that needs to be addressed.

“Due to close genetic relatedness, gorillas are at risk of contracting human pathogens,” he told us, adding that tourists are not permitted to track gorillas when they’re sick. “Common colds are among the illnesses and that’s why we recommend at least to keep seven metres away while viewing gorillas.”

The ethics of safari isn’t a clear-cut issue. Both Taylor and Ngabirano agree that responsible safari tourism is crucial to animal protection and survival, and vastly improves the economy of local communities. Ngabirano also stresses that animal habituation, specifically in gorillas, is a sensitively handled issue that takes place over the course of a year. The animals are left in their natural surroundings, and pursue their lives in the most natural way possible.

“Habituation is a process,” he says, “whereby the gorillas are slowly tamed to generate revenue for sustainability of conservation. It also improves the livelihoods of communities living around protected forests.”

Ultimately, he says, it comes down to whether or not tourists abide by protocol – staying the advised distance from the wildlife, avoiding flash photography, avoiding human contact, keeping a low voice and only spending a limited hour with any animal so as not to cause them any stress. Small groups are also advised to prevent stress - the Uganda Wildlife Authority recommends only eight tourists for tracking a gorilla family each day “as to manage their anxiety levels”.

Praveen Moman, who grew up in Uganda, established Volcanoes Safaris in 1997, four luxury lodges in Rwanda and Uganda near the great ape parks, Virunga, Mount Gahinga, Bwindi and Kyambura. His goal was to use tourism to boost and empower local communities, as well as conserving and protecting the wildlife.

"If these animals in the forest or savannah do not have economic value, then why should anyone support their existence?"

He says that without the economic benefits of safari tourism, then local communities are unlikely to see the advantages of looking after the animals, especially when they so often roam into neighbouring villages and eat from their farms, and therefore damaging their livelihoods.

“If you are going to try to save the plains, savannahs and the wildlife of Africa, you have to connect then to an economic value,” he explained. “People like us, who are privileged in the world, who are able to buy a gorilla permit, or a game drive are helping those parks. That money will directly and indirectly go back to those communities.

“If these animals in the forest or savannah do not have economic value, then why should anyone support their existence?” he posits. “We can support it because we’re privileged, but it’s a luxury to be able to do that. Local people and governments do not have that privilege. Unless you link it to the economic supply chain, the local community might say, ‘this park is an inconvenience to us, let’s clear the bush and use it for local farming. If we can farm, we can afford to feed our kids.’ It’s deeply important these things produce money for local people.”

He also added that the animal safari has led to a fall in poaching, which often stems from poverty. “If you have limited amounts of money and you want meat and the beef in the market is x amount of dollars or x pounds a kilo, and you can kill a hippo, buffalo or something, yourself it’ll be much cheaper. Animals can feed you,” he says. “Higher up the chain, if you are connected to ivory smuggling for example, it can produce a lot of money. Tourism connects the wildlife and the area to the wealth of the world. International tourists come, they pay money to go on a game drive and to enter a park, they stay in a lodge nearby, the lodge employs local people… If you don’t have that, then the temptation is to look for other ways of finding value from those animals.”

"It’s very important to connect to the community and not to just have luxury ghettos"

A percentage of every gorilla permit sold in Uganda and Rwanda (and prices ranch from $700 and $1500 depending on what country you’re in), goes towards the local community and the remainder goes back in the respective government, who in turn look after the parks, pay the rangers, anti-poaching patrols, fund any community work and park management.

“If you left the gorillas in the jungle without habituation, and without economic value, would they survive?” asks Moman. “This is where conservation has to pay for itself. If it’s isn't and you just put it on a pedestal, the animals’ survival is questionable.”

The benefits of safari tourism on the locals runs beyond making money. Many lodges run community projects that empower and offer career opportunities for nearby residents. Volcanoes Safaris, for example, runs a bar and restaurant in the neighbouring village, attached to its Bwindi outpost, which serves as a hospitality training institution for local disadvantaged youths.

At its Kyambura Lodge, Volcanoes operates a women’s coffee cooperative, a community-based initiative designed to provide vocational training to women and an alternative, but sustainable, source of income, as well as a café that employs local youths, both male and female, who are disadvantaged as a result of the loss of parents, HIV/AIDS, or physical or mental disabilities. The company also restored the local wetlands, which was previously used as an illegal brick works, now attracting over 200 species of birds, different mammals and primates. It’s also used to train members of the community in birding and guiding.

“It’s very important to connect to the community and not to just have luxury ghettos,” he says. We don’t want to build things that are separate from our world. We want to be connected to it and that means people and animals. We’ve seen a number of people who come up within our own management and some whom have gone onto university or the children of staff who have onto university. Advancement has happened in terms of being connected to local lodges.”

Ultimately, it comes down to doing your research. Peta’s Taylor says steer clear of any companies that guarantee seeing animals up close.

“No reputable establishment that gives animals anything close to a normal life would ever make promises like that,” she says. “Photo opportunities with animals, giving them rides or bathing with animals – these aren’t normal activities for animals, even ones born in captivity. So, before you visit an establishment, make sure you look at the activities they offer and at comments on what other animal organisations or media outlets have reported about the park.”

“Read online information carefully and always choose established operators,” says Moman. “Ask why some drives are so much cheaper than another? Be responsible.”

Three nights at Volcanoes Safaris Kyambura Gorge and three nights at Bwindi Lodge including a gorilla trek, chimp trek and Kazinga Channel Boat cruise including all meals, drinks, transfers, internal flights and international flights on Kenya Airways from Heathrow would cost from £5,300 per person with Africa Odyssey.

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Woburn Safari Park

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Woburn Safari Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• (0.34 mi) The Firs Guest House
• (2.28 mi) Havisham House
• (3.49 mi) South Lodge
• (4.55 mi) The White House B&B
• (7.46 mi) Premier Inn Milton Keynes Central (Xscape) hotel
• (0.39 mi) Rose & Crown
• (0.34 mi) The Firs cafe & Guest House
• (1.15 mi) Ridgmont Station Tea Room and Heritage Centre
• (0.79 mi) The White Horse
• (2.74 mi) Ottoman Kitchen
• (5.96 mi) Alders Air Gun Range
• (4.84 mi) Big Rock Hub
• (6.53 mi) Blackout Escape Rooms
• (5.76 mi) Formula Fast Karting
• (4.84 mi) Climb Quest

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Woburn admits it gave bull elephant electric shocks

This article is subject to a legal complaint from Woburn Safari Park and Mike Potter

A male elephant at Woburn Safari Park which has been described by bosses there as “one of the best trained and most manageable bulls in Europe" was forced to obey its keeper’s commands with the use of high voltage electric shocks, it has emerged.

Raja, a 16-year-old Asian bull elephant, was trained in the past by being given jolts from an electric goad when he disobeyed. The 4ft-long goads, also known as “hotshots”, deliver a charge of at least 4,500 volts and their use has been condemned as inhumane by animal welfare campaigners.

Last week The Sunday Times revealed that Woburn, which is known for displaying animals such as lions

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Woburn safari park.

Postcode: MK43 0TU

Woburn Safari Park, nestled in Bedfordshire's lush landscapes, offers a captivating blend of heritage and wildlife conservation. Venture on a unique road safari experience, encountering exotic animals amidst the grandeur of the historic Woburn Abbey estate.

Visitor information: woburn safari park.

Woburn Safari Park, a gem tucked away in the picturesque landscapes of Bedfordshire, stands as a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts, families, and conservationists. Spanning vast expanses of carefully designed habitats, the park offers an unrivalled close-up experience of exotic animals in a setting that mirrors their natural homes. Dive into the vibrant world of Woburn and explore the magic that awaits within its bounds.

A Royal Legacy: Housed within the historical grounds of Woburn Abbey, the Safari Park inherits a regal legacy that dates back centuries. The Bedfordshire estate, belonging to the Dukes of Bedford, transformed a portion of its expansive grounds in the 1970s into a sanctuary for wildlife, emphasizing conservation and public education. Today, it serves as a beacon of coexistence between human heritage and nature’s wonders.

A Drive on the Wild Side: Unlike traditional zoos, Woburn offers a unique road safari experience. From the comfort of their cars, visitors can traverse the park’s diverse zones, from the grassy plains inhabited by majestic African lions and graceful antelope to the wooded areas where Asian elephants roam freely. Every twist and turn on this safari adventure promises exhilarating encounters with wildlife.

Foot Safari: A Closer Look: For those eager to stretch their legs and venture closer, Woburn’s foot safari is the answer. Meander through carefully designed walkways, observing creatures like playful monkeys, curious meerkats, and vibrant birds. The foot safari also offers interactive experiences, allowing visitors to engage with some animals under the guidance of knowledgeable keepers.

Conservation at its Core: Woburn Safari Park isn’t just about observation and entertainment; it is deeply committed to conservation. The park participates in international breeding programs to support endangered species and runs educational initiatives to foster awareness about the importance of wildlife preservation. Through partnerships, research, and visitor engagement, Woburn is at the forefront of wildlife protection.

Beyond the Wildlife: While animals are undoubtedly the star attraction, Woburn offers more than just wildlife sightings. Adventure playgrounds cater to younger visitors, ensuring they expend energy while having tons of fun. Meanwhile, dining options and gift shops provide a touch of convenience and luxury to the wild safari experience.

Woburn Safari Park is more than a destination; it’s a journey into the heart of the wild. With its commitment to providing unparalleled wildlife experiences, coupled with its dedication to conservation, the park ensures that every visit is not only entertaining but also enlightening. Whether you’re a budding naturalist, an adventure seeker, or someone simply looking for a unique day out, Woburn Safari Park promises memories that last a lifetime.

Road Safari Experience : Drive through diverse habitats, encountering majestic lions, roaming elephants, and more.

Foot Safari : Walk through designated areas to observe creatures like monkeys, meerkats, and vibrant birds up close.

Historical Setting : Located within the grounds of the iconic Woburn Abbey, adding a touch of regal charm.

Conservation Initiatives : Active participation in international breeding programs and educational efforts to promote wildlife preservation.

Adventure Playgrounds : Tailored spaces for younger visitors to play and explore.

Expert Keeper Talks : Interactive sessions providing insights into the lives and behaviours of park animals.

Dining Options : Varied eateries offering delicious meals and snacks to refuel during visits.

Gift Shops : A chance to purchase souvenirs, toys, and memorabilia, encapsulating memories of the visit.

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Woburn Safari Park

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

WOBURN SAFARI PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Woburn Safari Park

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

WOBURN SAFARI PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:00
• (0.54 km) The Firs Guest House
• (3.65 km) Havisham House
• (5.58 km) South Lodge
• (7.27 km) The White House B&B
• (11.93 km) Premier Inn Milton Keynes Central (Xscape) hotel
• (0.62 km) Rose & Crown
• (0.54 km) The Firs cafe & Guest House
• (1.83 km) Ridgmont Station Tea Room and Heritage Centre
• (1.26 km) The White Horse
• (4.39 km) Ottoman Kitchen
• (9.54 km) Alders Air Gun Range
• (7.75 km) Big Rock Hub
• (10.44 km) Blackout Escape Rooms
• (9.22 km) Formula Fast Karting
• (7.75 km) Climb Quest

• Flamingo Specialist Group’s Small Grants Fund
• BIAZA Animal Trainer Accreditation
• BIAZA Photography Competition

Job opportunities

• Job Opportunities

Carnivore Keeper - Extended Work Year Placement

Woburn Safari Park

Animal Keeper - Extended Work Placement at Woburn Safari Park to Suit Individuals Seeking an Industrial Year Placement

Dates:  Starting January 2024 x 1 position              Starting June 2024 x 2 positions

Purpose of placement:  To enable individuals to gain husbandry skills and experience with a range of animals through working alongside the experienced animal keeping team at Woburn, who provide their animals with an exceptional level of care. 

Placement: Carnivore section, caring for lions, bears, wolves and tigers   Key tasks:  •    Animal husbandry including mucking out, preparation and giving of food, provision of enrichment, maintenance and presentation of houses and enclosures.  •    Interaction with guests through patrolling sections  •    Ensuring that correct safety regulations are followed at all times 

Experience/Learning opportunities:  •    Hands on experience in the husbandry of exotic / Category 1 animals  •    Knowledge of the management of captive exotic animals  •    Experience of customer service  •    Experience of visitor education 

Research opportunity:  There is scope to carry out a research project as part of this role. Any research projects must follow Woburn Safari Park ethical and research guidelines and a separate research proposal must be submitted and approved before any research can take place. This can be discussed during the placement.

The successful person should have the following:  •    Previous experience of working with animals – does not need to be with exotic animals  •    Good communication skills  •    Flexibility with working patterns  •    Understanding and appreciation of health and safety  •    Strong interest in animal management and conservation  •    Hard working and able to carry out physically demanding tasks 

This is a voluntary placement, with no payment offered, for a maximum period of a year. Candidates will need to have the ability to financially support themselves for the entire length of the placement.

We are looking for candidates who are willing and able to commit up to 12 months and available to work 5 days per week, which will include some weekends. Regrettably we are unable to offer accommodation.  Please note there is no public transport to the Park.  Applicants must hold a full driving licence and have access to transport.

To comply with Health & Safety Regulations, all employees working with animals must be 18 or over.

Apply for this job:

To apply please visit:  https://www.woburn.co.uk/careers/vacancy/?Category=Animal%2520Keeping&Advert=u3G%2FFvbFCyY3pux6%2Fj0mJQ%3D%3D

BIAZA, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY

General enquiries : 07593 580605 For press enquiries: 07593 580603 Email : [email protected]

BIAZA's office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Contact outside of those times will get a response when we are next in the office.

If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602. If you wish to reach one of our members, please contact them directly.

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales number 6789783. Registered Office Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Registered Charity Number is 1128168 and SC040783 (Scotland)

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