Wildlife tourism attractions like zoos can be powerful tools for conservation and education. Unfortunately, not all animal attractions have the well-being of wildlife in mind. Across the U.S. and beyond, unethical zoos and other facilities exploit animals for profit, misleading the public with false conservation claims while neglecting the very animals they claim to protect.
As someone with a degree in tourism management with a focus on sustainable tourism, and currently pursuing a graduate degree in biology researching the intersection of tourism and wildlife conservation, I have spent years studying the dark side of wildlife tourism. From bear farms to unethical breeding operations masquerading as sanctuaries, the reality is grim—but the good news is, there are effective ways to fight back.
The Problem: Wildlife Tourism for Profit, Not Conservation
Many so-called “sanctuaries” and “rescues” are nothing more than breeding mills, tourist traps, or underfunded operations that lack proper staff and care standards. These places lure visitors in with the promise of once-in-a-lifetime experiences like snuggling with a baby tiger or feeding a bear cub. However, once those animals grow too large to interact with visitors, they often face neglect, sale to private collectors, or even slaughter.
Take places like Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary, or Yellowstone Bear World. These places claim to offer ethical wildlife experiences while breeding and exploiting animals for profit. Shalom, for instance, has been caught misleading the public with false claims about their animals, such as fabricating the existence of a so-called “hybrid fox” to boost ticket sales. This kind of deception is dangerous, not only for the animals but for the visitors who trust these facilities to be responsible caretakers.
Why Calling Unethical Zoos Out on Social Media Won't Work
If you’ve ever tried leaving a negative review or commenting on a questionable wildlife facility’s social media page, you probably already know that they don’t tolerate criticism. These businesses heavily moderate their social media pages, turning off comments on TikTok, filtering Facebook posts, and blocking anyone who speaks out.
This is not an accident. It is an intentional strategy to maintain a false sense of public approval. By controlling the narrative, they can continue to lure in unsuspecting tourists who don’t realize they’re supporting animal exploitation.
So, if blasting unethical zoos on their own pages won’t work, what will?
The Solution: Hitting Them Where It Hurts—Their Business Model
The only reason these unethical zoos exist is because they make money. If they stop making money, they stop operating. That’s where we, as a community, can make an impact.
Support Only Ethical Wildlife Attractions
Instead of boycotting all zoos or animal attractions, support the ones doing it right. AZA-accredited zoos (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) are required to participate in real conservation efforts and adhere to strict animal welfare standards. Spend your money at facilities that prioritize wildlife research, rehabilitation, and ethical education.
Educate Others About Unethical Zoos In Ways That Can’t Be Censored
Social media posts can be deleted, but blogs, YouTube videos, and independent websites can’t be silenced as easily. Make educational content exposing unethical wildlife attractions using strong SEO tactics so that when people search for these places, they find the truth instead of marketing lies.
File FOIA Requests & Publish the Records
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows you to request public records from the USDA regarding an animal facility’s communications, vet records, animal purchases and sales, and violations. Once you have these documents, publish them online and send press releases to local news stations to bring attention to the issue.
Use the USDA’s animal care search tool to find license numbers and public inspection reports.
Learn how to file a FOIA request here.
Pressure Local Tourism Boards to Stop Supporting Unethical Zoos
One of the most effective ways to take down unethical zoos is to remove their visibility from tourism marketing materials. Contact your local Destination Management Organization (DMO)—they’re the ones responsible for promoting tourism in your area. Let them know about unethical facilities, and ask that they stop promoting them to tourists. No promotions mean fewer visitors, fewer ticket sales, and less profit.
Educate Your Community
Most people who visit unethical zoos genuinely love animals—they just don’t know the truth. That’s why we need to talk about it. Share the facts with friends, family, and coworkers. Mention it in casual conversations—the grocery store, work, school, wherever. Encourage people to research before they visit an animal attraction.
People can’t know what they don’t know—so it’s up to us to make sure they do.
Stick to the Truth—It’s Bad Enough Already
When exposing unethical zoos and other wildlife attractions, there is absolutely no need to make up lies. The reality of what these places do—breeding animals for profit, neglecting their welfare, misleading the public, and discarding animals once they’re no longer useful—is already horrific. Fabricating accusations or exaggerating claims only weakens the fight against them by giving these businesses an easy way to discredit legitimate criticism.
The truth is powerful. Using facts, evidence, and documentation ensures that when people research these places, they see undeniable proof of their unethical practices—not easily dismissible rumors. Stay truthful, stay factual, and let their own actions be their downfall.
Taking Action Against Unethical Zoos Together
If we want to stop tigers from being bred for profit, bear cubs from being exploited, and fake sanctuaries from misleading the public, we need to work together to remove their financial incentives. Ethical wildlife tourism does exist, and by making informed choices, supporting true conservation efforts, and exposing the bad actors, we can make a real difference.
These places thrive on public ignorance—so make sure people know the truth. Share this information, educate others, and most importantly, put your money where it truly benefits wildlife.
