This story appears in the June 2019 issue of National Geographic magazine.
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Suffering unseen: The dark truth behind wildlife tourism
Captive wild animal encounters are hugely popular, thanks partly to social media. But our investigation shows many creatures lead dismal lives.
For $10, tourists can pose with this tiger at Phuket Zoo, in Thailand. Examples of souvenir photos are displayed here on a poster board. The tiger is held by a short chain and can’t stand up. Tigers may be declawed, or even drugged, to protect people around them.
Go Further
Animals
- They’re destructive, they number 5 million—and they’re sacredThey’re destructive, they number 5 million—and they’re sacred
- Not just a mascot: The real owls of FAU are underdogs too.Not just a mascot: The real owls of FAU are underdogs too.
- What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.
- They ripped through a wilderness for oil—and found troubleThey ripped through a wilderness for oil—and found trouble
- Mexico slapped with sanctions for failure to protect wildlifeMexico slapped with sanctions for failure to protect wildlife
- Rare 'blonde' penguin spotted in Antarctica. See the photo.Rare 'blonde' penguin spotted in Antarctica. See the photo.
Environment
- From Radar to AI: The future of conservation
- Paid Content for Advertiser
From Radar to AI: The future of conservation - Is the edge of a desert the right place to plant a forest?Is the edge of a desert the right place to plant a forest?
- Cliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realmCliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realm
History & Culture
- How did England’s ‘lost king’ end up beneath a parking lot?How did England’s ‘lost king’ end up beneath a parking lot?
- Meet Mexico's 'forgotten panda.' She's the last of her kind.Meet Mexico's 'forgotten panda.' She's the last of her kind.
- These 5 destinations are among the holiest sites in IslamThese 5 destinations are among the holiest sites in Islam
- Was the ‘Colorado Cannibal’ a villain or a victim? You decide.Was the ‘Colorado Cannibal’ a villain or a victim? You decide.
Science
- T. rex had lips, upending its enduring pop culture imageT. rex had lips, upending its enduring pop culture image
- Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics. What’s the difference?Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics. What’s the difference?
- See a rare planetary alignment—before it’s too lateSee a rare planetary alignment—before it’s too late
- How your senses change as you age—and how to keep them sharpHow your senses change as you age—and how to keep them sharp
- Why do some love to exercise? It might be their microbiome.Why do some love to exercise? It might be their microbiome.
Travel
- Explore 6 of history’s most infamous scams and hoaxesExplore 6 of history’s most infamous scams and hoaxes
- Untangling the new national park reservation systemUntangling the new national park reservation system
- How a brutal POW camp became an idyllic island paradiseHow a brutal POW camp became an idyllic island paradise
- Paganism is on the rise—here’s where to discover its traditionsPaganism is on the rise—here’s where to discover its traditions