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Now summer holiday season is officially upon us, eco-tourism companies around the world are preparing to receive millions of nature-loving Brits hoping to interact with wild animals in their own environments.

Most responsible travellers wouldn’t dream of going to see blatantly cruel bear baiting or an orangutan boxing match while abroad, or even visit an animal circus or zoo because of concerns over animal welfare.

But many would be quite happy to visit a tiger sanctuary, swim with dolphins or ride an elephant through the jungle.

However, many seemingly ethical animal tourist activities can also bring tragic consequences for animals.

Here are some which animal welfare groups are urging holidaymakers to avoid.

Tiger sanctuaries

For those who are against seeing a caged tiger in a zoo, experiencing them in a so-called tiger sanctuary might seem reasonable.

But the word ‘sanctuary’ is often grossly misleading, especially in countries like Thailand where tourists can also sit with a tiger and pose for a photo.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

In order to keep the animals docile for the tourists, the tigers are chained to the ground and pumped with sedatives.

And to keep them safe for the tiger selfies, the big cats also often have their teeth and claws removed and even the tendons in their wrists cut they they are unable to swat or run.

Whale watching

This has become a beloved past-time for animal lovers who would never dream of going to see whales perform in captivity.

But animal groups warn against taking part whale watching tours.

Boats often chase down the animals to get a better look, resulting in many hitting and seriously injuring the whales.

(Image: Getty Images)

The noises caused by engines can also disrupt mating routines and drive the whales away from feeding areas.

If you want to see whales in the wild, ask the tour company about their whale watching codes.

A responsible company will state that the won’t chase the whales, but rather anchor off at a safe distance to observe the whales without disturbing them.

Elephant rides

Riding atop an elephant - and posting the obligatory photo on social media - is an experience many people dream about when planning a holiday to Southeast Asia.

But most tourists have no idea that they are only able to ride them because the elephant was brutally tortured to breaking point when it was still a baby.

(Image: Getty Images) (Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Baby elephants are ripped away from their mother by poachers, then confined to a very small space, like a cage or hole in the ground, and beaten with clubs, pierced with sharp bull-hooks, and simultaneously starved and deprived of sleep until they become submissive.

The process is called Phajaan, or ’the crush’ by captors.

After the elephant has been “crushed” they’re taught to perform tricks like ‘painting’ pictures, dancing or playing piano, or to accept human riders, whose weight eventually causes back and joint problems and a premature death.

Swimming with dolphins

Another bucketlist favourite for animal lovers, dolphin swims are common in places like the Caribbean.

The experience is also popular among tourists to the Amazon, who can get in the water with the freshwater ‘boto’ dolphin.

But animal groups warn people to think twice before signing up to swimming with dolphins, even in the wild.

(Image: Getty Images/Image Source)

Research has found that swimming close to bottlenose dolphins can be highly stressful for the aquatic creatures, preventing them from resting, feeding or nurturing their young.

Lori Marino, a neuroscientist at Emory university in Atlanta, said they could suffer "psychological problems" stemming from swimming with tourists.

And there is also the risk of transmitting diseases between humans and dolphins.

Lion cub petting

Lion sanctuaries raise lions from birth and offer tourists the cuddle and take selfies with the cute, fluffy cubs.

But while visitors might think they are helping the centres to breed the majestic animals, many don’t know that the cubs they are handling are destined to become a hunter’s wall mount.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images) (Image: Universal Images Group via Getty)

One the lions have reached maturity, they are sold to big game hunters, who trap the animals in an enclosed area and spend hours following them before shooting them dead for entertainment.

Because the lions have spent their lives accustomed to positive interactions with tourists, they are less wary of people and are easier to hunt.

Equestrian arts shows

Horse lovers on holiday to Europe may consider going to see a horse arts show popular in countries like France and Portugal.

But many shows can be incredibly cruel for the horses.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

In many cases the animals have been trained to perform using electric shocks to their anuses.

The horses are also forced into positions that are highly unnatural for their physiology, such as bowing and doing a curtsey.

And the shows often end with a fireworks display, the noises of which can frighten these sensitive animals.