Animal Welfare Policy

Purpose & Scope

Wildlife experiences are a central appeal of nature-based tourism. At Chimu Adventures, we are committed to protecting the welfare of animals encountered during our expeditions—whether in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador or the remote wilderness of Antarctica and the Arctic.

This policy applies to all wildlife-related activities we operate, promote, or sell. It is designed to guide our staff, suppliers, partners, and travellers in understanding and upholding animal welfare standards, in alignment with the internationally recognized Five Domains Model.

Chimu Adventures:

• Only supports wildlife experiences that occur in natural habitats

• Excludes any tourism involving direct contact, captivity, or exploitation of wildlife

• Uses only operators certified by IAATO (Antarctica) or AECO (Arctic), as applicable

• Encourages respectful wildlife viewing and conservation-positive tourism

Animal Welfare Foundations: The Five Domains

We use the internationally recognized Five Domains Model to guide our approach to animal welfare. This model provides a comprehensive framework that considers both the physical and mental wellbeing of animals.

The Five Domains are:

• Nutrition: Access to clean, balanced diets and water.

• Environment: Comfort in terms of space, terrain, noise, temperature, and predictability.

• Health: Absence of disease, injury, and impairment.

• Behaviour: Opportunities for natural behaviours like foraging, bonding, and retreating.

• Mental State: Promotion of positive states like comfort and vitality, and reduction of fear, pain, and boredom.

These principles form the foundation for all decisions and actions we take regarding animal welfare across our operations.

Difference Between Wild and Domesticated Animals

Chimu Adventures recognizes that there is a difference between wild and domesticated animals. 
Domesticated animals are animals such as dogs or horses that have undergone selective 
breeding over many generations to be notably and genetically different to their wild ancestors. As 
a result, domesticated animals adapt more readily to captive conditions and are generally easier
to handle than their wild counterparts.

Wild animals have not undergone selective breeding and remain genetically and behaviorally 
distinct from domesticated species. Their welfare is compromised in captivity, and they are best 
experienced in their natural habitats. Captivity is only acceptable when it serves the animal’s 
best interests and meets the highest standards of care – see Section 6 for our criteria on
sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers. Domesticated animals, such as horses and mules, have 
adapted over generations to human care and handling, making them more suitable for certain 
travel contexts when managed responsibly.

Riding and Using Animals for Transport
Chimu Adventures may include horse or mule transport in select itineraries where it is culturally 
appropriate, and welfare standards are met. We expect the following:

• Animals must be healthy, well-fed, and not visibly injured or underweight

• Loads must be appropriate to the animal’s size and condition

• Animals must not be overworked or forced to operate in extreme conditions

• Handlers must treat animals humanely and avoid physical force or harmful restraints

Wildlife Viewing Guidelines

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of both wildlife and observers, we ask all guests to follow these best-practice guidelines during any encounter with animals in their natural habitats.

General Guidelines for All Destinations

• Maintain a safe and non-invasive distance

• Observe animals quietly; avoid flash photography and sudden movement

• Never touch or feed wild animals

• Avoid activities that offer direct contact (e.g., selfies with sloths)

• Remain on designated paths and in vehicles where applicable

• Avoid calling out, whistling, or making noises to attract animals’ attention

• Do not chase, lure, or bait animals with food or sound to provoke a reaction

• Refrain from using flashlights or torches during night viewing

• Respect marine life by keeping a safe distance when swimming, snorkelling, or diving

• Always allow animals the right of way and avoid blocking their path or forcing them to change direction
• If an animal changes behaviour due to your presence, you are too close – move away calmly

• Remain on designated paths and in vehicles where applicable

Regional Regulations and Standards

Chimu Adventures is committed to the following wildlife viewing standards to prevent animal exploitation, support conservation, and reflect our commitment to responsible travel.

Antarctica: IAATO Guidelines

(International Association of Antarctic Tourism Operators)

We operate exclusively with IAATO-accredited operators, who follow:

• Compliance with IAATO Codes of Conduct, including wildlife interactions

• Wildlife must not be touched, fed, or disturbed in anyway, and natural behaviour must not be disrupted

• Species-specific minimum distances must be maintained to avoid disturbance (e.g. 5–50 metres depending on species)

• No approach by drones or vessels that might disturb seals, penguins, or whales

• No food, biological material, or waste left ashore

• Mandatory boot cleaning biosecurity protocols to protect fragile ecosystems and prevent avian flu or other transmission

• Field staff must be trained in IAATO’s wildlife and biosecurity protocols

• More: www.iaato.org

Arctic: AECO Guidelines

(Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators)

We operate exclusive with AECO-accredited operators, who follow:

• Compliance with AECO Guidelines for responsible Arctic wildlife interactions

• Wildlife must not be touched, fed, or disturbed, and natural behaviours must not be disrupted

• Species-appropriate minimum distances must be maintained to avoid disturbance (e.g. 100-200 meters depending on species)

• No approach by drones, vessels, or on foot that could disturb polar bears, musk oxen, seals or other wildlife

• No food, waste or pollutants left ashore, supporting AECO’s Clean Seas initiatives

• Mandatory biosecurity procedures to prevent disease transmission and protect fragile Arctic ecosystems

• Expedition staff must be trained in AECO’s wildlife safety, environmental, and biosecurity protocols.

• More: www.aeco.no

Galapagos Islands: Galapagos National Park Authority

We support the strict conservation rules set by the Galapagos National Park, which are designed to safeguard the islands’ unique wildlife. All ship operators we work with are required to hold valid permits from the Galapagos National Park Directorate and must follow its environmental guidelines.

These rules include:

• Strict no-touch and no-feed policies to ensure that wildlife remains wild and does not become dependent on or stressed by human interaction

• Mandatory safe distances between visitors and animals, always respected to avoid disrupting natural behaviour

• Guided visits only — all land excursions must be led by licensed naturalist guides trained in conservation and animal welfare

• Zoning and visitor limits to prevent overcrowding and reduce environmental pressure on sensitive habitats

• Prohibitions on flash photography, drones, and loud noises to minimise animal disturbance

• No introduction of pets or removal of natural items to protect the ecosystem

• Rigorous biosecurity protocols, such as footwear cleaning and inspection of gear, to prevent the introduction of invasive species that threaten local fauna

• Strict waste management policies – all waste must be carried out to protect habitats

• More: www.galapagos.gob.ec

Sanctuaries and Captive Facilities

We only visit animal sanctuaries or conservation centres if they meet strict criteria:

• The primary goal is rescue, rehabilitation, and release

• No performances, feeding, selfies, or petting permitted

• No breeding unless part of an accredited, conservation-based program

• Operated under accreditation or oversight by reputable animal welfare or conservation organisations

We do not support:

• Zoos with commercial animal shows

• Wildlife cafés or roadside menageries

• Facilities keeping animals solely for tourism revenue

Animal Products and Ethical Consumerism

We educate our travellers to avoid:

• Product made from ivory, turtle shell, coral, or skins

• Traditional medicines containing animal parts

• Restaurants displaying or serving exotic or captive wildlife

• Products contributing to illegal wildlife trade and species decline

Unacceptable Animal-Related Activities

We do not engage with or promote:

• Captive animal selfies or encounters

• Hunting or trophy tourism

• Animal-based entertainment shows, circuses, bullfighting, or other cultural animal spectacles

• We encourage support for ethical, community-based conservation initiatives instead

Responsibilities and Reporting

Chimu Adventures is committed to ongoing improvement in animal welfare practices across our operations and supply chain.

'• Information on responsible wildlife tourism is included in our pre-departure materials.

• We appreciate the collaboration of our operators in upholding these principles and working together to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare

• Any concerns about wildlife experiences are taken seriously and we are committed to addressing them appropriately

• Traveler feedback is welcomed at: product@chimuadventures.com