Mauritius: Holiday of a lifetime?
Or lifetime of suffering?
Did you know that tens of thousands of monkeys are held in farms across Mauritius?
Many of them were captured from the wild and are now imprisoned in these farms. They are used for breeding. And their babies are shipped around the world to be used in cruel experiments.
Mauritius tourists’ survey
A new survey commissioned by the Cruelty Free International Save Our Monkeys campaign has revealed that:
- 92% of tourists and potential tourists were not aware of the island’s export of monkeys for experiments
- 53% who have been, want to go or would consider going on a holiday to Mauritius would not want to visit or revisit the island because of this or would reconsider choosing Mauritius as a holiday destination after learning about the island’s monkey trade.
The poll surveyed over 3000 people in five European countries – the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Mauritius is a popular holiday destination for European travellers due to its beaches, tropical climate, heritage sites and wildlife.
Ethical tourism?
Mauritius is working hard to boost the island’s image as an ethical tourist destination.
But, this green image is overshadowed by the major role Mauritius plays in supplying monkeys to the global research industry.
Many of the monkeys imprisoned in farms on the island were captured from the wild to be used for breeding. Denied their freedom in the lush foliage of their jungle homes, they spend their lives behind bars on concrete. Their offspring are then exported overseas in small wooden crates as cargo on airlines, often on the same planes in which tourists travel.
Monkey business
During 2014, 8,991 monkeys were exported to laboratories primarily in Europe and the USA.
Yet, this trade is economically insignificant compared with tourism. Less than 2% of Mauritian export income involves monkeys, a small fraction of the tourism industry.
The survey shows that as ethical tourism becomes more important to holidaymakers and the tourism industry, it can be a key concern for travellers when choosing a holiday destination.
Sample letter
Please write to the Minister of Tourism and External Communications. Contact details can be found on the right hand sidebar.
Dear [insert name here]
I am shocked to learn that Mauritius is one of the world’s largest suppliers of monkeys for experiments and exports up to 10,000 animals every year, mainly to laboratories in Europe and the USA.
I urge you to consider the negative impact that this cruel trade has, particularly among tourists. Mauritius is a top holiday destination, yet many people are unaware of the suffering inflicted on the island’s monkey population. I fully support the campaign by Cruelty Free International to raise awareness amongst tourists about this appalling trade.
Please ban the capture, breeding and export of monkeys from Mauritius. This cruel trade will only tarnish the international reputation of Mauritius as a holiday paradise.
Yours faithfully
[insert your name here]
