Eco-tourism enables travelers to leave a lighter footprint while still exploring the wonders of Mother Nature

Traveling off the beaten path and experiencing the beauty of our planet’s natural wonders is a dream for many adventurous souls. However, these untouched destinations often house some of Earth’s most threatened creatures. It is then crucial to find ways to see them in a manner that is safe for both the animals and the visitors. Fortunately, nature reserves provide a solution by offering tour opportunities that prioritize the well-being of endangered species.

Guided tours, typically led by local experts and scientists, showcase the beauty of wildlife while ensuring the preservation of their natural habitat. In this article, we have compiled a list of some of the best eco-tourism destinations where you can witness these incredible animals up close. All the sites featured here are home to threatened animals, ranging from Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), to Vulnerable (VU) species, as categorized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) or the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

Bonobos (Endangered)

Location: Lomako-Yokokala Faunal Reserve, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Threatened by civil unrest and low birth rates, bonobos can be found along the Congo River. Visiting these amazing creatures requires embarking on a multi-day adventure, including hiking, rustic sleeping conditions, and immersing oneself in the jungle life.

Black-Footed Ferret (Endangered)

Location: Shirley Basin, Wyoming

Although the black-footed ferret was once deemed extinct, its rediscovery in 1981 brought new hope. Nevertheless, with only around 300 individuals left in the wild, this species remains endangered. To catch a glimpse of them in their natural habitat, consider visiting Shirley Basin in Wyoming. Moreover, the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., offers a chance to view ferret babies through their “Black-Footed Ferret Cam.”

Monarch Butterfly (Endangered)

Locations: Canada, U.S., and Mexico

Every fall, Monarch butterflies migrate between 1,200 and 2,800 miles from southeastern Canada to central Mexico. Witness this breathtaking natural phenomenon at Point Pelee National Park in Ontario, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge in Texas, or St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Florida during the migration season.

Galapagos Penguin (Endangered)

Location: The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos penguin holds the unique distinction of being the only penguin species residing north of the equator within the Galapagos Islands. With fewer than 2,000 individuals remaining, the best places to see these penguins are Isabela and Fernandina Islands. However, they can also be spotted on Floreana, Santiago, and Bartolome Islands, where tourists can even swim alongside them near Pinnacle Rock.

Western Lowland Gorilla (Critically Endangered)

Location: Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta

With such a small population of Western Lowland Gorillas left in the wild, it is unlikely for travelers to encounter them during a trip to Africa. Instead, consider a visit to Zoo Atlanta, which is home to one of the largest populations of these awe-inspiring apes. The zoo actively engages in research on gorilla cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality among captive great apes. It also conducts groundbreaking studies on gorilla social and cognitive behaviors.

North Atlantic Right Whale (Critically Endangered)

Location: North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland

Protected under various conservation acts, North Atlantic Right Whales can be found in the waters near Iceland, Greenland, Scandinavia, and the northern regions of the U.S. and Canada. Join a whale-watching journey in these areas for the best chance to catch a glimpse of this majestic creature.

Finless Porpoise (Critically Endangered)

Location: Yangtze River and Coastal Waters, China

The Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia, once served as home to two dolphin species. Sadly, only the finless porpoise remains, and its numbers are dwindling. Diving in the East China Sea and other coastal waters can offer a glimpse of this unique creature, known for its lack of a dorsal fin.

Borneo Elephants (Endangered)

Location: Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Borneo, Malaysia

The Tabin Wildlife Reserve is a sanctuary for numerous endangered species, including Borneo elephants, of which there are less than 1,500 left in the world. This lowland rainforest area welcomes tourists who can enjoy wildlife photography, birdwatching, and even take a refreshing dip in the on-site waterfall.

Green Turtle (Endangered)

Location: Hawaiian Islands

Green turtles traverse vast distances from the Hawaiian Islands to Guam, Madagascar, and the Caribbean. During their migrations, they face various threats such as predatory fishing boats and egg hunters. Consider a scuba diving expedition to a reef or visit a beach (maintaining a safe distance) during the breeding season for an opportunity to witness these ancient mariners in action.

Siberian Tiger (Endangered)

Location: Kedrovaya Pad Biosphere Reserve, Russia

The Kedrovaya Pad Biosphere Reserve, situated in the remote regions of far eastern Russia near China and North Korea, lies within the south-Ussuri taiga climate zone, the only one of its kind on Earth. The reserve’s boundaries were established in 1916, leading to the development of an ecological education program. It is now home to approximately 400 remaining Siberian tigers, as well as the vulnerable Asian black bear.

Exploring the wonders of Mother Nature through eco-tourism not only allows us to marvel at the incredible diversity of life on our planet but also encourages the conservation of these precious habitats and species. By choosing responsible and sustainable travel options, we can ensure that future generations will also have the chance to experience the natural wonders that our world has to offer.