Eleven Life Experiences go beyond the typical tours and classes. Designed and led by inspiring locals, hosts use their expertise to immerse each guest in a unique world. For experiences that include animals, Eleven Life is committed to protecting their welfare.

These guidelines were created in consultation with World Animal Protection, an organization committed to improving the lives of animals. They apply to experiences involving wild animals in the wild and in captivity, as well as domesticated animals under human care. We believe all animals should be respected for their intrinsic value and role in the global ecosystem, so experiences that violate these guidelines or otherwise threaten the welfare and/or conservation of animals will be removed from Eleven Life.

Wild animals in the wild

Eleven Life does not allow experiences involving intentional direct contact with wild animals in the wild including, but not limited to, petting, feeding, or riding animals, except for certain Social Impact Experiences in which the validated non-profit is conducting conservation research.

Animals in captivity

Animal Welfare Principles

Good animal welfare is measured by fitness and a sense of well-being. Eleven Life hosts commit that their experiences strive to ensure the highest quality of life for animals involved, using the guiding principles of animal welfare, the Five Freedoms:

• Freedom from hunger or thirst with access to fresh water and an appropriate diet to maintain full health
• Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area
• Freedom from pain, injury, or disease by treating animals respectfully and providing prompt access to veterinary care
• Freedom to express normal behavior by providing sufficient space, proper facilities, and allowing for company of the animal’s own kind
• Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering

Rescues and sanctuaries

There are many places that may call themselves rescues and sanctuaries but they don’t always operate in the animals’ best interest. Eleven Life does not allow sanctuaries to host experiences if they:

• Use wild animals for direct interactions with travelers, or in performances or shows
• Buy or sell wild or wild-hybrid animals, or products derived from them
• Breed wild animals or wild-hybrid animals, unless they are part of an official, recognized breeding program where the animals are being responsibly released back into the wild

There are exceptions for certain Social Impact Experiences where a validated non-profit is conducting rehabilitation or rehoming.

Domesticated and farmed animals

Domesticated animals must be given proper shelter, care, food, and water. Any condition that impairs their welfare, as outlined by the Five Freedoms above, must be addressed promptly.