33,000 sign petition to end camel rides in Lanzarote
More than 33,000 people from around the world have signed a petition calling for an end to camel rides in Lanzarote, placing growing pressure on tour operators to remove the excursions from their offerings.
The campaign, launched by the Franz Weber Foundation, is pushing for a complete overhaul of the sector, particularly in Lanzarote, where camel rides are a popular tourist attraction in areas such as Timanfaya National Park. The group is urging a shift towards more sustainable tourism activities that do not involve the use of animals.
The petition is hosted on Change.org and specifically appeals to major tour operators to stop promoting and selling camel ride experiences through their websites. Supporters argue that the activity damages the islands’ image and raises serious concerns about animal welfare.
A report published by the foundation in 2021 highlighted multiple issues affecting the animals used in these excursions. These included musculoskeletal problems and the prolonged use of muzzles, which can restrict natural behaviour and impact their wellbeing.
Campaigners also point to a series of incidents that have drawn international attention. In June 2023, a video filmed by a tourist showing the alleged mistreatment of a young camel went viral, sparking outrage and widespread media coverage.
The footage appeared to show workers striking and pulling the animal during training, with no visible intervention from supervisors. Just over a year later, in September 2024, another video showed an adult camel collapsing during a ride, prompting tourists to dismount as staff reacted uncertainly.
Animal welfare groups claim that no meaningful administrative action has followed these incidents, reinforcing calls for the activity to be halted altogether. They argue that continuing such practices risks further reputational damage to Lanzarote as a tourist destination.
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