Before you purchase that souvenir, however, please stop to consider its composition and origin. If so, then an animal died for that souvenir-probably many animals died to make the many copies of the product sold to hundreds or even thousands of tourists like you. Consider also that trade in products such as coral or wood may involve destruction of habitat and threaten ecosystems. These products are natural resources whose removal is harmful to wilderness areas that provide homes to wildlife. Both animals and the environment will benefit as more and more travelers refuse to purchase such items.
Tourists generally love a good photo-op.
Pictures of vacations in interesting or exotic spots capture happy memories of good times. They can also, however, serve as records of man's inhumanity towards the animal kingdom. Cute monkeys, young lions, colorful parrots, and other animals and birds taken from the wild are sometimes posed outside restaurants or busy tourist attractions. For a nominal fee, obviously needy local entrepreneurs will take the visitor's picture with these creatures. Tempting as it may be to want to support the local economy in this modest way, stop for a moment to consider the animals.