HEADS UP, ANIMAL LOVERS, THESE ISLANDS WERE MADE FOR YOU!
Animal lovers, bookmark these animal havens that have their furry inhabitants frolicking freely – these should definitely go on your travel bucket-list!
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PIG BEACH
Pig Beach in the Bahamas is home to a colony of tame four-legged inhabitants, the origins of whom remains largely unknown. Local legends spin bizarre tales of hungry pirates who dropped them off but never returned to finish their meal. As your boat nears the blue waters of Big Major Cay, you’ll see some of its porky locals snouts-up paddling out to greet you in a frenzy reminiscent of excited puppies. Offering pitted fruits, vegetables and fresh water is sure to endear you to them.
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MIYAJIMA, JAPAN
Image Credit: Iñaki Pérez de Albéniz
On the island of Miyajima, Japan, human and deer coexist peacefully. More than a thousand Sika deer roam the streets freely, trotting alongside humans and surprisingly showing no sign of fear unlike those in other parts of the world. In fact, these cuddly companions welcome your petting. These deer that Japanese laws have protected for decades, are considered sacred to the Shinto religion – you’re sure to see some hanging around the iconic Itsukushima Shrine.
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OKUNOSHIMA, JAPAN
Again, we see the lavish affection Japanese harbour toward animals especially in Okunoshima, Japan, where thousands of friendly feral rabbits wander with no qualms about huddling onto your lap and swarming your feet. But protecting these beloved fur-balls in their habitat means not feeding them any old how.
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These adorable fur-kids give animal lovers a home away from home amidst their friendly snouts but bear in mind the rules for feeding and interacting with these little ones in order to keep them safe and happy!
