Forget the zoo-get out in the world and see animals in their natural habitat. Animal tourism is a good way to educate the public about various creatures and sometimes even save them from possible extinction. A constant flow of tourists who flock to see live animals can bring in more revenue than the body parts of dead ones. Here’s our pick for the top 3 places to have an animal encounter, either as traveler or volunteer.

1. Sea turtles: various Caribbean islands; Costa Rica
   Watch the sea turtles hatch and make their arduous journey into adulthood.
2. Orangutans: Borneo; Indonesia
   Be entertained by the orangutans.
3. Mountain Gorillas: Rwanda
   Behold the majesty of a silverback and his brood.

What are your picks for the top places for animal encounters?

Wendogenet, Ethiopia
Photo by Kimberley (c)2013