Visiting Petra: Avoiding Donkey Abuse and Animal Cruelty

Petra is one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites, yet for many visitors, the experience is marred by the visible suffering of working animals. While horses, donkeys, and camels are traditional parts of the Bedouin lifestyle, the commercial pressure of mass tourism has created an environment of abuse. This guide explains how to visit this Jordanian wonder ethically by relying on your own two feet.

The Reality of Working Animals in Petra

When you arrive at the Petra Visitor Center, the scale of animal labor becomes immediately apparent. You will see horses hauling carriages, donkeys carrying tourists up steep stone staircases, and camels posing for photos in the heat.

Organizations like PETA and the Princess Alia Foundation have documented the conditions these animals face. Investigations have revealed animals suffering from open wounds caused by ill-fitting saddles, lack of water and shade, and beatings from handlers trying to force exhausted animals to move faster. The terrain in Petra is particularly brutal for hooved animals; the sandstone steps are slippery and steep, leading to frequent falls that injure both the donkeys and the tourists riding them.

By choosing to walk, you refuse to participate in a system that incentivizes pushing animals beyond their physical limits for profit.

navigating the "Free" Horse Ride at the Entrance

Your ticket to Petra (which costs 50 JOD for one day) technically includes a horse ride from the main gate to the entrance of the Siq. This is a distance of about 800 meters (0.5 miles).

Many tourists feel compelled to take this ride because they “paid for it.” However, this is often a trap. While the ride itself is officially included, the horse handlers expect substantial tips. If the tip is not high enough, interactions can become aggressive. Furthermore, these horses spend their days walking back and forth on hard pavement, which is damaging to their joints.

The Ethical Solution: Politely decline the horse. The walk from the gate to the Siq takes only 10 to 15 minutes. It is a gentle, downhill slope that is easy for almost any fitness level. Walking this section allows you to absorb the transition from the modern town of Wadi Musa to the ancient landscape without the stress of haggling or witnessing animal fatigue.

The Monastery Climb: The Biggest Ethical Trap

The most significant animal welfare issues occur at the trail leading to Ad Deir, known as the Monastery. This massive monument sits high in the mountains, requiring a climb of approximately 800 to 900 stone steps.

Local handlers will aggressively market donkey rides to “save your legs” from this climb. They often claim the walk takes hours (it usually takes 45 to 60 minutes for a person of average fitness) or that it is impossible to do on foot.

Why you must walk:

  • The Weight: Donkeys are relatively small animals. They are not anatomically built to carry the weight of adult tourists up near-vertical inclines.
  • The Terrain: The steps are worn, smooth, and often covered in dust. Donkeys frequently slip and fall on this path. When they fall, the handlers may beat them to get them back up.
  • The Health Risks: PETA clinics in the area frequently treat donkeys for lameness and colic caused by overexertion and dehydration.

If you are physically unable to climb the 800 steps, the ethical choice is to skip the Monastery rather than forcing an animal to carry you. The Treasury and the Royal Tombs offer incredible views that are accessible without the grueling climb.

New Alternatives: The Electric Golf Carts

Recognizing the animal welfare issues and the need for accessibility, the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) has introduced electric “Club Cars.”

These golf carts are currently the only authorized motorized transport within the archaeological park. They run from the Visitor Center, through the Siq, and down to the Treasury. They are specifically intended for elderly visitors and those with limited mobility who cannot manage the walk but still want to see the famous Treasury facade.

  • Cost: Approximately 25 JOD (verify current pricing at the Visitor Center).
  • Booking: You can usually book these at the entrance or the Visitor Center.
  • Impact: These carts replace the need for horse-drawn carriages in the Siq, significantly reducing the demand for animal labor on the pavement.

How to Deal with Handlers and Touts

You will be approached dozens of times during your visit. Handlers can be persistent, often following you for several minutes. Here is how to handle the pressure gracefully:

  1. Be Firm but Polite: A clear “No, thank you” or “La, shukran” (No, thank you in Arabic) is sufficient. Avoid making eye contact or stopping to chat if you do not intend to ride.
  2. Don’t Ask for Prices: If you ask “How much?”, you have started a negotiation. Only speak numbers if you are buying a souvenir.
  3. Support the Economy Differently: The Bedouin community relies on tourism for their livelihood. If you refuse animal rides, try to spend money elsewhere. Buy tea from the stalls at the top of the mountain, purchase locally made silver jewelry, or hire a human guide to explain the history of the site. This shows that tourists are willing to pay for culture and hospitality, not just animal labor.

Preparing to Walk Petra

To visit Petra ethically, you must treat it as a hike rather than a museum visit. The main trail from the Visitor Center to the Monastery is roughly 8 kilometers (5 miles) round trip, not including detours.

  • Footwear: Wear broken-in hiking boots or trail runners with good grip. The sandstone can be slippery even when dry.
  • Hydration: Bring at least 2 to 3 liters of water per person. It is available for purchase inside, but having your own supply ensures you never feel desperate enough to take a ride.
  • Timing: Arrive as soon as the gates open (usually 6:00 AM). The temperature is cooler, the crowds are thinner, and the pressure from animal handlers is significantly lower in the early morning quiet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it ever ethical to ride the camels? Most animal welfare groups advise against riding any animals in Petra. However, the camels located in front of the Treasury are generally used for short photo opportunities rather than heavy transport. If you must interact with them, simply paying the owner for a photo while standing next to the camel is a kinder option that still supports the owner financially.

What should I do if I see an animal being abused? If you witness severe abuse, you can report it to the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) rangers who patrol the park. You can also contact PETA or the Princess Alia Foundation, which operates a clinic near the site, to report specific locations or handler descriptions.

How fit do I need to be to walk to the Monastery? You need a moderate level of cardiovascular fitness. It is not a technical climb, but it is a long staircase. Take your time, rest in the shade often, and drink water. Most people can complete the climb if they pace themselves, regardless of age.

Are there bathrooms along the walking route? Yes, there are portable and permanent restrooms located at the Visitor Center, near the Treasury, and near the basin restaurant before the climb to the Monastery. You do not need an animal ride to reach facilities quickly.