Wildlife tourism encompasses interacting with and observing wildlife. The interactions range from inert observation to touching and/or feeding the species observed. There are areas of overlap between rural tourism, nature-based tourism, human relations with animals, and ecotourism. The distinctive feature of wildlife tourism is its emphasis on wildlife as the main tourist attraction. This type of tourism takes place in a number of settings, including aquariums, wildlife centers, and zoos where animals are held captive and national parks and ecotourism ventures where animals are in their natural settings and non-captive. Wildlife tourism can also occur in semi-captive settings such as rehabilitation centers, where there are elements of captivity but also freedom of movement.

Wildlife tourism activities can be classified as consumptive or non-consumptive. Consumptive activities are ...