Yes, Swimming With Raccoons Is Now a Real Tourist Attraction in Bali
Bali is known for its beautiful beaches and lush landscapes, but now it’s offering something a bit more unusual: swimming with raccoons. At Bali Pet Nirvana, a pet café and lounge in Seminyak, visitors can actually jump into a pool and hang out with raccoons. This might sound strange, but this experience is gaining attention on social media and attracting curious travelers.
Can you see yourself chilling by the pool with two raccoons, Rocket and Lylla, swimming right beside you? For about $28.50, guests can do so, as well as feed them and check out the café’s dog and cat areas. However…
Is It Ethical to Swim with Raccoons?
While it’s easy to get caught up in the fun and uniqueness of the experience, experts warn that keeping wild animals like raccoons in captivity for entertainment purposes can be harmful. These are wild animals, not domesticated pets, and keeping them in these kinds of environments can cause them stress.
Meghan Verbeek, a wildlife expert, points out that raccoons’ natural instincts are disrupted in captivity. “Keeping them for entertainment purposes like swimming is harmful to their well-being,” she explains. Raccoons are solitary and territorial creatures, and forcing them into constant human interaction can lead to anxiety and frustration. This constant stress can disrupt their natural behaviors and even affect their mental health.
Beyond these concerns, there are also health risks to consider. Raccoons can carry diseases like rabies and Giardia, which can be transmitted to humans through direct contact or exposure to their waste. In a setting like a pool, where animals might urinate or defecate, the risk of infection increases. So, while it may seem like a harmless fun time, it’s worth considering the potential health risks involved.
A Pet Paradise in Bali
Despite controversy over the raccoon pool, Bali Pet Nirvana’s site highlights its café as a place for owners and pets to relax together. There are spots for lounging, toys to keep animals occupied, and enough space to keep things calm instead of hectic. Visitors can order food or drinks while their pets settle into their own routines.
The outdoor park is where things open up. Dogs get space to run, climb, and test out agility gear, while smaller animals have their own separate areas. It’s meant to feel safe and flexible, whether you’re dropping in for playtime or staying longer. For travelers, the on-site hotel and daycare offer boarding options with staff focused on individual care.
Even the restaurant reflects the pet-friendly angle. The menu is built so both people and animals can eat together, with freshly made food served side by side. It’s part of the idea that the whole place isn’t just pet-tolerant—it’s designed around them.
Should You Swim with Raccoons in Bali?
Image via Getty Images/Anne Wright Dobbelsteyn
While the idea of swimming with raccoons may sound fun, it’s essential to think carefully about whether it’s truly right to do so. Experts emphasize that wild animals like raccoons should not be kept in captivity for the entertainment of tourists. The experience prioritizes novelty and social media moments over the well-being of the animals.
If you’re in Bali and want to experience animal interactions more responsibly, there are plenty of alternatives, like visiting animal sanctuaries or exploring nature reserves. Connect with wildlife without compromising their natural behaviors.