When viewing animals in the wild, it’s important to remember that, unfortunately, they’re usually not as excited to see us as we are to see them.
Human presence can cause stress, disrupt natural behaviors, and increase aggression in wild animals. As responsible explorers, those are all things we want to avoid.
Here are some of the best ways to ensure that our presence is not having a negative impact on the animals we’re there to experience:
Follow the rules and regulations: Follow all rules and regulations in place to protect wildlife and their habitats. These may include restrictions on where you can go, what you can do, and how close you can get to animals.
Give them plenty of space: Although the amount of space that’s appropriate depends on the species, it’s important not to get too close to a wild animal. This can feel aggressive or threatening to them, increasing stress levels and potentially causing a change in their natural behaviors. Find out in advance how far away is recommended based on the type of animals you’ll encounter and when in doubt, err on the side of staying further away than necessary.
Stay out of the way: Avoid blocking escape routes or getting into the middle of a group of animals, thus separating some members of the group from the others. Be especially mindful if there are young animals present and never getting between a baby and mother.
Show some respect: Wildlife should always be treated with respect and allowed to exhibit natural behaviors at the times of their choosing. Never yell, call out, whistle, throw things, or take any other actions to get animals to perform a certain behavior. Wild animals are not on-demand performers.
Do not engage in harmful activities: Avoid activities that harm wildlife, such as riding elephants or swimming with dolphins. These activities can cause significant stress and harm to animals. Instead, view animals behaving naturally in the wild.
Do not feed wildlife: Feeding wildlife can alter their natural behavior, attract them to areas where they may come into conflict with humans, and make them dependent on humans for food. It also exposes animals to disease and illness.
Educate yourself: Before visiting a wildlife destination, educate yourself about the local wildlife, their habitats, and the best ways to interact with them. Know for yourself what behavior is appropriate so that you can feel confident throughout your trip that you are adventuring responsibly.
Support responsible wildlife tourism: Choose wildlife tourism operators that follow responsible practices, including maintaining appropriate vehicle speeds and keeping a safe distance from wildlife.
Support conservation efforts: Consider supporting conservation efforts by donating to reputable wildlife conservation organizations or by purchasing products from companies that use sustainable practices.
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