Seeing animals in the wild is a dream come true for many wildlife enthusiasts. The prospect of encountering iconic animals in their natural habitat is exhilarating, but it also comes with great responsibility.
Our behavior can have far-reaching and unintended consequences. We may inadvertently stress animals, leading to behavioral changes that might not be immediately evident to us, or that can compound over time. These changes may include altered communication, feeding, and mating patterns.
Responsible behavior is essential to having an ethical wildlife experience. Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure your adventure is as kind to animals as possible.
Keep your distance
The appropriate distance varies depending on the species and circumstances, but in general, your presence should not cause a change in the animals’ behavior.
While it may be tempting to get close for that perfect photo, it is essential to not intrude on animals’ space. Use binoculars and telephoto lenses to get a better look without disturbing them.
Be mindful of your position relative to the animals
This is especially important if there are multiple people or vehicles viewing the same animals. Be sure that you are not surrounding them, cutting off escape routes, or separating the group (especially mothers and babies).
Failing to follow this guideline can lead to young animals being increasingly vulnerable to predators, increased distress among adults, and altered behaviors that may impact the stability of the entire group. Even for animals used to vehicle traffic, having too many present at one time can be perceived as a threat.
If you’ve been viewing an animal and notice that additional vehicles are arriving, consider leaving the area. Similarly, if you arrive at a location already overcrowded, hang back until other vehicles begin to leave, or consider heading off to find a different animal to observe.
Don’t try to touch or feed animals
Even if an animal approaches you, resist the urge to touch them. Not only does close contact increase the chances of disease transmission (in both directions), but it also interferes with wildlife’s natural behaviors and can lead them into dangerous situations if they become used to approaching humans.
Similarly, don’t feed any wild animals, including ducks, squirrels, and monkeys. You’re almost definitely not offering something healthy or part of their natural diet, which can lead to illness, aggression, and a change in natural feeding behavior.
Don’t harass or make calls to get animals to perform a certain behavior
Wild animals are not performers. Do not call out to, throw things at, or otherwise harass an animal in order to get them to move, vocalize, or engage in a specific behavior. This is disruptive, can stress the animal, and is disrespectful to both the animal and your fellow group members. Enjoy and appreciate the privilege of seeing wildlife behaving naturally.
Never chase animals who are running away
If an animal is choosing to move away from you, take that as an indication that they no longer want to be in the presence of humans. Allow them to go without interference and move on to see other wildlife.
Be quiet
Loud noises can be disruptive or stressful for animals. Human noise can also disrupt animal communication, including territorial calls and mate attraction strategies.
Keep noise levels to a minimum and, if you’re in a vehicle, ask your driver to turn off the engine when you are stopped. Not only is this more respectful to the animals, but it will also allow you to better hear the sounds of nature.
Let your tour operator or driver know up front that behaving respectfully is important to you.
Some tour operators and drivers feel pressured by guests to push the limits in order to have happy customers and receive bigger tips. Clearly stating upfront that your satisfaction will be based on respectful behavior can help reinforce the demand for ethical wildlife experiences. Hopefully they already planned to follow posted speed limits, keep a safe distance, and not contribute to overcrowded areas, but having the conversation at the start can reduce the pressure they feel and allow you to fully relax and enjoy the experience.
If you’re planning a wildlife adventure, there are a lot of decisions to be made. Which country or countries will you visit? Which destinations? What time of year will give you the best chance of having the experience you envision?
There are countless itineraries available that cover a wide range of budgets and experiences – from camping to 5-star luxury. It can be very overwhelming, but we’re here to help. We get to know you – your preferences, budget, and vision for your holiday – and craft the perfect itinerary with trusted tour partners. We’ll be there to support you before, during, and after your travels with any questions you have or hiccups that arise.
When you’re ready to start planning your wildlife adventure, schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We’ll take it from there!
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