Our top tips for responsible wildlife viewing

Keep the experience wild

The best experiences are those in which animals can exhibit their natural behaviours in a natural environment. They’re better for the animal’s welfare and create a more fulfilling experience for you, the visitor.

Stick to designated viewing areas

Most national parks or reserves will offer guidance on how animals should be observed and where from. This is to ensure your safety and that of the animals, as well as keeping the landscape intact.

Don’t feed or touch the wild animals

While it may feel like you’re helping them out, feeding wild animals can make them dependent on humans and may cause them to alter their behaviours, bringing them into harm’s way further down the line as they begin to associate humans with food. The same applies for touching animals.

Support local communities

By staying in locally owned accommodation and using the services of local guides, you can get the best experience of your destination from someone who knows the area like the back of their hand. You can also make sure that the local community has a stake in preserving the wildlife there as it becomes the indirect source of their income, thus leading people away from activities that might otherwise harm it, such as logging and poaching.