The Hidden Cost of the Perfect Selfie

Podcast Summary

• Reflecting on the Ethics of Wildlife Tourism: Considering the ethical implications of wildlife tourism experiences, and questioning whether they're worth potential harm to animals.

  Our comfort with coming close to predators, such as tigers, for touristic experiences can be questionable. Natasha Daley's experience at a captive tiger facility brought this to light when she witnessed a young boy's fear and discomfort at being forced to enter a tiger cage. This incident made Natasha reflect on the normal, natural reaction to being in such a situation and how it contrasts with the expectations of tourists. It's essential to consider the ethical implications of wildlife tourism and whether the experiences we seek out are truly worth the potential harm to the animals involved. Additionally, Natasha's own past experiences with wildlife tourism, such as riding an elephant, make her question the memories she holds and the impact they may have on the animals.

• Wildlife Tourism: Balancing Close Encounters with Animal Welfare: Wildlife tourism can lead to harmful consequences for animals through practices like drugging or claw removal. Tourists should prioritize animal welfare and avoid activities that exploit animals for entertainment.

  Wildlife tourism, which can include observing animals in their natural habitats or interacting with them up close, has become a significant part of many people's vacation experiences. However, the desire for close encounters can sometimes lead to animals being treated in ways that are harmful or exploitative. Many wild animals, such as tigers, elephants, and bears, have their claws removed or are drugged to make them more manageable for tourists. This raises ethical concerns about the treatment of these animals and the potential long-term consequences for their well-being. Additionally, the rise of social media has fueled the demand for exotic animal encounters, leading some people to view animals as props rather than living beings. It's important for tourists to be aware of the potential harm caused by certain wildlife tourism practices and to consider the welfare of the animals involved.

• Thailand's Elephant Tourism Industry: A Lucrative Source of Income and Cultural Tradition: Thailand's elephant tourism industry, rooted in history and culture, provides income for the government and keepers while improving elephant living conditions, leading to a breeding industry subsidized by the government.

  Wildlife tourism, particularly elephant tourism in Thailand, serves as a significant moneymaker and a way for individuals to present themselves as adventurous and exciting on social media. With an estimated 38,100 captive elephants in Thailand, the majority of which are used in the tourism industry, this industry has deep roots in the country's economy and culture. The history of elephant use in Thailand dates back over a thousand years, but when logging was banned in 1989, many elephants and their keepers were left unemployed and begging in the streets. To address this issue, the Thai government initiated the "bring our elephants home" program, which aimed to bring elephants from urban areas back to rural countryside and establish a new form of enterprise in the tourism industry. This new industry not only improved the living conditions for elephants but also became a lucrative source of income for the Thai government. The demand for elephant interactions, particularly with baby elephants, has led to a breeding industry, which is subsidized by the government due to the significant contribution of tourism to Thailand's economy.

• Elephants in captivity face isolation and monotonous existence: Elephants in captivity often live in isolation, chained up and forced to perform tricks for tourists, contrasting their natural roaming habits in the wild.

  While elephant camps in beautiful locations like Chiang Mai, Thailand may seem idyllic, the reality is that captive elephants are often kept in stables with chains and are subjected to performing repetitive tricks for tourists all day long. Elephants, being social animals, can become isolated and form their closest relationships with their human caretakers, or Mahoots. However, even Mahoots who consider the elephants as part of their family may not have the freedom to treat them as they wish due to working for camp owners who may require them to force the elephants to perform. This monotonous and often forced existence contrasts sharply with the elephants' natural roaming habits in the wild.

• Evolving Elephant Tourism: Ethical Approaches: Some elephant camps shift towards ethical practices, like Changchil, where tourists observe elephants in natural habitats without riding or performing tricks, benefiting both elephants and tourists. World Animal Protection supports these camps with assistance, and their success encourages others to follow suit.

  The elephant tourism industry is evolving, with some camps shifting away from traditional methods of interacting with elephants towards more ethical and humane practices. For instance, Changchil, an elephant camp near Chiang Mai, has adopted a new approach where tourists observe elephants in their natural habitat without riding or performing tricks. This not only benefits the elephants but also attracts tourists seeking authentic experiences. World Animal Protection is supporting Changchil by providing financial and technical assistance, helping build infrastructure and train guides. However, transitioning traditional camps to more ethical practices is a challenge, as business owners prioritize future-proofing their camps. Despite this, there is a growing demand for ethical elephant experiences, and successful camps like Changchil can serve as models for others to follow. Ultimately, it's crucial to continue advocating for elephant welfare and supporting camps that prioritize their wellbeing.

• Collaborative approach for elephant welfare: Focus on small improvements, involve all stakeholders for effective and sustainable elephant welfare in tourism camps

  Improving the welfare of captive elephants, particularly in tourism camps, requires a collaborative and incremental approach. Joshua Plotnik, an animal cognition researcher, emphasizes the importance of considering the livelihoods of camp owners and the potential unintended consequences of activism. Instead of pushing for drastic changes, efforts should focus on small improvements, such as increasing the length of elephant chains, allowing more social interaction, and providing enrichment. The involvement of all stakeholders, including camp owners, is crucial for implementing effective and sustainable changes in the elephant tourism industry.

• Wildlife selfies leading to animal exploitation and rescue: Tourists' demand for wildlife selfies contributes to animal exploitation and captivity, creating a cycle of rescue and re-exploitation. Ethical and sustainable tourism practices are essential to break this cycle.

  The demand for wildlife selfies by tourists can lead to the exploitation and captivity of animals, creating a never-ending cycle of animal rescue and re-exploitation. In Porto Alegria, Peru, tourists flocked to see exotic animals, leading to their capture and confinement. When authorities intervened and rescued 22 animals, the town attempted to transition to eco-tourism with a culture museum and tourism organization. However, tourists were diverted to other locations where animals were still being kept for selfies. The solution seems unclear, but ultimately, tourists hold the power to make a difference by considering the ethical implications of their desire for wildlife selfies and choosing to support ethical and sustainable tourism practices instead.

• Importance of ethical wildlife encounters during vacations: National Geographic photographers share tips for capturing stunning wildlife images while respecting habitats. Ethical encounters ensure the safety and well-being of animals and their environments.

  Learning from this episode of Overheard at National Geographic is the importance of ethical wildlife encounters during your wild vacations. National Geographic photographers shared their tips on how to capture stunning images of wildlife while respecting their natural habitats. For more information on this topic and other fascinating insights from the show, be sure to check out the show notes in your podcast app. Additionally, we had the pleasure of acknowledging the team behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. From our producers Brian Gutierrez, Jacob Pinter, and Robin Minitor, to our editor Ibi Caputo, fact checker Michelle Harris, deputy director of podcast Emily Aksenslager, and composers Hans Dale Soo and Nick Anderson – we couldn't do it without you! Our hosts for this episode were Whitney Johnson, the director of visuals and immersive experiences, and Susan Goldberg, our editorial director. And I, Peter Gwen, had the privilege of guiding you through the conversation. Thank you for tuning in, and we look forward to bringing you more captivating stories and insights next week.