Many animal lovers will seek out wildlife encounters when they travel. Sometimes tourists are sold a once in a lifetime experience to pet a tiger cub, have breakfast with an orangutan or ride an elephant.
But it’s important to note that these experiences often have a dark side with animals in these venues subject to degrading entertainment, cruel training methods and horrendous living conditions – deprived of their right to live a full, wild life.
So how do we know this? Well, today’s guest spends his days documenting these difficult stories in the hope that we can bring urgent change to wildlife tourism.
In today’s episode we speak to internationally-acclaimed photojournalist and film-maker, Aaron Gekoski.
Aaron specialises in human-animal conflict and for more than 15 years he has travelled the globe to report on our complex relationship with wildlife.
Covering issues from the illegal wildlife and pet trade, to deforestation, marine conservation and wildlife tourism.
He is also a previous winner of Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Nature Photographer of the Year, and many others.
His documentary, Eyes of The Orangutan has received multiple award nomination and is a four year investigation that documents orangutans in wildlife tourism and the not so ethical experiences they are subject to.
Aaron details his journey to wildlife photography and film, we talk about Eyes of the Orangutan, wildlife tourism, and how to avoid contributing to the industry.
Plus, if you're an aspiring photographer or filmmaker, Aaron offers some sound advice on documenting a cause you're passionate about so the world can see it.
I hope this episode brings you learning and value ~ Angela
We've entered this state whereby we think that animals are there simply for us to exploit or to enjoy ~ Aaron Gekoski
You can visit Aaron’s website or follow him on Instagram for updates.
You can also learn more about Orangutans through Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation.
This audio is edited by Peter Magill.
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