How to take photos with animals on your travels?

How to take photos with animals on your travels?

Sloth bear in Costa Rica. Image by minkewink on Pixabay.

You have booked a tour to a beautiful village in the jungle and everything seems respectful of nature. But suddenly, a "neighbor" crosses your path with a sloth in her arms. It's so cute! You had never seen one up close and the lady encourages you to take it to take a picture. Between surprise and tenderness, you agree without thinking about the consequences. He asks you for a tip.

We confess: it has happened to us too. We have also been unaware and have fallen into the trap of the “photo with the animals”. Now, with many trips behind us, we share our learning and tips so that your travel photos with animals are always respectful.

In Cusco, Peru, tourists are often offered to take photos with llamas.

In the city, why do you have to say NO to photos with animals?

1. Because, in most cases, animals are taken from their mothers when they are still babies. 
In fact, most of the animals used for these activities are poached from the wild. As the mother and the rest of her relatives often fight for their children, to steal a calf you usually have to kill entire families. The population of these animals ends up being drastically reduced.

2. Because, to avoid harm to people, animals are sedated with tranquilizing drugs. 
In addition, their claws and teeth are pulled out. Sometimes their mouths are even sealed or chained!

3. Because animals can spend the whole day going from hand to hand, without resting. 
This affects their health and growth. In addition, they live in terrible conditions: chained, in cages, without a proper diet or veterinary care.

4. Because when they get too big or aggressive, the old babies are replaced by younger animals. 
What happens to them? Or they are abandoned, or slaughtered, or sold to traffickers.

bird of the animal rescue center of Bolivia with which he collaborates Tumaini.

And in nature, how to take friendly photos with animals?

We give you 8 tips:

1. Leave the photography environment just like you found it.
2. Do not cut flowers or plants to photograph them.
3. Do not disturb the birds in their nests or mammals in their burrows, especially during the breeding season.
4. Do not take animals to photograph them. For example, starfish will die if you take them out of the water.
5. never use flash for pictures with animals.
6. Don't get too close. That the animal does not even know that you are photographing it.
7. Never take photos with wild animals as if they were pets. If you share them on social networks, you can convey a message that is not: that they are docile, domestic, etc.
8. Use your networks to promote respect and raise awareness. Report disrespectful situations, explain what you have learned and encourage other travelers to change their habits.

In Thailand we collaborate with a .

And you? What rules do you use to take animal-friendly photos on your travels? Do you have any learning or anecdote that you want to tell us? We are all ears!