Xposure 2022: Aaron Gekoski reveals dark truths behind wildlife tourism industry

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‘Wildlife Tourism Uncovered’ shares horrific visual stories of rampant animal abuse and poaching across the world, and suggests solutions to help reduce animal cruelty

“It takes the concerted efforts of everyone to make the lives of animals in captivity better,” noted award-winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker Aaron Gekoski on the opening day of the sixth edition of Xposure International Photography Festival which runs at Expo Centre Sharjah from 10am to 10pm until Tuesday, February 15.

In ‘Wildlife Tourism Uncovered’, Gekoski unveiled heart-wrenching images of animals suffering in captivity or being killed for their meat and organs. Audiences at Xposure witnessed images of elephants and orangutans in zoos and at performing shows in Thailand; dolphins performing in chlorinated water in Indonesia and losing their eyesight in the process; chained up camels and donkeys after a day’s ride at Petra, Jordan; dogs killed for their meat in Cambodia; and genetically flawed ‘ligers’ - crossbreed of a lion and tiger on display in Philippines.

The activist photographer said: “We have to be realistic – wildlife tourism industry is not going to go away but you and I can educate ourselves and our children; we can do our research and avoid attractions that promote animal abuse in the name of tourism.”

Discussing ways to make impactful change in reducing cruelty against animals, the environmental photojournalist called on both the travel industry and the media to take a leading role in highlighting destinations where such abuse is rampant. Gekoski, who founded the ‘Born Free: Raise the Red Flag’ foundation, said joining such organisations would help raise greater awareness on the issue.

Gekoski pointed out the damaging influence of social media on wildlife tourism and described how the fad for selfies with animals in chains has made the lives of these creatures miserable. “Human insensitivity has led to arboreal animals like orangutans being caged in brick enclosures or macaques being starved except when they were performing on a hoop,” he said.

Concluding his seminar with a quote from the messiah of non-violence, M K Gandhi of India, Gekoski said: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

Organised by Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), Xposure 2022 continues its run at Expo Centre Sharjah from 10am to 10pm until Tuesday, February 15.