It’s so cool getting your photo taken with a wild animal, especially when it gets up close and personal like this lovable bearcat which is the ambassador-at-large at the Crocodile Farm in Palawan. Preferably, animals should remain in their own habitat but with an ever shrinking natural environment animals like this bearcat need to be taken out of the wild occasionally and put on public display so that people can experience for themselves the true wonder of nature. People are much more likely to contribute to wildlife conservation if they are personally involved so photo shoots with animals like this bearcat with writer Jens Ward act as constant reminders to all of us that wildlife is very special, and their survival requires our help so that they remain a big part of the natural landscape for generations to come. Some authorities argue shooting big game raises much needed revenue for wildlife conservation, but the truth is that tourism generates a great deal more. The disturbing fact is some 400 elephants are killed every week in Africa by big game hunters and poachers when the only shooting that should be done is with a camera.Jens Ward
Words ④ Wildlife