@daviddobrik

DAVID DOBRIK · checked 11h ago

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Wildlife tourism deserves more scrutiny 🦁 ——— The recent footage from @ukutulalodge involving influencers interacting closely with lion cubs and walking alongside lions has raised serious concerns across the conservation community and I think those concerns are worth discussing. This isn’t about attacking individuals or assuming we know their intentions. But when you have a large platform, your influence carries responsibility. What may feel like a once in a lifetime wildlife experience to one person can become aspirational content for millions of others. And there’s responsibility on the facility and organizers too. Ukutula’s own current guidelines state that guests participating in their Guided Lion Walk are not allowed to touch the lions at any stage. So when those boundaries appear to be crossed, it’s fair to ask how those rules are being enforced. Because “we told them not to” and “we stopped it” are two very different things. This is also why I encourage everyone to research wildlife tourism before booking an experience. Ask questions. ❔Where did the animals come from? ❔Why is this interaction being offered? ⚠️ Can guests touch the animals? ❌ What happens to them when they are no longer useful for the experience? And ultimately, does the experience genuinely benefit wildlife? ✅ You don’t need to be a wildlife professional to ask those questions. And if you’re unsure about an experience, feel free to reach out to me. I’ve spent more than a decade working with wildlife in zoos, rehabilitation, and conservation, and I’m always happy to have a conversation about ethical wildlife tourism and what responsible animal experiences can look like. Because wildlife should never have to become a prop for us to appreciate it. Do your research. Ask questions. And think critically before you book. #wildlifetourism #ethicaltourism #wildlifeconservation #responsibletourism #wildlifeeducation

Taken: 2 Oct 2026, 14:30:13
Likes: 47
Comments: 3
Plays: 1,078
Duration: 1m 30s
On Instagram: instagram.com/…s_Mwz7-2
Shortcode: Dd_s_Mwz7-2
pk: 3999112851205636022
Posted by: @elias_elchileno
Tags: @daviddobrik

Location

Ukutula Lodge, Bush Walk with Lions

-25.51064, 27.64830

Tagged in the image (10)

@sophpontin(sophie pontin)@natalinanoel(Natalie Noel)@bellasalerrno(Bella Salerno)@zane(zane hijazi)@ukutula_official(Become a lion volunteer)@paulribot(Paul Ribot)@tessaveldman@africansafariconservation(African Safari Conservation)@daviddobrik(DAVID DOBRIK)@savannahviuff(Savannah | yoga & wellness)