The Possum Tree

Terrific photography 🔥🔥

It's Wild Wednesday!

Ever seen those "cute" photos and videos of folks holding sloths, cradling a baby tiger, or living with a wild "pet"? We have too - but the reality is not as cute as you think.

Imagery like this runs rampant on the internet and much is harmful to animals. While it might seem counterintuitive that a kind interaction between humans and wildlife is problematic, it sends the message that these animals are tractable and fair game as pets, entertainment, etc.

Wild animals are exploited and coerced into these types of interactions for photo ops and the like. Demand for these interactions fuels wildlife trafficking, puts human and nonhuman safety at risk, and drives up consumerism and entitlement to these interactions.

Please, do NOT go to places that offer wild animal photo ops, petting, swimming, riding, etc. If you see them on social media, don't engage with them as this drives traffic to the content. Support a instead!