Mary Marshall’s elephant-seal encounter begins with a photographer sitting near a pup during an Antarctic expedition. The animal’s approach gives the sequence its unexpected turn.
An approach is not permission to touch
A curious animal may close a gap, but that does not make further contact an appropriate visitor activity. The original post presented old distance figures and an overly broad exception when wildlife approaches; neither should be used as current expedition guidance.
Let the guide manage the space
Follow the landing briefing and allow animals an unobstructed route. Species, behaviour and site conditions affect how much room is appropriate. This archive can be enjoyed as a particular encounter without promising visitors a similar experience or encouraging them to wait in an animal’s path for a close-up.
Explore more: penguins through a filmmaker’s edit; distance and managed bear viewing.
Related reading: A Seal Approaches a Camera Crew in Antarctica.
Video: Amazing Encounter with an Adorable Elephant Seal Pup (published by Drmrfordancing).
No comments