Elephant Conservation and Welfare
Aaron "Bertie" Gekoski (IG) is one of the worlds most renowned environmental photojournalists. He has won prestigious awards such as Environmental Photographer of the Year 2024 and at Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019.
Bertie is also a massive City fan. If the surname sounds familiar you might know it from his dad Rick, who wrote the behind the scenes book "Staying Up" about City's season of 97/98.
Elephants are also one of of Bertie's favourite animals and obviously have a close connection with City from our badge to our mascot. He says:
"Elephants across Africa and Asia face growing threats from habitat destruction, poaching, and exploitation in tourism. Expanding farms, roads, and developments are shrinking the wild spaces they depend on, often leading to deadly conflict with humans. Many elephants are still killed for ivory, while others endure harsh lives in captivity for rides, performances, and tourist encounters that often rely on cruel training methods and lifelong confinement.
People can help by avoiding elephant rides, bathing attractions, and any experience where elephants are used for entertainment. Instead, support ethical sanctuaries and responsible wildlife tourism that prioritise animal welfare and conservation. Even small choices matter. By refusing to support exploitative attractions and speaking out about animal abuse, travellers can help reduce demand and protect one of the world’s most intelligent and threatened species."
Here are some examples of ethical sanctuaries in Thailand and Kenya:
https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
https://www.wfft.org/projects/elephant-refuge
LAST will be featuring more about elephant welfare in the very near future.
Below is a selction of some of Bertie's elephant photos regarding elephants and ethical tourism.