Before
arriving in Australia, I had no idea how unique and various the animals were
here. Since being here, it is hard to not become enthralled by Australia’s
wildlife, especially when utilizing tourist enterprises. One study I came
across found that 18.4% of international visitors are motivated to visit
Australia partly because of the native animals.[1]
Although I cannot say the wildlife played a role in my decision to study in
Australia, it is definitely motivation to return. Additionally, holding a koala
and playing with a kangaroo provides high recommendations to my family and
friends to travel down under. And as long as Australia is the one and only home
to many of these animals, I think the wildlife tourism industry will continue
to be successful.
[1]Karen Belinda Higginbottom,
Chelsea Norththrope, David B. Croft, Brad Andrew Hill, and Liz Fredline. “The
Role of Kangaroos in Australian Tourism,” Australian
Mammalogy, 26 1 (2004): 23.
Photographer unknown, "Steve Irwin," found in online article: "Crikey, snail named after Steve Irwin," The Cairns Post, last modified 14, Nov. 2009, accessed 1 Nov. 2012, http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2009/11/14/75995_local-news.html.
Steve
Irwin is arguably the most famous Australian and the world’s most famous
wildlife expert. He rose to fame as the television personality, the “Crocodile
Hunter,” although the name is misleading because he strongly emphasized and
encouraged conservation up until his death in 2006.
Conservationist
As
described early in the analysis of the Australia Zoo, Steve Irwin has his
influence in many conservation initiatives. But perhaps the best way he
inspired conservation (as well as education) was through his excitement about
nature.
“Steve’s
dream” is to buy large amounts of land for conservation, and his wife, Terri, -
along with many other people at the Australia Zoo and worldwide - is working to
make it happen.[1]
Criticisms
Of
course not everyone is going to agree that Irwin’s work was entirely moral.
Some people criticize him for disturbing the animals in their natural
environment for his television show. This video is an example:
People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals (PETA) argues Irwin’s motives with the following quote:
“Does the public really need to see
someone dragging a frightened snake out of a hole and flailing the animal
around on a stick in order to realize how important and morally imperative it
is to respect and protect that animal?”[2]
Despite differing viewpoints, it is up
to the individual to decide whether or not he was exploiting animals for the
fame and profit.
World’s Reaction to Death
When
Steve Irwin died in September 2006 due to a stingray attack, people around the
world were devastated. Millions watched his funeral service. Additionally, the
Australia Zoo experienced an increase in number of visitors, and donations to
the Wildlife Warriors conservation foundation increased.
In
the weeks following Irwin’s death, at least 10 stingrays were found dead,
mauled, and washed up along Queensland shores. While it cannot be confirmed, it
is believed that Irwin fans were taking out their anger and getting revenge on
the stingray species.[3] A true Irwin
fan would know that this is not what he would have wanted.
"Beth and Steve Irwin," personal photo, Australia Zoo, 6 Oct. 2012.
[1]
William J. Brown,
"Steve Irwin's Influence on Wildlife Conservation." Journal Of
Communication 60, no. 1 (March 2010): 73-79. Communication & Mass
Media Complete, EBSCOhost, accessed 2 Oct. 2012.
[2]
"Steve Irwin: Not a True 'Wildlife Warrior'," People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals,
last modified 2012, accessed 2 Oct. 2012, http://www.peta.org/features/steve-irwin.aspx?c=ptwit,
n.p.
Photographer unknown, "Australian Brown Snake," found online: accessed 1 Nov. 2012, http://www.1stfun.com/animals/ten-deadliest-snakes-around-the-world/attachment/australian-brown-snake/.
Before
coming to Australia many of my family members and friends were adamant about
warning me about the numerous large and venomous snakes that are native to the
country. Luckily, I haven’t had any scary encounters, but my curiosity has led
me to find that there are 140 species of land and 32 species of water snakes in
Australia, and the poisonous ones outnumber the non-venomous snakes.[1]
Does this danger factor hurt Australian
tourism? Does it attract the thrill seekers? And what is the actual risk when
in Australia or when encountering a snake? Do Australians view their deadly
neighbors differently than tourists?
Tourist Safety
When
researching snakes in tourism, most searches resulted in horror stories of
tourists getting bitten by venomous snakes. For example, in 2008, a deadly
brown snake in Cairns bit one tourist. Another was bitten in 2012 by a tiger
snake in the outback. Both survived. Most snake bites like these occur because
of carelessness or drunkenness. The advice given to tourists is simple: don’t
walk through tall grass barefoot and don’t reach into places you cannot see.
And in most cases (if you are bitten), the snake does not release any venom
unless it was really concerned for its own survival.[2]
Because research was limited on this topic of snakes and
tourism, I’d like to survey my readers and ask what is your view on Australian
snakes? Are they:
scary, dangerous, poisonous, harmful?
important to the ecosystem but not a threat to humans?
economically important to Australian tourism?
Feedback can be left in the comments
section below; please indicate if you live in Australia or would be considered
a tourist in Australia.
"Beth and Snake," personal photo, Bond University, 7 Sept. 2012.
Dangerousness in Australia
After
researching snakes in Australia, it seems that their actual dangerousness is
exaggerated. Although it is difficult to measure “poisonous-ness,” most sources
agree that eight of the ten most poisonous snakes live in Australia. However,
poisonous does not mean deadly as there are remedies to bites if acted on
quickly.
The Indian Taipan is considered the most
venomous snake in the world and is found in the red regions below:
http://www.avru.org/general/distrib_fierce.html
Most
Taipan bites have occurred with animal handlers, and only few have been deadly.
So although it is titled as the most poisonous
snake, the most deadly snake resides
in Africa.[3]
The Rainbow Serpent
The
native Australians, Aboriginals, place great emphasis on the snake. The
“Rainbow Serpent” differs by name and tribe, but the underlying myth describes
an enormous snake that lives deep in Australian waterholes and slithers over
land to create water channels. This serpent can give people healing powers and
rainmaking abilities, or it can curse law-breakers with sores, weakness,
illness, or even death.[4]
Despite
the many Aboriginals assimilating into the white culture, the Rainbow Serpent still
plays an important role in their beliefs as the snake is said to control the
vital resources of oil and water. [5]
[2]
Rhonda Green, “Dangerous snake bites tourist in Australia – but could have been
easily avoided,” Wildlife Tourism
Australia, last modified 17 Feb. 2012, accessed 1 Nov. 2012, http://wildlifetourism.org.au/snake-danger-in-australia-usually-not-if-youre-careful/, n.p.
[3]
“Types of Snakes in Australia,” Gondwananet,
accessed 1 Nov. 2012, http://www.gondwananet.com/australian-animals-reptiles-snakes.html, n.p.
[4]
Charles P.
Mountford, “The Rainbow-Serpent Myths of Australia,” in The Rainbow Serpent, edited by Ira R. Buchler, 33-38. Chicago, IL:
Aldine Publishing Company,1978.
Photographer unknown, "Koala,"picture found in online article: "Koalas may be extinct in seven years," Sydney Morning Herald, last modified 11 Apr. 2007, accessed 1 Nov. 2012, http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/koalas-may-be-extinct-in-seven-years/2007/04/11/1175971155875.html
Much
like the kangaroo, the koala has a high association with the country of
Australia. It is one of the many animals that is native to only Australia. This
is because of the eucalyptus trees that serve as food and homes to koalas and
can only be found here as well. This uniqueness is advantageous for marketing
to tourists, but some Australians are concerned that the natural environment
(including koalas) is pushed too hard, and now there is a challenge to protect
it.
Economic Value
I
believe that there is no amount of money that is worth putting an animal’s
existence at risk, but let’s examine exactly how much worth koalas provide to
the tourism industry in Australia. In 1997, Tor Hundloe and Clive Hamiliton
conducted a study that evaluated just this. By surveying tourists, Hundloe and
Hamiliton found that 65% hoped to see a koala during their visit, and 70% of
these people succeeded in doing so. They also found that the koalas were
especially popular among the Japanese tourists.[1]
"Beth and Koala," personal photo, Australia Zoo, 6 Oct. 2012.
When
this paper was presented, it was estimated that koala tourism contributed $1.8
billion to the industry. This is equivalent to about 9000 jobs.[2]
And these numbers were projected to increase rapidly within the next decade.
Although there are no more recent numbers available in such a study, we can
assume that the declining koala population has had an influence and will
continue to until extinction.
Threat Level
The
major threats to koalas are bushfires, habitat destruction, dog attacks, and
road accidents. It is estimated that there are 43,000-80,000 remaining in the
wild. Koalas can be found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South
Australia. Each of these states has their own legislation for protecting
koalas. The International Union of Conservation lists the cuddly marsupials
anywhere between vulnerable to rare, depending on location. Internationally,
koalas are considered “potentially vulnerable.” [3]
[1]
Tor Hundloe and Clive Hamilton. “Koalas and Tourism: An Economic Evaluation.” (presented at The Australia Institute,
July, 1997), 5-6.
Photographer unknown, "Giant Kangaroo," picture found in online article: Managh, Carolyn. "Stalked by a Giant Kangaroo," Tweed Tea and Wellies, last modified 17 June 2011, accessed 1 Nov. 2012, http://www.tweedteaandwellies.com/stalked-by-a-giant-kangaroo/.
The kangaroo is one of the most recognized national icons in the world. In a 2004 study, 98.3% of participants correctly corresponded the kangaroo with Australia, outscoring such icons as the Eiffel Tower and Leaning Tower of Pisa.[1] But why is it that the kangaroo is so closely corresponded with Australia?
Symbol of Australia
While at first kangaroos were viewed as pests to the settlers, today the animal serves as the national symbol of Australia. However, it did not become a symbol purely for being distinct to the country; there had to be meaning and significance. The early Australians found eventual acceptance in the once pests and could relate to the kangaroo for some of the following reasons:
·struggle, poverty
·natural, free-spirited
·confident
·both contemporary and timeless
·warmth, boundless energy
·forward looking optimism
·humorous and loveable in character
The kangaroo appeared on the national coat of arms in 1908 alongside the emu. The symbolism here is drawn from the belief that neither animal can successfully move backwards and that Australia is a nation of optimism and forward-moving progression.
Some other iconic kangaroos that helped define the symbolism of the animal are Skippy the bush kangaroo and the kangaroo from the Qantas airlines logo. Skippy the bush kangaroo appeared on a children’s television program and is largely responsible for presenting the animal a fun, warm, and loveable. The Qantas kangaroo was marketed as the “Spirit of Australia,” and is a confident and noble icon.[2]
Farming Ethics and Policies
Before kangaroos became a major symbol of Australia, they were used for entertainment purposes in England and for meat and leather locally. There was little debate over killing kangaroos because they often destroyed gardens and fences, caused automobile accidents, and sometimes even entered homes causing damage and chaos. Controversy over kangaroo farming became more eminent once the animal was nationalized; not only was there the emotional and moral dilemma over killing the national symbol, but there was also a concern for certain species’ survival.
For some time, many groups banned kangaroo imports in attempt to dissuade the use of kangaroo farming, and in 1969 the Australian Wildlife Protection Council opposed kangaroo slaughter officially.
Today, farming is limited to certain species and a specific quota (4 million in 2009). In a 2002 poll, 87% of Australians accepted the commercial use of kangaroo products. The arguments can be narrowed down to the following points:
·For kangaroo culling:
otoo many kangaroos
otrampling gardens, breaking down fences, entering homes
okangaroo meat
oleather
oroad hazards
·Against kangaroo culling:
ocruelty
onational symbol
otoo many endangered and extinct species in Australia already
odamage to tourism industry
Despite differing viewpoints, everybody seems to be impressed with the kangaroo’s resilience against hunting and the changing climate.[3]
Role in Tourism
As mentioned earlier, kangaroos have a high correlation with Australia. But does the kangaroo actually draw tourists to the country? Studies say yes! The same survey that identified this correlation found that 43.2% of international tourists want to see a kangaroo during their visit in Australia. With over 190 kangaroo tourism enterprises (in addition to wild kangaroos), 81.1% of these international tourists succeeded in seeing the unique fauna.
The economic benefit from wildlife tourism is estimated to be $1.8-3.5 billion annually, but it is unknown how much of this is due directly to kangaroos.[4] It is my guess that as long as kangaroos serve as an icon for Australia and unique to this country that they will continue to attract tourists (like me!) from across the world.
"Beth and Kangaroo," personal photo, Australia Zoo, 6 Oct. 2012.
[1]Karen Belinda Higginbottom, Chelsea Norththrope, David B. Croft, Brad Andrew Hill, and Liz Fredline. “The Role of Kangaroos in Australian Tourism,” Australian Mammalogy, 26 1 (2004): 26.
[2] Beth Hatton and Linda Thompson, “Kangaroo,” Symbols of Australia, ed. Melissa Harper and Richard White (Sydney: University of New South Wales Press & National Museum of Australia Press, 2010), 23-31.
[3]Rob Griffith, “Australia’s Capital Debates a Kangaroo Cull,” NBC News, last modified 15 Apr. 2009, accessed 1 Nov. 2012, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30193832/ns/world_news-world_environment/t/australias-capital-debates-kangaroo-cull/#.UKi1e445NUR.
To start off the analysis of animals in Australian tourism, I will examine the Australia Zoo. The hundred-acre park was founded by Bob and Lyn Irwin in the 1970s in Beerwah, Queensland. It was later passed on to their famous son, Steve Irwin, and his family who continues to run the zoo today. Zoos are probably the enterprise most closely related with wildlife tourism, and the Australia Zoo does a great job of showcasing the animals that are unique to this country.
While I visited the Australia Zoo, I couldn't help but wonder why people pay money and get so excited to see these animals in captivity. Wouldn't the real thrill be seeing kangaroos, crocodiles, and dingoes in the wild? The easy answer to this question is convenience. At zoos people can pay money and are guaranteed to see the animals they are looking for plus many more. The zoo also gives people an opportunity to interact with these animals without the safety risks that would be of concern in the wild. For these reasons, zoos continue to be successful tourist attractions worldwide.
Conservation
One of the main missions of Australia Zoo is conservation. Within the zoo, there are programs implemented for endangered species and for creating environments suitable for breeding. Outside the zoo, conservation is promoted worldwide. In fact, the Australia Zoo is partnered with several international companies to combat any threats to the wildlife.
Probably the most prominent effort for conservation is the Wildlife Warriors Worldwide initiative. This charity aims to protect any injured, threatened, or endangered animal. In addition to funding the Australia Zoo Animal Hospital and Wildlife Reserves, there are projects to help protect the following animals:
·cheetahs
·crocodiles
·elephants
·Tasmanian devils
·tigers
·sea turtles
Additionally, the Australia Zoo encourages environmental conservation and anti-animal consumption.[1]
"Australia Zoo sign," personal photo, Australia Zoo, 6 Oct. 2012.
Captivity Ethics
While all of these efforts seem very noble and heroic, of course there are going to be critics. And no analysis would be complete without examining both sides. The moral dilemma of captivity is one that plagues all zoos. It is the question of whether or not it is right to keep animals in cages. There are arguments that claim that life in a zoo is better for an animal. But those who are against captivity believe that animals are being harmed because in captivity they face:
"Beth and Elephant," personal photo, Australia Zoo, 6 Oct. 2012.
Some, but not all, of the animals at Australia Zoo were injured, brought to the zoo, and rescued; therefore, they would otherwise not be living if it weren’t for captivity. In these cases, I think that all can agree that captivity is the right answer.
Financial Status
A visit to the Australia Zoo reveals that it seems under-staffed, out-dated, and lacking in animal variety. This made me question the financial status of the zoo.
My research found that in 2011, the zoo was faced with tremendous debt that led to 22 staff dismissals. The debt was caused by the global economic crisis, mismanagement, and a devastating flood that year in January. There has been no updates on the financial status since, but rumors to sell the zoo never came true, and the current staff still energetically works towards “Steve’s dream” of building a zoo that is comparable to a Disney park.[3]
[1] “Conservation,” Australia Zoo, last modified 2012, accessed 1 Nov. 2012, http://www.australiazoo.com.au/conservation/, n.p.
Coming to Australia, I knew a lot of the wildlife was unique. As I began touring the country I found more and more curiosity in the animals that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth, and I came to appreciate this peculiarity. But as a tourist, am I just buying into the enterprises that are designed to feature these unique animals?
Some other questions that come to mind as I reflect on my experiences here with Australian wildlife are:
What animals attract tourists to Australia and why?
Why do people pay to see animals outside their natural habitat?
What is the economic value of wildlife tourism in Australia?
What ethical issues are presented in wildlife tourism?
How do Australians view their native animals?
The purpose of this blog is to answer these questions by analyzing five different artefacts in Australian popular culture. While I could examine five different Australian animals for this themed-journal, I chose to include a wildlife enterprise and a celebrity closely associated with Australia's natural fauna. This is intended to provide a more rounded evaluation of the tourism aspect of the journal. The chosen artefacts are images of:
Australia Zoo
kangaroo
koala
snake
Steve Irwin
I chose to use a blog format for several reasons. Each artefact will be presented as a separate post. I also hope to include pictures, videos, and links that can provide additional information on the subject being addressed. The blog structure allows informality, subjectivity, and interaction; I plan to include a survey for my readers and use their responses as evidence in my analysis. Finally, I plan to incorporate my personal experiences into the discussions. While I may express my opinion on certain issues, I will try my best to include both sides to every argument and explain the criticisms.
I hope this blog is informative, enjoyable, and reflects the interest and appreciation I have come to find in Australia's native animals. Thank you for reading.
