#rhinorescueproject

[mykmartinez]

Rhino Rhescue • Myk Martinez #oilpainting #painting #rhinorescueproject #rhinorescue #rhinorescueproject #savetherhino #savetherhinos #rhinosofinstagram #vermontartist #mykmartinez https://www.instagram.com/p/CTu5TgTP01i/?utm_medium=tumblr

#oilpainting #painting #rhinorescueproject #rhinorescue #savetherhino #savetherhinos #rhinosofinstagram #vermontartist #mykmartinez

[earthstory]

rhinorescueproject

** SOUND ON **⁣

⁣As we listened to this gentle giant producing little squeaks of delight at getting ear scratches and snacks, a phrase suddenly sprung to mind... in many ways rhinos really are “land whales”. ⁣

⁣Not only do the sounds they make to communicate with each other resemble those we’d associate with whales or dolphins, but much like their ocean-dwelling counterparts, rhinos are social mammals. They nurture, bond, play and cooperate with one another. Rhinos also feed their babies with their own milk and they take extraordinarily good care of their young, teaching them crucial life skills until the age of 3 or 4 before the young calves start exercising more independence.⁣

⁣So every time I run my hands over the skin of these living dinosaurs, I can’t help feeling a sense of wonder. Rhinos enrich the lives of so many people who come into contact with them. And it fills me with dread that, with the species facing extinction in 10 years or less, the risk is very real that these little squeaks might be silenced for good 😔😢⁣

⁣(The low growling in the background is an irate warthog...! 😦😂 And Reilly Travers of Imire Rhino & Wildlife talking about a female rhino that had recently given birth on the conservancy.)⁣

#Rhino #rhinoceros #animal #sound #wildlife #sound on #audio #video #instagram #mammal #rescue #the earth story

[theworldismyoysterandiamthepearl]

“Years and years of working with rhinos has certainly taught us one thing: much like humans, rhinos all have very different personalities. Some are sassy, others are reserved, many are inquisitive and almost all are very protective of their crash and their young. The new mom pictured here is named Rachel, and she’s what us humans would call an introvert ☺️ It’s fairly unusual for female rhinos not to walk with a crash, but Rachel is the exception. She seems to enjoy her own company and the dominant bull on this property had to actively woo her for almost a year before winning her affections. (Girl has high standards...! 😂 #relationshipgoals ladies!) When we performed a horn devaluation procedure on Rachel in November 2017, she was probably already pregnant (white rhino pregnancies last between 16 and 18 months) with this little bundle of cuteness, born just a few days ago. What a blessing to see her now - a proud, nurturing mom, calf at foot and striking horns intact.”

from https://www.instagram.com/rhinorescueproject/

#rhinocerous #rhino #mamaandbabe #cute #calf #nursing #horns

[funnywildlife]

For this #EndangeredSpeciesDay we bring you this outstanding shot of a baby white rhino giving it’s mum a kiss by #wildographydudette & #RememberingGreatApes contributor @shannon__wild ・・・ A massive shout out from her & @russ_wildlife who are currently in the Arctic ⠀ ‘There's nothing quite like seeing new life, especially in a species on the brink of extinction due to poaching. ⠀ Sadly the mother is at risk due to her horn. Wanted by high paying consumers in Asia that believe it holds medical qualities, it is used in traditional medicine. Yet, it's proven to be a very dense keratin, like your fingernails and hair, and certainly no more 'nutritious' or 'beneficial' than chewing on your own nails. ⠀ It is also seen as a status symbol given the extremely high prices of rhino horn which can also be carved into ornaments. ⠀ Educate others and never buy or accept illegal wildlife products! Learn more from organizations like @WildAid @rhinorescueproject @nkombe_rhino. * And support causes like @rememberingwildlife @bornfreefoundation PLEASE pledge TODAY to do something to help our #EndangeredSpecies * Even Just by sharing posts, signing petitions or donating to #wildlife charities you are making a HUGE contribution!! * #Wildography #WildographyandSafafaris ShannonBenson #wildlifephotography #buyabook

#rememberinggreatapes #wildographydudette #buyabook #endangeredspeciesday #wildographyandsafafaris #wildography #endangeredspecies #wildlife #wildlifephotography

[xo-mintyy]

#repost from @coldgamekelv - Just landed in South Africa!! Repost @therealtarzann: Rhinos Elephants and Tigers along with many other species are being MURDERED for their HORNS BONES and TUSK! The blackmarket and Chinese , Oriental/Asian market are craving these animals parts and putting $600,000 bounties on the removal of animal parts for purposes that have no effect ! I NEED YOUR HELP! The rhinos need your help ALL of these creatures need us to speak up for them ! ✊🏾🇿🇦 @vetpaw @buffalokloofprivategamereserve @rhinorescueproject @timothysykes 🎥 @valdays (Please comment like and share tag your friends and family PLEASE) - #jaharmy #mintherd #aware #colombia (at Connecticut) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqOZW2glmYa/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=x3hmot5h2mot

#repost #jaharmy #mintherd #aware #colombia

[mangokiladventures]

If there were one more thing I could do, it would be to meat you adventurer again. @mangokiladventures @osiwoo_safaris @willofafricaadventures @rhinorescueproject @world_wildlife https://www.instagram.com/p/B81vOMiHjUV/?igshid=1uwsox7h35go7

[clynam-blog]

This iconic species is sadly being poached to extinction. The drama and poignancy in this image, I hope has captured the vulnerability and despair of the plight of the Rhino. Are we willing to let the Rhino become extinct on our watch? You can help by supporting one of these charities......https://ift.tt/352SQlt , www.rhinoalliance.org , www.rhinoslaststand.org , www.savetherhino.org , https://ift.tt/1iehVzX #igersnature #bbcearth #natgeo #wildlifeowners #wildography #wildestafrica #youpic_wildlife #wildographyandsafari #indianafricanwildlife @indian.african.wildlife #capturethewild #exclusive_wildlife #naturephotography #rhino #joysafaribay #bbcwildlife #bbcwildlifemagazine #natgeowild #natgeowildlife #wildlifeig #naturehub #bigfive #endangered #rhinos #saverhinos #savetherhinos #rhinoalliance #rhinoslaststand #rhinorescueproject #rhinorevolution

[tularue11]

Reposted from @olpejeta - 📸 @askmott Peter Esegon, rhino caretaker at Ol Pejeta conservancy, relaxes with Fatu and Najin, the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world. This is part of a larger personal project titled Kindred Guardians, photographing people around the world who dedicate their lives to helping animals in need. @wildaid @natgeo @instagram @nature_org @rhinorescueproject @leica_camera @leica_fotografie_international @leicastoresg #olpejeta #justinmott #rhinos #northernwhiterhinos #savetherhinos #natgeoyourshot #insta #instarhinos #animals #animalwelfare #kenya #kenyawildlife @kenyawildlifeservice @everydayafrica @kenyawildlifetrust - #regrann https://www.instagram.com/p/ByVSnKHBMVo/?igshid=1wmyk9e0ukkz6

#olpejeta #justinmott #rhinos #northernwhiterhinos #savetherhinos #natgeoyourshot #insta #instarhinos #animals #animalwelfare #kenya #kenyawildlife #regrann

[pilram16-blog]

Rhinos Elephants and Tigers along with many other species are being MURDERED for their HORNS BONES and TUSK! The blackmarket and Chinese , Oriental/Asian market are craving these animals parts and putting $600,000 bounties on the removal of animal parts for purposes that have no effect ! The rhinos need your help! ALL of these creatures need us to speak up for them ! ✊🏾🇿🇦 ・・・Repost By veganly.ever.after: @felipecaleofficial - Porque ??? Los “Seres humanos” llegamos a tener tanto EGO que creemos que tenemos derecho a arrasar con todas las especies, todo lo ven como Comida ! Remedio ! Deporte ! Una Excusa que supuestamente la traemos en nuestro #ADN Cuando en Realidad está es en nuestras cabezas y nuestros Egos sin importar lo que sientan los Animales ! Son seres vivos que merecen todo nuestro respeto y admiración ! Son creaciones de DIOS Pueden llegar a ser nuestros amigos, nuestros compañeros de aventuras ! Y si no me crees ve y pregúntale a tu Gato o a Tu perro y te mostrarán lo especiales que pueden llegar a ser ! Si no tienes mascota busca vídeos en #YouTube nuestra especie como en los tiempos del circo Romano pero la X Potencia Arrasando y desapareciendo especies rp @therealtarzann . @vetpaw @buffalokloofprivategameresere @rhinorescueproject @timothysykes 🎥 @valdays #vegan #bones #Rhino #elephant #endpoaching #ego #animalrights #animalrightsactivists #noseparationbasedonform #earthlings #unity #animalcruelty #noplanetb #extinctionisforever #raisingextinction #extinct #voice #movie #family #chinesefood #tredition #health https://www.instagram.com/p/BqzgE-5gLB6/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=qtq3hw7a0zap

#adn #youtube #vegan #bones #rhino #elephant #endpoaching #ego #animalrights #animalrightsactivists #noseparationbasedonform #earthlings #unity #animalcruelty #noplanetb #extinctionisforever #raisingextinction #extinct #voice #movie #family #chinesefood #tredition #health

[sailorrrvenus]

Does This Rhino Drone Video Help or Hurt Conservation?

22-year-old professional drone racing pilot Johnny Schaer has built a strong social media following on Instagram and YouTube with visually stunning video capture from his custom built drones.

His skill level is piloting the drone is jaw dropping, and his scene visualization and video editing skills are also really advanced as seen in this video taken with permission in Saudi Arabia:

View this post on Instagram

Saudi Arabia has some of the craziest landscape I’ve ever seen. I basically turned into a Star Wars pod racer while flying over these rock formations🛸. A HUGE thank you to @jayalvarrez for inviting me on this adventure, and @gatewayksa for hosting us. Music: @odesza – Thin Floors and Tall Ceilings. @brendonhayward @kasey @missnellevz @julieberry #getfpv #lumenier #airvuz #hobbywing #futaba #saudiarabia Please note that the sites of Madain Saleh are currently closed to the public whilst the Royal Commission develops the area to allow for future tourism. I received an official invitation allowing me to film and document these sites to share it with you.

A post shared by Johnny Schaer (@johnny_fpv) on Oct 27, 2018 at 12:37pm PDT

Schaer, who goes by “Johnny FPV,” recently visited a game preserve in South Africa with the Rhino Rescue Project, an organization that combats poaching by injecting material into rhino horns, which “renders it useless for ornamental or medicinal use.” And posted this incredible video of two stampeding rhinos first on Facebook, and then on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

I’m in South Africa learning about the steps @vetpaw, @karmagawa, and @rhinorescueproject are taking to combat poachers. These Rhinos are being killed and pushed toward extinction for their horns which provide no medicinal value. The two Rhinos seen In the video were near a road that is actively used by poachers, and under the supervision of Vetpaw and the private game reserve, we used the drone try and push them to a safer area. While this shot turned out beautiful, I should not have flown this close to the animals. Please visit @vetpaw for more information on how you can save these Rhinos. Music: M83 – Outro #savetherhino #vetpaw #getfpv #lumenier #airvuz #futaba #hobbywing

A post shared by Johnny Schaer (@johnny_fpv) on Nov 16, 2018 at 3:30pm PST

His caption (which has been edited since its initial post) reads in part:

These Rhinos are being killed and pushed toward extinction for their horns which provide no medicinal value. The two Rhinos seen In the video were near a road that is actively used by poachers, and under the supervision of Vetpaw and the private game reserve, we used the drone try and push them to a safer area. While this shot turned out beautiful, I should not have flown this close to the animals. This is not a responsible way to film wild life [sic].

The Rhino Rescue Project also posted the video to their Instagram account, and multiple commenters questioned whether the drone was intrusive or harmful. The Project’s answer partially contradicts Schaer’s by implying that the animals weren’t bothered.

I am not an African wildlife biologist, and my attempt to contact specialists at the WWF was unsuccessful at the time of publishing. So it’s speculative to assess whether or not the rhinos were at risk as a result of this video capture (although they indisputably have very acute hearing).

Using visuals to advocate for conservationism has become commonplace. Veteran photojournalist Ami Vitale has focused many of her recent efforts on elephant and rhino conservation in Africa with images like these:

View this post on Instagram

Photo by @amivitale. It is devastating to hear that China has decided to reverse its 25-year-old ban on the sale and use of rhinoceros and tiger products. The reversal allows for these products to be used in medical research or healing, uses long since proven to have no benefits to humans. This change will certainly lead to more pressure on already terribly vulnerable animal populations and further endanger the conservationists, rangers and communities who fight for the survival of these majestic creatures. Here, Sudan, the last living male Northern White Rhino left on this planet is comforted moments before he passed away March 19, 2018 in northern Kenya. Sudan was brought to Kenya from @safari_park_dvur_kralove in the #CzechRepublic in 2009. He died surrounded by people who loved him at @olpejeta and has been an inspirational figure for many across the world. If there is any meaning in his death, it's that Sudan can be our final wake up call. In a world of 7 billion, we need to start recognizing that we are not separate from nature. When we see ourselves as part of the landscape and part of nature, then saving nature is really about saving ourselves. Today, fewer 30,000 rhinos and 3,900 tigers remain in the wild. We are witnessing extinction on our watch and must help them by speaking out and supporting conservation efforts worldwide, especially among the indigenous communities who are on the front lines every day against poaching. Follow @olpejeta @safari_park_dvur_kralove @conservationorg @nature_africa and others to learn more and get involved. @everydayextinction @kenyawildlifeservice @thephotosociety @natgeo @natgeoimagecollection #LastManStanding #SudanForever #WorthMoreAlive #OlPejetaRhinos #NorthernWhiteRhinos #protectrhinos #DontLetThemDisappear #rhinos #saverhinos #stoppoaching #kenya#northernkenya #africa #everydayafrica #photojournalism #nikonusa #nikon #nikonambassador #nikonnofilter #amivitale

A post shared by Ami Vitale (@amivitale) on Oct 31, 2018 at 1:02am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Congratulations to my dear friend, veterinarian Pete Morkel, shown here with one of the last northern white rhinos back in 2009 at @safari_park_dvur_kralove in the #CzechRepublic before they were brought to @olpejeta conservancy in Kenya. Pete won the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa, 2018 last week given by @tusk_org. I've known Pete for almost 10 years and the man is one of my greatest inspirations. He has committed his entire life to saving wildlife all over this planet and “shown complete disregard for his personal safety, whilst spending many months at a time away from his family dedicating his entire energy and attention to the conservation and welfare of Africa’s wildlife." The Telegraph writes, “You’re always taking a few blows here and there,” he laughs. He works in some of the world’s least stable countries, in areas infested by armed poachers or rebel groups like the Lord’s Resistance Army or uncleared mines. He once fractured his skull when his Cessna crashed. He reckons he has immobilised 10,000 animals. Inevitably a few have died. “Success and failure are just a heartbeat away from each other,” he says. “It can be gutting. I’ve had my share of failure and you just have to pick up and keep going and learn from what went wrong.” #gratitude #tuskawards #tusktrust #conservation #africa

A post shared by Ami Vitale (@amivitale) on Nov 19, 2018 at 4:05pm PST

Documentaries like the acclaimed Blue Planet series have used drones, light aircraft and other innovative mechanisms to capture wildlife in a way never seen before:

Schaer’s video is visually on par with Blue Planet. And yet, the Schaer footage leaves me unsettled mostly because of the context and the risk of mimicry.

Context

The audience for Blue Planet or photographers like Paul Nicklen (a photography and biologist) arguably understand the context of what they are seeing – namely, that it was captured by subject matter experts in an effort to advocate for the environment, natural ecosystems and wildlife. Everyone wants eyeballs on their work, but for people like Vitale, there’s a consistency and purpose-driven reason to every post.

By contrast, Schaer’s work has been primarily driven by visual eye candy and “tourism.” His work in Saudi Arabia resulted in a single video in a single location with no explanation of historical significance. Instead, he likens the environment to Star Wars.

His efforts to try to raise awareness about rhino poaching should be applauded, but if it’s a single visit with a single video, then he’s playing the role of tourist. There’s nothing wrong with this approach to photography/videography per se, but the work will undoubtedly influence the behavior of others.

Mimicry

The rise in popularity of Urbex (urban exploration) has been fueled in large part by the dramatic photos shared on social media like this:

View this post on Instagram

Congratulation @st_ella you have been selected as #urbexpeople of the day ! Keep tagging your best photo with #urbexpeople to get featured ! We are urban explorer not public enemy !

A post shared by Instagram Community (@urbexpeople) on Jul 5, 2017 at 8:30am PDT

Or the ubiquitous “legs dangling off a building” photo:

View this post on Instagram

Stared at this for 20 minutes, words can't explain a feeling like this. #CreateYourHype #BreakTheInternet

A post shared by Humza Deas (@humzadeas) on Dec 15, 2014 at 2:01pm PST

The desire to mimic these images leads photographers to take unnecessary (sometimes fatal) risks. The photos look awesome, but capturing them is irresponsible and often illegal.

Schaer worked with a wildlife group and with the permission of the landowner, and even then, he admits that he worked too close to the animals. But the video travels without context. Many viewers will simply think it’s cool, and some will want to replicate the footage without the benefit of working with game wardens, wildlife biologists, et al. They might use larger, noisier drones. They might be less skilled operators but still try to get as close. They might try capturing footage of critically endangered species and literally imperil the animal.

It’s a legitimate question to ask whether Schaer’s footage is actually raising awareness of rhino poaching, or whether it’s just visual clickbait. On a critically important issue that requires deep engagement, understanding, and action, most of the engagement Schaer has generated has been a double tap of the screen and a +1 in the “likes” column.

About the author: Allen Murabayashi is the Chairman and co-founder of PhotoShelter, which regularly publishes resources for photographers. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. Allen is a graduate of Yale University, and flosses daily. This article was also published here.

source https://petapixel.com/2018/11/21/does-this-rhino-drone-video-help-or-hurt-conservation/

[earthstory]

johnny_fpv

I’m in South Africa learning about the steps @vetpaw , @karmagawa , and @rhinorescueproject are taking to combat poachers.  These Rhinos are being killed and pushed toward extinction for their horns which provide no medicinal value.  The two Rhinos seen In the video were near a road that is actively used by poachers, and under the supervision of Vetpaw and the private game reserve, we used the drone try and push them to a safer area.  While this shot turned out beautiful, under any other circumstances I should not have flown this close to the animals.  Please visit

@vetpaw

for more information on how you can save these Rhinos.  Music: M83 - Outro

#animal #rhino #rhinoceros #video #wildlife #drone #vetpaw #conservation #poaching #poachers #instagram #the earth story

[theworldismyoysterandiamthepearl]

“This is what it’s all about for us. A protected mom means a protected baby 😍⁣ ⁣ Baby rhinos that lose their mothers to traumatic events like poaching can develop depression. But by the same token, rhino calves who grow up in happy, nurturing environments develop the confidence to explore. How cute is this little one doing exactly that...?!”

quote and vid from ⁣https://www.instagram.com/rhinorescueproject/

#rhino #rhinocerous #baby #mamaandbabeh #animals #beautiful

[pauldeckerus]

Does This Rhino Drone Video Help or Hurt Conservation?

22-year-old professional drone racing pilot Johnny Schaer has built a strong social media following on Instagram and YouTube with visually stunning video capture from his custom built drones.

His skill level is piloting the drone is jaw dropping, and his scene visualization and video editing skills are also really advanced as seen in this video taken with permission in Saudi Arabia:

View this post on Instagram

Saudi Arabia has some of the craziest landscape I’ve ever seen. I basically turned into a Star Wars pod racer while flying over these rock formations🛸. A HUGE thank you to @jayalvarrez for inviting me on this adventure, and @gatewayksa for hosting us. Music: @odesza – Thin Floors and Tall Ceilings. @brendonhayward @kasey @missnellevz @julieberry #getfpv #lumenier #airvuz #hobbywing #futaba #saudiarabia Please note that the sites of Madain Saleh are currently closed to the public whilst the Royal Commission develops the area to allow for future tourism. I received an official invitation allowing me to film and document these sites to share it with you.

A post shared by Johnny Schaer (@johnny_fpv) on Oct 27, 2018 at 12:37pm PDT

Schaer, who goes by “Johnny FPV,” recently visited a game preserve in South Africa with the Rhino Rescue Project, an organization that combats poaching by injecting material into rhino horns, which “renders it useless for ornamental or medicinal use.” And posted this incredible video of two stampeding rhinos first on Facebook, and then on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

I’m in South Africa learning about the steps @vetpaw, @karmagawa, and @rhinorescueproject are taking to combat poachers. These Rhinos are being killed and pushed toward extinction for their horns which provide no medicinal value. The two Rhinos seen In the video were near a road that is actively used by poachers, and under the supervision of Vetpaw and the private game reserve, we used the drone try and push them to a safer area. While this shot turned out beautiful, I should not have flown this close to the animals. Please visit @vetpaw for more information on how you can save these Rhinos. Music: M83 – Outro #savetherhino #vetpaw #getfpv #lumenier #airvuz #futaba #hobbywing

A post shared by Johnny Schaer (@johnny_fpv) on Nov 16, 2018 at 3:30pm PST

His caption (which has been edited since its initial post) reads in part:

These Rhinos are being killed and pushed toward extinction for their horns which provide no medicinal value. The two Rhinos seen In the video were near a road that is actively used by poachers, and under the supervision of Vetpaw and the private game reserve, we used the drone try and push them to a safer area. While this shot turned out beautiful, I should not have flown this close to the animals. This is not a responsible way to film wild life [sic].

The Rhino Rescue Project also posted the video to their Instagram account, and multiple commenters questioned whether the drone was intrusive or harmful. The Project’s answer partially contradicts Schaer’s by implying that the animals weren’t bothered.

I am not an African wildlife biologist, and my attempt to contact specialists at the WWF was unsuccessful at the time of publishing. So it’s speculative to assess whether or not the rhinos were at risk as a result of this video capture (although they indisputably have very acute hearing).

Using visuals to advocate for conservationism has become commonplace. Veteran photojournalist Ami Vitale has focused many of her recent efforts on elephant and rhino conservation in Africa with images like these:

View this post on Instagram

Photo by @amivitale. It is devastating to hear that China has decided to reverse its 25-year-old ban on the sale and use of rhinoceros and tiger products. The reversal allows for these products to be used in medical research or healing, uses long since proven to have no benefits to humans. This change will certainly lead to more pressure on already terribly vulnerable animal populations and further endanger the conservationists, rangers and communities who fight for the survival of these majestic creatures. Here, Sudan, the last living male Northern White Rhino left on this planet is comforted moments before he passed away March 19, 2018 in northern Kenya. Sudan was brought to Kenya from @safari_park_dvur_kralove in the #CzechRepublic in 2009. He died surrounded by people who loved him at @olpejeta and has been an inspirational figure for many across the world. If there is any meaning in his death, it's that Sudan can be our final wake up call. In a world of 7 billion, we need to start recognizing that we are not separate from nature. When we see ourselves as part of the landscape and part of nature, then saving nature is really about saving ourselves. Today, fewer 30,000 rhinos and 3,900 tigers remain in the wild. We are witnessing extinction on our watch and must help them by speaking out and supporting conservation efforts worldwide, especially among the indigenous communities who are on the front lines every day against poaching. Follow @olpejeta @safari_park_dvur_kralove @conservationorg @nature_africa and others to learn more and get involved. @everydayextinction @kenyawildlifeservice @thephotosociety @natgeo @natgeoimagecollection #LastManStanding #SudanForever #WorthMoreAlive #OlPejetaRhinos #NorthernWhiteRhinos #protectrhinos #DontLetThemDisappear #rhinos #saverhinos #stoppoaching #kenya#northernkenya #africa #everydayafrica #photojournalism #nikonusa #nikon #nikonambassador #nikonnofilter #amivitale

A post shared by Ami Vitale (@amivitale) on Oct 31, 2018 at 1:02am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Congratulations to my dear friend, veterinarian Pete Morkel, shown here with one of the last northern white rhinos back in 2009 at @safari_park_dvur_kralove in the #CzechRepublic before they were brought to @olpejeta conservancy in Kenya. Pete won the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa, 2018 last week given by @tusk_org. I've known Pete for almost 10 years and the man is one of my greatest inspirations. He has committed his entire life to saving wildlife all over this planet and “shown complete disregard for his personal safety, whilst spending many months at a time away from his family dedicating his entire energy and attention to the conservation and welfare of Africa’s wildlife." The Telegraph writes, “You’re always taking a few blows here and there,” he laughs. He works in some of the world’s least stable countries, in areas infested by armed poachers or rebel groups like the Lord’s Resistance Army or uncleared mines. He once fractured his skull when his Cessna crashed. He reckons he has immobilised 10,000 animals. Inevitably a few have died. “Success and failure are just a heartbeat away from each other,” he says. “It can be gutting. I’ve had my share of failure and you just have to pick up and keep going and learn from what went wrong.” #gratitude #tuskawards #tusktrust #conservation #africa

A post shared by Ami Vitale (@amivitale) on Nov 19, 2018 at 4:05pm PST

Documentaries like the acclaimed Blue Planet series have used drones, light aircraft and other innovative mechanisms to capture wildlife in a way never seen before:

Schaer’s video is visually on par with Blue Planet. And yet, the Schaer footage leaves me unsettled mostly because of the context and the risk of mimicry.

Context

The audience for Blue Planet or photographers like Paul Nicklen (a photography and biologist) arguably understand the context of what they are seeing – namely, that it was captured by subject matter experts in an effort to advocate for the environment, natural ecosystems and wildlife. Everyone wants eyeballs on their work, but for people like Vitale, there’s a consistency and purpose-driven reason to every post.

By contrast, Schaer’s work has been primarily driven by visual eye candy and “tourism.” His work in Saudi Arabia resulted in a single video in a single location with no explanation of historical significance. Instead, he likens the environment to Star Wars.

His efforts to try to raise awareness about rhino poaching should be applauded, but if it’s a single visit with a single video, then he’s playing the role of tourist. There’s nothing wrong with this approach to photography/videography per se, but the work will undoubtedly influence the behavior of others.

Mimicry

The rise in popularity of Urbex (urban exploration) has been fueled in large part by the dramatic photos shared on social media like this:

View this post on Instagram

Congratulation @st_ella you have been selected as #urbexpeople of the day ! Keep tagging your best photo with #urbexpeople to get featured ! We are urban explorer not public enemy !

A post shared by Instagram Community (@urbexpeople) on Jul 5, 2017 at 8:30am PDT

Or the ubiquitous “legs dangling off a building” photo:

View this post on Instagram

Stared at this for 20 minutes, words can't explain a feeling like this. #CreateYourHype #BreakTheInternet

A post shared by Humza Deas (@humzadeas) on Dec 15, 2014 at 2:01pm PST

The desire to mimic these images leads photographers to take unnecessary (sometimes fatal) risks. The photos look awesome, but capturing them is irresponsible and often illegal.

Schaer worked with a wildlife group and with the permission of the landowner, and even then, he admits that he worked too close to the animals. But the video travels without context. Many viewers will simply think it’s cool, and some will want to replicate the footage without the benefit of working with game wardens, wildlife biologists, et al. They might use larger, noisier drones. They might be less skilled operators but still try to get as close. They might try capturing footage of critically endangered species and literally imperil the animal.

It’s a legitimate question to ask whether Schaer’s footage is actually raising awareness of rhino poaching, or whether it’s just visual clickbait. On a critically important issue that requires deep engagement, understanding, and action, most of the engagement Schaer has generated has been a double tap of the screen and a +1 in the “likes” column.

About the author: Allen Murabayashi is the Chairman and co-founder of PhotoShelter, which regularly publishes resources for photographers. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. Allen is a graduate of Yale University, and flosses daily. This article was also published here.

from Photography News https://petapixel.com/2018/11/21/does-this-rhino-drone-video-help-or-hurt-conservation/

[teamwopo]

Deep wake up people 🤴🏿🤴🏿🦅🦅🦅💰💰💰💯💯💯 #Repost @michaelrapaport with @get_repost ・・・ Who’s Sicker, the killers or The people that buy them? SICK FUCKS #Repost @therealtarzann ・・・ Rhinos Elephants and Tigers along with many other species are being MURDERED for their HORNS BONES and TUSK! The blackmarket and Chinese , Oriental/Asian market are craving these animals parts and putting $600,000 bounties on the removal of animal parts for purposes that have no effect ! I NEED YOUR HELP! The rhinos need your help ALL of these creatures need us to speak up for them ! ✊🏾🇿🇦 @vetpaw @buffalokloofprivategamereserve @rhinorescueproject @timothysykes 🎥 @valdays (Please comment like and share tag your friends and family PLEASE) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqPbI-tBK-2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=6x91ki9m6hom

#repost

[verolovelyvero]

#Repost @therealtarzann with @get_repost ・・・ Rhinos Elephants and Tigers along with many other species are being MURDERED for their HORNS BONES and TUSK! The blackmarket and Chinese , Oriental/Asian market are craving these animals parts and putting $600,000 bounties on the removal of animal parts for purposes that have no effect ! I NEED YOUR HELP! The rhinos need your help ALL of these creatures need us to speak up for them ! ✊🏾🇿🇦 @vetpaw @buffalokloofprivategamereserve @rhinorescueproject @timothysykes 🎥 @valdays (Please comment like and share tag your friends and family PLEASE) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqN73okHhP5/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1voratdtqd45m

#repost

[kangjoonsuh1]

So much respect for this man. Preach that brother. #Repost @therealtarzann ・・・ Rhinos Elephants and Tigers along with many other species are being MURDERED for their HORNS BONES and TUSK! The blackmarket and Chinese , Oriental/Asian market are craving these animals parts and putting $600,000 bounties on the removal of animal parts for purposes that have no effect ! I NEED YOUR HELP! The rhinos need your help ALL of these creatures need us to speak up for them ! ✊🏾🇿🇦 @vetpaw @buffalokloofprivategamereserve @rhinorescueproject @timothysykes 🎥 @valdays (Please comment like and share tag your friends and family PLEASE) #wildlife #saveanimals #savewildlife #savetigers #saverhinos #saveelephants #stopkilling #stopkillinganimals https://www.instagram.com/p/BqNh4xhgRfx/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tjadnuu3lqrz

#repost #wildlife #saveanimals #savewildlife #savetigers #saverhinos #saveelephants #stopkilling #stopkillinganimals