Forget safaris, there’s a new 'big five' to see in the wild. From pandas and kangaroos to whales and koalas, research suggests today's travellers are looking beyond the traditional safari in search of a different set of bucket list wildlife encounters.
For generations, spotting a lion, leopard or elephant has been the ultimate wildlife travel experience.
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According to new research, though, today's travellers are dreaming of a different kind of “big five” – one that swaps big cats for bamboo forests, whale-watching and Australia's most famous marsupials.
A study by tour company Explore has revealed that while seeing the traditional big five – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes – is still on many bucket lists, there are other animals that travellers are keen to see, away from the traditional safari experience.
Explore surveyed 2,400 people across 12 countries and examined Google search data from the past 12 months.
The study found that there’s been a marked shift in the importance of seeing wildlife while travelling, with a 211% increase in searches for "wildlife holidays". According to the study, 72% of global respondents also said that wildlife is at least a somewhat important factor when choosing a holiday destination.
The research also revealed that Australia is far and away the top destination for wildlife fans, with 38% of those surveyed saying it’s top of their list. South Africa was in second place with 11%, and Kenya was third, with 9%. Rounding out the top five were Canada and China, which received 7% and 6% respectively.
Here’s the new big five – and where to see them.
Pandas
Native to China’s mountainous regions, giant pandas took the top spot, with 41% of respondents saying they want to see them in the wild.
The black and white creatures live in dense bamboo forests in the Gansu, Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces and are notoriously hard to spot, making catching a glimpse even more desirable.
Once classified as endangered, the International Union for Conservation of Nature still marks them as a vulnerable species, meaning seeing them in the wild is a real treat.
Spot them at Chengdu Research base, China's leading panda breeding centre or at Wolong National Nature Reserve, the largest wild panda habitat in the country.
Elephants
Elephants are the only animal of the original big five to make this list, and 32% of people surveyed are keen to see them in the wild.
The huge beasts are native to Africa and Asia, and are always impressive to spot in their natural habitat.
For the best chance to see them, head to Chobe National Park in Botswana, which is home to up to 120,000 elephants – the largest concentration on Earth.
In Asia, Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka is a good bet, and also acts as a care centre for orphaned elephants to be nursed back to health.
Kangaroos
Think of Australia, and you’ll probably think of kangaroos. The study found that 32% of respondents said seeing them in the wild is their most sought-after wildlife encounters.
Kangaroos can live across a wide variety of areas, from grasslands to more coastal regions.
While you may spot one going about its daily business, to ensure you catch sight of one, visit the aptly named Kangaroo Island, off the coast of Adelaide, or Murramarang National Park in New South Wales, where you might see the Eastern Grey variety on the beautiful beaches.
Koalas
Koalas are another must-see in Australia, with 30% saying they’re their dream creature to see in the wild.
Despite a famously relaxed lifestyle, where they sleep between 18 to 20 hours a day, koalas are notoriously hard to spot, thanks to their homes in eucalyptus trees.
For a better chance of viewing them, Kangaroo Island is a safe bet, as is the coastal hub of Port Stephens in New South Wales.
Whales
The data revealed that 29% of respondents want to see whales in the wild – and there’s no shortage of places to spot all kinds of varieties, from Australia to Canada and Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean.
As whales migrate seasonally, seeing them is actually one of the most achievable once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
For your best chance, opt for a trip to Hermanus in South Africa, the self-proclaimed whale watching capital of the world, or Mirissa in Sri Lanka, one of the world’s best places to spot blue whales.
