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New Big Five: Pandas Trump Lions for Travelers
19 Jul
Summary
- Travelers increasingly seek pandas, whales over traditional safari animals.
- Australia leads as top wildlife destination, followed by South Africa.
- Giant pandas are the most desired 'new big five' animal to see.
Generations have dreamt of spotting the traditional "big five" safari animals. However, recent research indicates a significant shift in wildlife travel preferences, with global travelers now prioritizing different experiences. A study surveying 2,400 people across 12 countries and analyzing Google search data found a 211% increase in searches for "wildlife holidays."
This evolving interest has led to the emergence of a "new big five." Giant pandas in China's bamboo forests are the top aspiration, desired by 41% of respondents. Elephants, the only animal from the original list to remain popular, are sought by 32%. Australia is the leading destination for wildlife tourism, with 38% of participants favoring it, followed by South Africa and Kenya.
Other top "new big five" animals include kangaroos and koalas, both iconic Australian marsupials, each desired by around 30% of travelers. Whales also feature prominently, with 29% keen to see them in their natural habitats. Destinations like Australia, South Africa, Kenya, Canada, and China are highlighted for offering unique wildlife encounters beyond the traditional safari.
