Sustaining what? The Ethics of managing wildlife-tourism interactions

• Main Authors: Burns, G.L., Macbeth, J., Moore, S.
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: Penguin Island
• Online Access: https://researchportal.murdoch.edu.au/esploro/outputs/conferencePaper/Sustaining-what-The-Ethics-of-managing/991005540984707891; https://researchportal.murdoch.edu.au/view/delivery/61MUN_INST/12135384430007891/13136732340007891

Based on research at two locations in Australia this paper explores the ways in which both wildlife and tourists are managed, with particular focus on the management of their interactions, and presents a case for a non-anthropocentric environmental ethic. On Fraser Island in Queensland, Dingoes have gained widespread notoriety in recent years for their ability to harm people and consequently interactions are discouraged via a range of means. On Penguin Island in Western Australia, captive Penguins are used to educate visitors and controlled interactions are encouraged. With environmental sustainability a goal at both locations, managers make choices that are influenced by particular ethical stances.