Losing the fight

Aaron Gekoski's Image

Orangutans have been used in degrading performances at Safari World, Bangkok – and many other locations – for decades.

The shows were temporarily stopped in 2004 due to international pressure, but today the shows continue – twice a day, every day – with hundreds of people paying to watch the orangutans box, dance, play the drums and more.

Behind the lens

Aaron Gekoski

Aaron Gekoski

UK

Aaron has been a photojournalist and filmmaker for more than 15 years. Travelling the globe to report on our complex relationship with wildlife, he’s covered issues from the illegal wildlife and pet trade to deforestation, marine conservation and wildlife tourism. His images have appeared in dozens of global publications and books, and he’s produced or featured in more than 100 short- and long-form documentaries. His films have been acquired by Al Jazeera, Apple TV, Sky, Amazon, National Geographic and others. His documentary Eyes of the Orangutan is currently being shown on National Geographic and his newest documentary Dethroned premiered this summer.

Image details

  • Canon 5D Mark II
  • 100-400mm f4.5/5.6 lens
  • 1/100 sec at f5.6
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.

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