Pandas Lead Travellers’ Wildlife Wish Lists
Giant pandas have topped a new international ranking of animals people most want to encounter in their natural habitat. The survey, commissioned by adventure travel company Explore, suggests wildlife tourism is moving beyond the traditional African safari. Elephants are the only member of the established "Big Five" to remain, joined by kangaroos, koalas and whales as travellers consider a wider range of countries when planning animal-focused holidays.
What the Wildlife Survey Found
Animals travellers most want to see:
- Panda — 41%
- Elephant — 32%
- Kangaroo — 32%
- Koala — 30%
- Whale — 29%
Most popular wildlife destinations:
- Australia — 38%
- South Africa — 11%
- Kenya — 9%
- Canada — 7%
- China — 6%
How the research was conducted:
- Explore surveyed 2,400 people across 12 countries.
- Google search data covered the previous 12 months.
- Searches for "wildlife holidays" increased by 211%.
Wildlife now plays at least some part in destination choice for 72% of respondents, according to the research. Australia led the country ranking by a wide margin, helped by the presence of kangaroos and koalas. The study combined survey responses with Google search data covering the previous year. However, it was produced by a tour operator, so its results indicate travel interest rather than confirmed booking numbers.
The ranking draws attention to wildlife trips outside familiar safari circuits. China’s Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces are associated with giant pandas, while Kangaroo Island and New South Wales offer chances to see Australian marsupials. Whale-watching can shape trips to Hermanus, Mirissa, Madeira or Canada. Elephant sightings remain possible in places including Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe National Park, widening the geographical spread of wildlife itineraries.
The findings give destinations a reason to improve viewing experiences, but greater demand also brings pressure on habitats and animals. A sighting should not be treated as guaranteed, particularly where migration, weather or elusive species are involved. Before booking, visitors should examine seasonality, group sizes, viewing distances and the operator’s wildlife policy. The strongest trip is one that remains worthwhile even when the hoped-for animal never appears.
