For generations, spotting a lion, leopard or elephant has been the ultimate wildlife travel experience.
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.
