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The Hidden Animal Welfare Risk of AI-Generated Videos

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The Hidden Animal Welfare Risk of AI-Generated Videos

AI is now able to create stunningly realistic images and videos of wildlife, however it has no real understanding of what is truly natural, safe, or ethical. Within moments it’s possible to create and share content that can fuel harmful tourism, spread myths, and normalise behaviours that, in real life, causes animal suffering, all without even realising it. This blog explores why AI-generated animal imagery has the potential to be extremely dangerous for captive wild animal welfare, and how you can help to combat this future growing trend.

In the past year, artificial intelligence has exploded on social media platforms, flooding sites such as Instagram and TikTok with a new breed of content. With just a few simple words typed into a prompt box, anyone can create realistic-looking images or videos without the need for a camera, editing skills or even to travel to a far reaching location. Ask AI to create a video of a tiger playing with a tiny dog, or an elephant strolling along a tropical beach, or even chimpanzees enjoying afternoon tea, and within moments it magically exists. But here lies a deeply troubling problem. AI has no understanding of what is “real” for animals, and more importantly, what is right for their welfare.

While AI can create imagery depicting captivating wildlife, it can also produce dangerously misleading content. These fakes may seem harmless at first glance, but they have the power to fuel unrealistic expectations, encourage harmful tourism practices, and distort the public’s understanding of captive wild animal welfare. To create these images, AI models learn from huge collections of existing content scraped together from across the internet. The internet is already home to a huge amount of wildlife and animal media, some of which is staged, manipulated, or captured in genuinely poor welfare conditions. The AI cannot tell the difference between a truly wild animal and one that has been dressed up, restrained, or forced into performing unnatural behaviours. It simply learns that “people like to see this” and repeats it. This not only fuels the flames but makes it possible to infinitely add to the issue of such abusive content being easily available online.

The consequences of this are subtle but powerful. Most people can spot a cartoon animal or a fantasy scene, but AI-generated wildlife imagery can easily be manipulated to look photo realistic. If someone sees a picture of a dancing bear or monkeys wearing football shirts, they might laugh and share it without questioning whether it is realistic or ethical. Over time, repeated exposure to such imagery can normalise behaviours that, in reality, are highly stressful or harmful to the animals involved. This exposure and normalisation can fuel demand for unethical encounters, where tourists actively seek out experiences they have seen online, unaware of the welfare cost. It can also undermine animal welfare education; when fake content dominates people’s mental images of a certain species, genuine welfare and conservation messaging has to work even harder to correct those misconceptions.

The risks are particularly acute in the world of tourism, where the welfare of countless animals is already under pressure. Many visitors do not realise that behind those “once in a lifetime” selfies with wild animals often lies a story of distress and exploitation. If AI-generated videos of close-up cuddles with wild cats or swimming atop of dolphins spreads widely without any indication that they are fake, they risk inspiring real-life copycat behaviours. A well-meaning traveller may see a realistic AI video of a smiling elephant carrying a family through the jungle and assume that this is both natural and safe, not knowing that partaking in such activities often involves physical punishment, isolation, and a lifetime of hard labour for the animal.

AI generated Elephant riding images promote an “idilic” scene that promotes animal suffering.

This erosion of truth also has wider implications for learning. Conservation and welfare education depend on accurate depictions of animal behaviour and habitats. When AI-generated wildlife content is mixed into social feeds or classroom presentations, without disclosure, the public is learning from a distorted version of reality. Behaviour cues can be misrepresented, with animals behaving in ways that would never happen naturally. Habitats may be altered, subtly eroding understanding of where species actually live and what their welfare needs truly are.

AI generated images depicting fake animal rescues are already mirroring a dangerous real-world trend whereby content creators are staging dangerous situations to “rescue” animals for social media engagement and personal financial gain. Fake AI videos copying this format continue to normalise cruel practices, making it harder for people to distinguish genuine animal rescue stories and welfare content from real world abuse and fabricated situations. This leads to people unknowingly supporting and promoting cruel and often illegal behavior, which perpetually encourages more “abuse for clicks” content to be created, causing further harm to animals.

This does not mean that AI can never be part of the solution. With care and responsibility, it could even be a force for good, creating educational illustrations or promoting what good welfare can look like. But to protect captive wild animal welfare, creators and consumers alike need to take steps to minimise harm. AI-generated wildlife content should always be labelled clearly, so viewers know it is not real. Prompts that depict animals in unnatural or harmful situations, whether obvious, like a cowboy riding a lion, or subtle, like a chimpanzee holding hands with a human, should be avoided. Always cross reference sources and consult Welfare expert resources such as Wild Welfare’s wealth of free online resources, before assuming something is real or appropriate. Before creating and sharing such images or video, always take a moment to ask: could this scene happen naturally, and might it harm an animal if copied in real life?

Together we have a collective responsibility to ensure that the stories and images we share online do not unintentionally encourage harmful practices. If you see AI-generated wildlife content online, share it only with context and if you are confident that any animals depicted are in no way in danger or being abused. Better still, simply support and share the content of organisations such as Wild Welfare who work hard to improve real animal welfare around the globe, bringing about positive change for animals that need it the most.

Source: Wild Welfare

Effects of Oil on Wildlife Conference

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Effects of Oil on Wildlife Conference

Now announcing virtual attendance for Tues 14 October!

We are excited to offer a virtual ticket that will allow registrants to access a livestream of all the conference presentations held on Tuesday 14 October (8:30am to 4:15pm GMT+2). This includes our keynote address by conservationist Anton Wolfaardt. See the agenda tab for all of the presentations planned for Tuesday. This ticket will also give you access to a recording of the Tuesday sessions after the conference has concluded. Register here!

The Effects of Oil on Wildlife Conference (EOW) is an international event that brings together researchers, conservationists, policymakers, and industry to address the impact of oil spills on wildlife. It is the only global event that focuses on the planning, response, rehabilitation, release and research aspects of oil spills and their effects on wildlife. EOW aims to foster collaboration, share knowledge and exchange ideas to advance the field of oiled wildlife preparedness and response. 

This year, the EOW will be hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, which presents a great opportunity to engage individuals, agencies, and organizations in that region to participate in the conference which shines a spotlight on our amazing Host Organization – The South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB). 

The first theme of this EOW will be the 25th Anniversary of the MV Treasure Oil Spill, the largest animal rescue effort in the world, where over 20,000 African Penguins were cleaned, rehabilitated and released while an additional 20,000 penguins were pre-emptively captured to prevent oil exposure. In fact, more penguins were cared for during the Treasure spill than exist in the wild today. Considering that fact, think about the impact those responders made on an entire species population by banding together to achieve the impossible.

The plight of the African Penguin provides our second theme: the Conservation of African Penguins. This species was recently uplisted to critically endangered status by the IUCN following a 97% decline in their population. The doomsday clock is counting down, and African Penguins are scientifically predicted to go extinct in the wild in less than 4,000 days if this alarming rate of decline continues. We need your support, your voice and international attention to this dire issue. 

The final theme, which encompasses the history of the Treasure Spill and current extinction threats to African Penguins, is International Collaboration. Were it not for the heroic efforts of International Bird Rescue, International Fund for Animal Welfare, SANCCOB, and others, stepping up to the challenge of managing the world’s largest animal rescue, we might not have African Penguins in the wild today. We also aim to highlight the Global Oiled Wildlife Response System (GOWRS) network and their efforts to adopt a strategy to address global oiled wildlife response and preparedness around the world. 

Registration

Click here to register!

We want to make the impact of this EOW count, so each registration includes an Adopt-a-Penguin to support SANCCOB’s African Penguin Chick Rearing Program.

See “Registration FAQ” tab for more information.

Are you a Treasure Spill Responder? 

We want to hear from you! We will be looking for photos, video and personal stories from Treasure Responders, even if you are not able to attend EOW in person. We will be displaying photos, anecdotes and video testimonials from Treasure responders to share their stories and honor those that helped participate in the largest animal rescue effort in the world! Start digging through your old photos now and click here for more information. 

Source: SANCCOB

From Rescue to Release: August at SANCCOB

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From Rescue to Release: August at SANCCOB

During the month of August, SANCCOB has successfully released a number of rehabilitated seabirds back into the wild, a heartwarming reminder of the difference we can make through dedicated conservation efforts.

Among the most significant releases were 41 Critically Endangered African Penguins that had completed their rehabilitation and were ready to return to their ocean home. Each release is a celebration of recovery, resilience, and the dedicated care provided by our veterinary and rehabilitation teams.

In addition, 44Endangered Cape Gannets, 4 Hartlaub’s Gulls, and 3 Endangered Cape Cormorants, were also released, each one a symbol of hope for the future of our seabird populations.

We are happy to share that all 57 Cape Gannet chicks admitted earlier this winter have now been successfully rehabilitated and released as strong, healthy juveniles. The final four were released on 19 August, marking a proud milestone for our team.

release

Source: SANCCOB

70 Southern White Rhino Translocated to Akagera National Park, Rwanda, Marking First Cross-Continental Move for African Parks’ Rhino Rewild Initiative

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Rhino

70 Southern White Rhino Translocated to Akagera National Park, Rwanda, Marking First Cross-Continental Move for African Parks’ Rhino Rewild Initiative

African Parks, in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), announces the translocation of 70 southern white rhino to Akagera National Park in Rwanda. This translocation was completed in two phases, each comprising 35 rhino, spaced three days apart. This significant move, part of African Parks’ Rhino Rewild Initiative and made possible with funding from The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, aims to bolster Akagera’s white rhino population so that it can contribute more meaningfully to regional conservation efforts and reinforce Rwanda’s growing role in global rhino conservation efforts.

The objective of the Rhino Rewild Initiative is to rewild over 2,000 rhino to safe, well-managed protected areas across the continent. This will ensure the establishment of several viable populations of southern white rhino, thereby de-risking the future of the species and playing an important role in restoring ecosystems.

In 2021, African Parks moved 30 southern white rhino to Akagera National Park. This initial population has increased to 41 animals today. Building on this success, the additional 70 animals will now play a crucial role in ensuring the presence of meta-populations across the continent, presenting opportunities for future range expansion. 

Rhino

To improve their ability to adapt to their new home, the rhino were initially moved within South Africa from the Rhino Rewild site to the Munywana Conservancy.  The Munywana Conservancy is a collaboration of community and private landowners, including the Makhasa Community Trust, the Mnqobokazi Community Trust, andBeyond Phinda and ZUKA Private Game Reserves. This preliminary stage of rewilding exposed the rhino to naturally occurring diseases such as Trypanosomiasis and climatic conditions similar to Akagera. The final phase of the 3,400 km journey involved the rhino being transported by truck in individual steel crates from the Munywana Conservancy to King Shaka International Airport in Durban. They were then carefully loaded by cranes into a Boeing 747, flown to Kigali International Airport, and finally transported to Akagera National Park by road. The entire journey from the Conservancy to the Park took approximately two days for each of the two groups of rhino, with continuous monitoring of their well-being by veterinary teams.

Rhino

Translocations are highly complex operations that demand months of meticulous planning and thorough risk assessments by world-renowned translocation and veterinary experts prior to implementation. Now that the rhino have been released into Akagera National Park, a dedicated veterinary team will closely monitor their health and behaviour for several weeks to ensure proper adaptation to their new environment and management of any stress associated with the move. 

Rhino

This translocation is the largest of its kind and was made possible through close collaboration between the Rwanda Development Board, African Parks, the Munywana Conservancy, and teams of experts—demonstrating essential strategic collaboration in tackling such large-scale conservation challenges. The translocation was funded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation while the Rob Walton Foundation and Pershing Square Foundation are the founder funders of the Rhino Rewild initiative.  

Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board: “This historic translocation reflects Rwanda’s growing contribution to global conservation efforts. Our commitment to protecting endangered species is closely tied to our vision for sustainable tourism, where thriving wildlife and well-managed protected areas like Akagera National Park create long-term value for both visitors and communities. This milestone reinforces our dedication to strengthening Rwanda’s protected landscapes and enhancing the country’s appeal as a destination for conservation-based tourism. We thank our partners for their continued collaboration and shared commitment to safeguarding Africa’s natural heritage.” 

Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks: “We greatly appreciate the Rwanda Government’s partnership and visionary conservation efforts, along with the invaluable support from The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, in making this translocation a reality. The arrival of these rhino to Akagera is just the beginning of this multifaceted, long term and complex conservation intervention. There are numerous risks that still remain, but with the safe arrival of all 70 animals, and with a dedicated Akagera park management team, they have a real opportunity to thrive.  The coming months of intensive monitoring will be critical to ensuring the long-term adaptation of these rhino to their new home”. 

Dale Wepener, Warden and Conservation Manager of the Munywana Conservancy: “Conservation collaborations like this rhino move are proving to be increasingly important in ensuring the survival of these special and threatened animals. We are proud to have been able to facilitate a part of this project as it directly embodies the ethos of the conservancy in expanding green frontiers and assisting in the establishment of new populations of species of conservation significance. The Munywana looks forward to long-lasting likeminded partnerships like these in caring for our planet.”

Source: African Parks

Saving African Penguins Together: A Powerful Start to 2025

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Penguins

Saving African Penguins Together: A Powerful Start to 2025

We’ve started 2025 with a bang – and a renewed sense of urgency. Over the past month, SANCCOB admitted 78 abandoned African Penguin eggs and 25 vulnerable chicks, with more likely on the way. These precious lives were left exposed to extreme heat, but thanks to our dedicated seabird rangers, who acted swiftly at the colonies, they were brought to safety.  

At SANCCOB, we are proud to be pioneers in seabird conservation. We are the first organisation in the world to artificially incubate wild-origin African Penguin eggs and hand-rear chicks for release back into the wild. This groundbreaking initiative, known as the Chick Bolstering Programme, is officially recognised under the African Penguin Biodiversity Management Plan as a critical step toward halting the species’ decline.  

African Penguins are on the brink of extinction, but together, we can change that. With your help, we can give these tiny penguins the second chance they deserve. Your donation will help us cover the costs of life-saving care, from feeding formulas to veterinary expertise.  

Penguins

Will you join us in saving the African Penguin?  Every egg and chick represents hope for a species hanging on by a thread. Let’s make 2025 the year we fight back against extinction—one penguin at a time. DONATE HERE!! 

Penguins

Adding to the challenges, we were alerted to an oil spill affecting African Penguins along the coastline between Hout Bay and Kommetjie on the 22nd of January. So far, 18 oiled African Penguins have been brought into our care, with conservation authorities actively surveying for more.

The type and source of the oil remain unknown, but this incident is a stark reminder that oil pollution continues to threaten the survival of marine species, including the critically endangered African Penguin. The oil, light in color and difficult to spot on feathers, has a distinct odor and poses a serious risk to these already vulnerable birds.

We urge the public to avoid capturing any oil-affected birds for their own safety and to report sightings to SANCCOB directly. 

Penguins

The African Penguin population has plummeted by 97%, with fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs remaining. A primary cause of this decline is the lack of food due to competition with commercial fishing near key breeding colonies. Despite existing no-take zones, seabird scientists have proven they are insufficient to safeguard the penguins’ survival.

A recent study launched by Blue Marine Foundation on Penguin Awareness Day, 20 January 2025, reveals strong public backing for government-led intervention to save this species. The study also highlights a strong belief in human responsibility for the crisis: 53% of those polled attribute the African Penguin’s decline to human activities, such as overfishing and pollution.

Public sentiment around the emotional and economic impact of losing the species is also clear. Over 60% said they would feel devastated by the extinction of the flightless bird, and an almost equal number [59%] stated it would harm tourism. These findings are echoed in a recent socio-economic report that determined the total tourism value of all penguin colonies is estimated to be in the considerable range of R613 – R2702 million per year.

Further, more than half of respondents [54%] claim the extinction of the species would damage the country’s international reputation as a leader in wildlife conservation.

These findings affirm that South Africans want stronger conservation leadership. Together with BirdLife South Africa, SANCCOB is taking legal action to challenge ineffective fishing policies and demand biologically meaningful no-take zones.

As global citizens, you can help us amplify this cause. Sign the OnlyOne petition urging the South African government to enact vital protections for the African Penguin.

Your support also makes an immediate impact. Donations fund rescue efforts, chick-rearing programs, and advocacy for stronger protections.

Source: SANCCOB

SAHPRA’s Regulatory Barriers Threaten Wildlife Conservation and Animal Safety

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wildlife

SAHPRA’s Regulatory Barriers Threaten Wildlife Conservation and Animal Safety

V-Tech, a leading provider of pharmaceutical compounding services for veterinarians, is actively working to resolve key regulatory obstacles that jeopardise wildlife veterinary care. The seizure and destruction of Yohimbine —an essential substance used by veterinarians to reverse the effects of sedatives—has left the wildlife community struggling to conduct critical procedures safely. 

Yohimbine Seizure and Regulatory Reassessment

In March 2024, SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority) instructed Port Health to confiscate and destroy a consignment of Yohimbine that was vital for veterinarians. This unexpected move left veterinarians without an essential tool for managing animal sedations during game captures and other procedures, significantly hindering conservation efforts. 

Since this incident, V-Tech has taken the lead in advocating on behalf of the veterinary community. In response to V-Tech’s efforts, SAHPRA issued a public call on October 6, 2024, for scientific studies and stakeholder input to reassess the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential of Yohimbine in veterinary practice. This signals a shift in SAHPRA’s long-standing position on Yohimbine, offering a potential pathway to restoring access to the substance. 

However, V-Tech maintains that Yohimbine was never banned for veterinary use, as there is no evidence that the substance was ever formally gazetted for such a ban. V-Tech cautions that SAHPRA’s consultation process could be lengthy and calls for the immediate reinstatement of Yohimbine for veterinary use to avoid further disruptions to wildlife conservation. 

“Veterinarians need immediate access to Yohimbine to perform safe and effective wildlife procedures. Waiting for a drawn-out process will only exacerbate the challenges veterinarians are already facing,” said Dr. Johan Oosthuyse, CEO of V-Tech. 

Purported Benefits and Risks of Yohimbine

Yohimbine has been the subject of extensive research, with documented use in human medicine. Concerns about its potential misuse, particularly as an aphrodisiac, led to restrictions on Yohimbine for human use during a Medicines Control Council (MCC) meeting in December 1978. The MCC classified it as a banned substance under the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 101 of 1965 (as amended in 1979). However, the decision to ban Yohimbine was never gazetted, raising questions about its applicability to veterinary medicine, which only became regulated in 1979. 

Despite these historical concerns, new evidence supports Yohimbine’s therapeutic potential. Beyond its critical use in reversing sedation in wildlife, Yohimbine has also shown effectiveness as an antidote for cattle dip poisoning. V-Tech underscores the urgent need for access to this medication, particularly during South Africa’s game capture season, when veterinarians rely heavily on it for animal relocations. 

“The lack of Yohimbine is putting wildlife at risk and hampering essential conservation efforts. We are working tirelessly with stakeholders and regulatory authorities to ensure veterinarians have the tools they need to provide the highest standard of care,” added Dr. Oosthuyse. 

Advocating for Veterinarians and Conservation Efforts

V-Tech remains committed to supporting veterinarians by actively engaging with SAHPRA and other regulatory bodies to restore access to essential medicines. A formal dispute on the matter has been file with the Minister of Health who appointed an appeal committee to investigate the Yohimbine case. V-Tech, the Wildlife Ranching South Africa and the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) will continue to push for urgent solution to ensure veterinarians can safely and effectively care for wildlife without unnecessary regulatory delays. 

Source: V-Tech 

One paw at a time – how our wildlife is being protected and what we can do

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One paw at a time

We are all the custodians of Mother Nature, creatures and plants, great and small. Whilst we have been staying indoors, the guardians of South Africa’s magnificent wildlife have been out there, continuing their crucial mission to preserve our natural heritage. So, what is it that they do every day and how can we contribute?

The average day in the life of a Wildlife Conservationist is anything but average! On the front line these ‘Wilderness Warriors’ have the enormous responsibility of seeking to maintain the fragile balance of nature in the many breathtaking parks and reserves for which South Africa is so famous.

Two dedicated heroes and prominent figures in the field, Dr Peter Buss who is the Veterinary Senior Manager of the Veterinary Unit for the Veterinary Wildlife Services in the world famous Kruger National Park and Dr David Zimmermann, the Veterinarian Senior Manager of the Veterinary Wildlife Services for SANParks (South African National Parks), spoke to The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) giving a behind-the-scenes look at life in the wild.

One of their principal concerns is the maintenance of animal populations, which includes the relocation of specific species – when they overpopulate a particular park – to other areas where their numbers are lower or diminishing. This is an incredibly complicated and delicate process. Dr Buss commented that this is not a common occurrence in the enormous Kruger National Park, and that for his team, the most critical focus of their daily work is to provide veterinary support in the fight against poaching. Where possible and without interfering in the course of nature – this includes treating injured rhinos, recovery and care of orphaned rhino calves, and removal of life-threatening snares, a growing problem, from a variety of species.

They also spend a lot of time on “veterinary-themed research projects”, tourist protection measures (which can include removing dangerous animals from tourist camps), disease monitoring as well as educational programmes and mentoring for veterinary students. He added that though it is never easy to assess with certainty, there has been a notable level of success in the protection of the rhino, an emblematic creature in the struggle to stop its demise caused by the illegal trade of rhino horn.

As can be expected, many parks risk facing financial pressure due to the lack of international visitors, although local tourism is on the rise, allowing more South Africans to experience the beauty of our extraordinary natural reserves. Thankfully the tourism factor has a very limited negative impact on the wildlife, with some exceptions, like the illegal feeding of animals which encourages them to become reliant on “hand-outs”, thereby disrupting their natural ability to find the food they need – the problem with the baboons at Cape Point is a perfect example of this.

On the other hand visitors to the reserves can help by reporting as much information as possible when they find an animal that is suffering from a human induced injury (e.g. a snare, vehicle accident or poaching injuries) during their safari, thereby allowing rangers and vets to intervene where possible. Tourism remains fundamentally important, as an awareness of the plight of our wildlife is heightened when people experience animals and are educated first-hand during their safari. This is especially important for the younger generations, and results in the sharing of a passion for all things natural as well as a common desire to protect our great natural heritage.

As a prominent member of the SANparks team with 20 years of experience behind him, Dr. Zimmermann has many different parks under his microscope. This includes parks such as Addo Elephant National Park and Tsitsikamma National Park, which have marine management components.  Part of his job is to facilitate research into the endangered African penguin and even the Great White shark in Algoa Bay, where the application of tracking devices needs to be conducted by an experienced veterinarian. In contrast to the poaching problems in the Kruger National Park, Dr. Zimmermann’s principal occupations include population management, animal relocation, predator monitoring, the management of human/wildlife conflict in communities surrounding the parks and assessing whether or not to intervene. As he says “sometimes hard decisions have to be taken. It’s a balancing act from a welfare point of view between empathy for the animals and the importance of protecting human lives”. As a multi-disciplinary profession, working as a veterinarian for a conservation organisation such as SANParks requires constant collaboration with other teams, park managers, scientists, rangers and the government, especially when dealing with larger animals like elephants or rhinos.

By celebrating the diversity of South Africa and teaching one another how to nurture our precious nature, the best way forward is for us to ‘get out there’. Explore this beautiful country and share the awareness of the infinite value of our natural environment and the need for its preservation.

Source: SAVA