World Animal Protection is urging relevant governments to enforce the law and has been in contact with Instagram.

World Animal Protection’s CEO, Steve McIvor, commented: “The wildlife selfie craze is a worldwide phenomenon fuelled by tourists, many of whom are unaware of the abhorrent conditions and terrible treatment wild animals can endure to provide that special souvenir photo.

“Behind the scenes wild animals are being taken from their mothers as babies and secretly kept in filthy, cramped conditions or repeatedly baited with food causing severe psychological trauma.”

The charity’s global wildlife advisor, Dr Neil D’Cruze, said there are also conservation concerns. An online review of wildlife selfies in Latin America found over 20 per cent of species involved are threatened with extinction, and over 60 per cent are protected by international law.

World Animal Protection is urging relevant governments to enforce the law and has been in contact with Instagram to discuss its animal protection policies. It is also encouraging people to sign up to its Wildlife Selfie Code, which is a promise not to take wildlife selfies if these involve inappropriate interactions with the animal.

Image © World Animal Protection / Nando Machado