Parks

Parks are a highly controversial topic, not only with photographers but also with nature enthusiasts. This is because, animals are locked up and put on display. For both, photographers and nature enthusiasts, the arguments are similar to my mind. Photographers say, that is too easy and not natural to photograph animals in a park behind bars or in a cage. Similarly, nature enthusiasts state that it is not preservation a park is doing, but putting them on display for the benefit of people, not the animals.

For me, both parties state the truth, however, since I generally prefer holistic approaches, it becomes apparent that both are also wrong. Let me elaborate. For me, keeping an animal locked up just for show and profit is not good, on the other hand, it is crucial to educate the public about nature and all its wonderful animals. Only through education, and many people need to see in order to be educated, can we truly ensure that people understand their responsibility towards nature and its preservation.

This is the reason why I also photograph in parks and showcase the beauty of animals cared for by humans. The parks I go to have put a lot of effort into giving details about natural habitats, provide areas for the animals to hide into, and, most crucial of all support the local environment, by aiding animals injured by people.

Humans are the greatest threat to animals and nature.

• Animal Park Lüneburger Heide
• Animal Park Sababurg