World
Wildlife Day was established by the United Nations in 2013 to celebrate
our world’s diverse animals and plants. This year World Wildlife Day is
themed as ‘the future of wildlife is in our hands’ in an effort to
raise awareness of the serious issues facing precious and endangered
species which are threatened by tourist entertainment, poachers and loss
of habitat.
World Animal Protection recently called for an end to irresponsible wildlife tourism that sees at least half a million animals suffer for the sake of tourist entertainment. In October 2015, The Travel Corporation introduced the TreadRight Animal Welfare Policy based on Five Freedoms for animals under human control; that they should be free from hunger and thirst, free from discomfort, free from pain, injury and disease, free to express normal behaviour and free from fear and distress. The policy assists the operations teams to vet and assess all animal related activities offered by TTC brands, phasing out all activities that do not meet the policy standards.
Here are some cruelty-free ways to experience our world’s amazing wildlife, which are sustainable to the species’ and their natural habitats:
Elephants
World Wildlife Day 2016 is particularly focused on
the treatment and preservation of Asian and African elephants.
Elephants, who are a highly emotionally intelligent species, continue to
be subjected to abusive treatment for the sake of tourist rides.
Boycotting this activity is the best way for tourists to stop the cruel
treatment of this marvelous animal, and appreciate its beauty even more
in its natural habitat. Botswana has one of the largest elephant
populations in the world. Explore Botswana's magnificent Okavango Delta
and Moremi Wildlife Reserve with Adventure World's 5-day Jewels of
Botswana trip to witness real elephant behaviour in their family groups.
Extremely rare footage of Asian elephants
A conservation group releases video shot in the Cardamom Mountains of Cambodia showing what it says is the largest group of wild Asian elephants captured on camera over the past decade. Credit to Reuters.Rhinoceros
In the past four decades, 95% of rhinos have been
wiped off the planet for their horns. The rhinoceros is considered an
ancient species and is one of Africa's most unique species. TreadRight
has partnered with the Endangered Wildlife Trust to help care for
orphaned baby rhinos and makes contributions towards poaching and
smuggling deterrent efforts as well as delivering rhino conservation
resource materials and support. Adventure World's Makutsi Classic Safari
is a sustainable way of spotting the endangered rhino in its natural
habitat while appreciating the serenity of the Drakensberg Mountains and
Kruger National Park.
Whales and dolphins
Whales and dolphins are highly intelligent
creatures that can swim up to 100 miles a day, and want and need to live
in complex social groups. In captivity, they are kept in small concrete
tanks and are trained to perform tricks every day for tourist
entertainment. There are plenty of ways to see orcas and dolphins the
proper way - in the oceans. Visit Johnstone Strait Orca Camp with
Adventure World to witness the beautiful and intelligent mammals
interacting with their normal social groups in their natural habitat.
Koalas
AAT Kings and TreadRight have partnered with
Australia Zoo's Wildlife Warriors to support the koala rehabilitation
project at Australia Zoo's Wildlife Hospital, which cares for nearly 800
koalas each year. The single biggest reason for koalas being admitted
to hospital is from being hit by vehicles as a result of habitat loss
and increasing urbanisation. Travellers can spend time with this unique
and adorable Aussie animal by visiting the hospital on AAT Kings'
Queensland Guided Holidays, while learning about their conservation and
care.
Harp Seals
Climate change is also a significant challenge
facing arctic wildlife populations. Seals species are becoming
threatened due to the disappearing sea ice as most arctic seal species
require dense ice packs to give birth, as well as snow cover to build
birthing lairs. The harp seal follows the sea ice all year round as pups
begin their life unable to swim and therefore need to remain on sturdy
sea ice to keep from drowning. To get a better understanding of the
consequences of climate change, travellers can view these adorable
creatures in their natural habitat on Adventure World's Baby Harp Seal
Photo Safari, which is also accompanied by renowned National Geographic
photographer Paul Nicklen who will provide tips and advice on capturing
amazing photos.
Sea Turtles
On a trip that allows you to witness the abundance
of wildlife that calls Costa Rica home, Trafalgar's family guided
holiday, Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes, also allows you the opportunity
to learn about the country's incredible sea turtle population. Meet the
locals who strive to protect the incredible sea turtles that nest in
Tortuguero National Park as you explore the park with a Local
Specialist. They'll give you an insight into the daily activities that
ensure the sustainability of these creatures, with your visit helping to
contribute to The Sea Turtle Conservancy - a not-for-profit membership
organisation which is the oldest and most accomplished sea turtle
organization in the world.
Critically endangered sea turtle swims with divers
A rare sight on the reef is captured on camera when a hawksbill sea turtle swims alongside young divers before moving on. To her delight, the turtle comes face to face with 17-year-old Serena as they share a moment in the open ocean.Icelandic Horses
A new experience to Trafalgar's Be My Guest
portfolio, which takes travellers into the homes, farms and restaurant
of local people, guests now have the opportunity to get up close to the
unique Icelandic horse breed. You'll hear how the family looks after the
horses in their rural farm setting while enjoying a delicious lunch on
the grounds nearby. The small, pony-sized creatures are native to
Iceland and to keep this unique breed protected, Icelandic law prevents
horses from being imported into the country and exported animals are not
allowed to return. See them for yourself on Trafalgar's Ultimate
Iceland guided holiday.
Ocean Life
One million sea birds and 100,000 mammals die
annually from ingesting or getting trapped in the 270,000 metric tonnes
of plastic currently floating in our oceans. Contiki recently teamed up
with ocean and reef conservation organisation Surfrider to send a group
of young influencers from around the world, including Australian surfing
identities Ellie-Jean and Jackson Coffey and surf photographer D'Arcy
Dineen, on a journey through some of Australia's beautiful yet at-risk
eco-systems on the east coast. The objective of this trip was to
understand the devastating impact of plastic consumption on our beaches,
conduct a series of clean ups to illustrate just how much waste is
ending up on them and educate Australians on how we can all work
together, along with the global community, to protect our oceans.
Experience the stunning sea life of Australia's east coast, that the
Contiki Storytellers are working to protect, on Contiki's Beaches and
Reefs trip.
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