The partners World Animal Protection has worked with so far to develop and implement animal welfare policies include G Adventures, Intrepid, The Travel Corporation (owns 40 brands including Trafalgar and Contiki), and World Expeditions.
If you’re leaving Canada this March Break, World Animal Protection has tips on how to check if a venue is a true sanctuary and some best practices to be animal-friendly while travelling:
- DON’T take selfies with wild animals. DO take lots of photos of wildlife from a respectful distance.
- DON’T ride an elephant. DO observe elephants at a sanctuary, on a webcam or in the wild.
- DON’T swim with dolphins. DO see dolphins in the wild with a responsible tour operator.
Sure, a ‘selfie’ with a dolphin could be considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience but consider the impacts on those animals – a lifetime of suffering. Animals in these types of captive environments often present psychological signs of distress. They were never meant to live in small aquariums, isolated from others of their species.
If you’re staying at home, World Animal Protection has partnered with wildlife filmmaker and conservationist Julian Victor, for tips on how to spot wildlife safely and respectfully even in busy cities.
- Parks and public gardens are great places to spot wildlife but even bustling urban areas are full of animals. Don’t forget to look up! Buildings, street signs, trees and lamp posts are favourite hangouts for squirrels, hawks and even vultures and owls.
- Pick your time of day strategically. Most animals prefer cooler and quieter periods during the day. The best time to spot wildlife is early morning or late evening.
Wildlife is everywhere we look and if you’re fortunate enough to be able to see animals this March Break, make sure you do it in a way that is safe for you and for wildlife. Visit worldanimalprotection.ca for more.
About World Animal Protection
From our offices worldwide, including China, Brazil, Kenya and Canada, we move the world to protect animals. Last year, we gave more than 220 million animals better lives through our campaigns that focus on animals in the wild, animals in disasters, animals in communities and animals in farming. For more information visit www.worldanimalprotection.ca
SOURCE World Animal Protection
For further information: Interviews and images please contact Beth Sharpe, Communications Director at [email protected]
