|
Join Taronga in Antarctica!
In an Australian first, Active Travel has teamed up with Sydney’s Taronga Zoo to offer two focused expeditions to Antarctica in February and March 2013. If you have a particular interest in polar conservation, these two voyages offer a unique opportunity to learn more about Australia’s involvement in this important work. Taronga Zoo is a founding partner of the internationally recognised Australian Marine Mammal Research Centre (AMMRC), which has been conducting scientific research in Antarctica for the past 14 years, studying the effects of climate change on the wildlife population.
Taronga is also home to Casey the Leopard Seal, commonly found in Antarctic waters, and his appearance in Australian coastal waters may have been a result of changing weather conditions. Physical changes in the Antarctic continent influence where the Leopard seal is able to hunt for food and consequently satisfy its breeding season requirements.
Â
As the structure and seasonal pattern of pack ice formation is threatened, so too is the Leopard seal. Casey was found on Wattamolla Beach, just south of Sydney, in extremely poor physical condition and brought to the zoo, where over many months he regained his strength. He is now an important member of the world-class Great Southern Oceans exhibit, allowing visitors to see him and learn more about his fragile habitat.
Â
Travel with a Zookeeper
As part of our association with Taronga, a specialist zookeeper will join us on two expeditions in 2013. While on board, they will deliver a special presentation on the work at Taronga including an overview of the important field research undertaken by the AMMRC in Antarctica. Working alongside our resident wildlife experts, they will also join our small groups as we explore the ice floes of the peninsula, looking for the various Antarctic seal species including Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard seals. For those travelling on our voyage to South Georgia, we will also encounter large colonies of Antarctic fur seals and Southern elephant seals.
Â
Zoo Friends - Are you a Zoo Friend?
By joining either of these exceptional voyages, you will be directly supporting Taronga Zoo - with Active Travel making a $500 donation to the Zoo for every person booked on the 10-night voyage and $750 for every person booked on the 18-night voyage. Zoo Friends are also eligible for a free arrival package in Argentina valued at $500. You must quote your Zoo Friends membership number at the time of booking.
Â
Click here for details of the 18-night Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica voyage departing 6 February, 2013
Â
Click here for details of the 10-night Antarctic Peninsula Adventure voyage departing 16 March, 2013 |
