7 Travel Tips That Support Animal Conservation

Posted on Feb 21 2020 - 12:24pm by Editorial Staff

Whether you are an animal lover or not, the truth is, this planet is as much theirs as it is ours. However, in recent years, due to the way human life is expanding and developing, the places that animals from all over the world call home are slowly becoming almost non-existent. This is why it is so important to know how you can continue doing the things that you love, such as travel, and still preserve the homes of these marvelous creatures. This guide will take you through the best travel tips that support animal conservation, so you can continue exploring the world while still protecting the lives of millions of animals. Let’s explore this in more detail. 

Avoid the plastic bottle

When you are traveling, you will want to keep as hydrated as possible, especially if you are traveling in much hotter climates than you are used to. However, it is time to step away from the plastic bottle and invest in a reusable travel bottle. You will be able to refill it countless times during your time away and even continue using it when you are back home. There are currently an estimated 150 million metric tons of plastic in the ocean, which is only increasing every year and has resulted in the death of nearly 1.1 million marine creatures annually. To make a difference in animal conservation, ditch the plastic water bottle and find a stainless steel alternative.

Visit a zoo that puts conservation first

One way to support animal conservation during your travels is to visit a zoo that puts conservation first. Fortunately, thanks to the work of conservation experts across the country, there are many zoos that focus on education and conservation. One such expert, Eric Mogensen CEO of Gulf Breeze Zoo, has made conservation his life’s work. He aims to educate people who visit the zoo on why it is crucial to protect and care for animals, both those living in zoos and in the wild. A visit to Gulf Breeze Zoo is a contribution to improving animal conservation by supporting the work being done by animal care professionals.

Eat local produce

One thing that people love about traveling is the opportunity to indulge in delicious food in the hotel they are staying in, but the food that you are eating has likely flown hundreds of miles to be there in front of you. Shipping food half-way across the world is having a big impact on the planet, and consequently, it is affecting the populations of many species of animals. Therefore, to show your support in helping animal conservation, you should try to shop local while you are traveling. It doesn’t have to be expensive at all to do this. You just need to know where to look. Find farmer’s markets and stalls that sell fresh produce, and eat where the locals eat. The food will be fresh and bursting with flavor and will also give you an opportunity to get to know their culture a bit more too.

Embark on a wildlife sanctuary volunteering trip

What better way to show your support for animal conservation than embarking on a trip that is solely focused on improving the lives of animals in the wild? A wildlife sanctuary volunteering trip will give you the opportunity to get up close with some of the animals and will also see you spending your time contributing to projects that will improve their lives.

Pick up trash where you go

While it might sound menial in comparison to the other tips in the list, it is actually one of the most important pieces of advice you should pay attention to, wherever you go. Trash is very harmful to wildlife. So if you see any of the following, make an effort to dispose of it properly:

·       Plastic bags

·       Cigarette butts

·       Fishing line

·       Gum

Consider your accommodation

Businesses are becoming aware of their impact on the environment, so many are changing the way they operate. Some hotels, for instance, might be slightly more expensive to stay in, but they could donate a certain amount of money to the conservation efforts around them depending on their location. Research your hotels as much as possible before you head off on your travels and see what each business does in terms of support for animal conservation.

Choose a fuel-efficient mode of transportation to get to your chosen destination Finally, you should consider the mode of transport you take to get to your chosen destination. While planes will get you to your destination faster, they are not the most eco-friendly option. Trains, boats and coach alternatives will take a little longer, but the impact they have on the environment is much less than what a plane would cause. You can help support animal conservation by reducing your carbon footprint.

About the Author

Editorial Staff at I2Mag is a team of subject experts.