To mark World Whale Day on Sunday 21 February 2020, Intrepid Travel and WWF-Australia are bringing attention to the urgent need to conserve whales, for the long-term health of the oceans and the plant. The two companies are partnering to protect majestic Antarctic giants like the minke whale.
As part of this, WWF-Australia researchers will be conducting scientific research into Antarctica’s great whales and sharing it onboard Intrepid’s Ocean Endeavour voyages. The data collected during the project will directly contribute to our understanding of Antarctica’s whale populations and developing conservation policies. The Intrepid Foundation is also supporting WWF-Australia’s Protecting Antarctic Giants project over the next two years with AUD $150,000.
Chris Johnson, WWF Global Whale & Dolphin Conservation Lead said: “WWF-Australia and Intrepid Travel share a commitment to protecting the planet’s natural environments and the wildlife that call it home. Today is a day to celebrate whales, one of the planet’s most iconic species. Protecting whales is crucial to protecting healthy oceans for all of us. They fertilise marine ecosystems and even help us fight the climate crisis – on average, a whale throughout its lifetime captures the same amount of carbon as 1,000 trees. Whale health is linked to and is a critical indicator of ocean health.”
Intrepid Travel has also launched a sale offering a 25 per cent discount on the WWF Giants of Antarctica trip for bookings made until 31 March 2021. The 11-day trip allows travellers to join leading scientists from WWF-Australia on an Antarctic expedition. It includes searching for humpback whales with Dr Ari Friedlaender and a specialised team of researchers while learning about state-of-the-art whale research techniques and marine conservation. Highlights include taking daily excursions with experts in Antarctic biology, glaciology and history, kayaking through Antarctica’s ice-filled bays and channels, taking the famous polar plunge and capturing the beauty of local wildlife through a camera lens.
Sarah Clark, Managing Director APAC at Intrepid Group said: “On World Whale Day, we want to take the opportunity to highlight the crucial role these majestic creatures play in the well-being of not only our oceans but the planet as a whole. We’re thrilled to be collaborating with the incredible marine scientists at WWF-Australia in their work to understand more about whales, as well as supporting the long-term protection of the unique ocean ecosystem.”
In addition to supporting WWF-Australia’s research efforts, Intrepid has doubled its carbon offset commitment for every customer travelling on the Ocean Endeavour vessel in the 2021 season, as well as investing in sustainable initiatives across the Antarctic region.
The Giants of the Antarctica voyages are the latest in Intrepid Travel’s efforts to protect the environment.
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