[caption id="attachment_6242" align="pull-right" width="300" caption="Grizzly and her cubs in Denali, Alaska (Wildland Adventures)"]
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Seattle, WA – In the name of protecting habitats of endangered and threatened species, Wildland Adventures has partnered with SEEtheWILD, a new conservation travel website aimed at promoting responsible travel and saving our furry, feathered and finned friends.
For 25 years, Wildland Adventures has pioneered authentic cultural and natural history explorations worldwide and is featured on the newly-launched SEEtheWILD website. To be selected, Wildland underwent an extensive application process, detailing the environmental and cultural sustainability of the business and its operational practices and support of conservation.
“We know, by experience, how ecotourism can create positive change by contributing to conservation and community development,” said Kurt Kutay, founding president and director of Wildland Adventures. “This jives perfectly with SEEtheWILD’s agenda, as a percentage of every trip booked on the site goes back to local conservation organizations working to support the species featured in the particular adventure, such as our 10,000 Tigers initiative to protect threatened big cats in India.”
SEEtheWILD focuses on the habitat protection of six distinct species: bears, birds, wild cats, whales, sharks and sea turtles. SEEtheWILD went live in early-February and is an expansion of SEE Turtles, a project that has raised more than $200,000 for local turtle conservation programs in Costa Rica, Mexico and Trinidad.
”Since its founding, Wildland Adventures has been a leader in supporting the conservation of wildlife and culture through travel,” said Brad Nahill, director and co-founder of SEEtheWILD. “We are thrilled they have joined SEEtheWILD, illustrating a strong commitment to the conservation of endangered species and their habitats.”
All six Wildland Adventures featured on SEEtheWILD’s website follow environmental guidelines, provide financial support to conservation programs, educate travelers and use local guides and businesses:
- Argentina Wildlife Adventure: If you have a soft spot for birds and whales, consider booking the 11-day Argentina Wildlife Adventure. Travel to national parks, wildlife reserves and a variety of diverse ecosystems, including the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Peninsula Valdes – the habitat of giant elephant seals, migrating whales and Magellanic penguins – and the spectacular tropical rainforests of Iguazu Falls. Accompanied by local naturalist guides, enjoy day hikes, observe wildlife and photograph spectacular Patagonian landscapes based from local inns, estancias and boutique hotels of Argentina. This easy Argentina tour is ideal for active wildlife enthusiasts who also want to experience the heart and soul of Argentine culture.
- Belize Family Adventure: This eight-day adventure seeks to protect the habitats of endangered jaguars and scarlet macaws. Wild and friendly Belize is an exciting land of discovery and adventure; perfect for a family vacation. Experience Creole, Maya and Garifuna (African) culture and see amazing wildlife and natural wonders with master naturalist guides. Watch for iguanas as you paddle down the Macal River, glide past brilliant crystalline stalactites in the depths of the Barton Creek Caves, learn about the life cycle of the iridescently colored Blue Morpho butterfly and imagine ancient times of the Maya exploring the ruins of Xunantunich. Relax at a Caribbean beach lodge and snorkel the calm, clear waters of the barrier reef and explore the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve.
- Glaciers and Grizzlies: Venture into the temperate coastal rainforest habitat of Southeast Alaska around Glacier Bay National Park and the rugged interior wilderness of Denali National Park for this 11-day adventure. A scenic flight over Mount Denali takes you to Anchorage and then it's off to Juneau for an exciting helicopter glacier walkabout. It's a short flight out to Gustavus and the Bear Track Inn for several days of hiking and excursions by boat to watch whales, orcas and calving glaciers off Point Adolphus and in Glacier Bay National Park.
- Tigers and Palaces of India: On this 16-day tour, explore two tiger parks by jeep and on elephant back. Visit Delhi and Agra, the Moghul masterpieces of Taj Mahal and Fatipru Sikri, and Amber Fort in Jaipur. Ride camels into the countryside near Samode Palace and explore Khajuraho's spectacular temples. The tigers and elephants, the castles and palaces of unequalled grandeur, the chivalric legends and the echoes of the British Raj combine to produce an unforgettable India travel experience.
- Transfrontier Wildlands of Africa: Take a bush flight into the wild and remote trans-frontier regions of Botswana and South Africa and explore the Mashatu Game Reserve and diverse ecosystems of northern Kruger National Park. These remote and lesser-known African wilderness environments offer thrilling wildlife viewing in a variety of diverse habitats fed by the Limpopo River flowing through the region. In Mashatu, participate with wildlife researchers to lend support and learn about the Tuli Elephant Research Project and the Northern Tuli Predator Project, and spend time in the field amongst the various studied animals. Walk among dinosaur footprints and skeletons of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve and journey through modern Cape Town, the uniquely cosmopolitan side of South Africa.
- Undiscovered Caribbean of Costa Rica: Turtle power! Traverse the mist-enshrouded Talamanca Mountains to discover the isolated lowland rainforests and white sand Caribbean beaches of Costa Rica. Ideal for families and travelers who enjoy hiking, easy kayaking and paddling dugout canoes, snorkeling, horseback riding, zip-lining, rappelling down waterfalls and looking for giant leatherback sea turtles (during turtle season). Learn the local secrets of cooking Caribbean-style, help with a reforestation project and visit a women’s group working to preserve their culture and help send their children to school by sharing their talents cooking (including making organic chocolate!), making crafts, using medicinal plants, growing spices and weaving thatch roofs