Meet the organisations protecting our wildlife

Caring for our planet’s wildlife and marine biospheres is the main goal of the TreadRight Foundation’s Protecting our Wildlife campaign, which launched 2nd March 2019, the day before World Wildlife Day. The launch was received with a flurry of press features, including coverage in The Guardian to introduce the important work that each of the campaign’s champions are undertaking in collaboration with The Travel Corporation (TTC). Here we meet the organisations behind Protecting our Wildlife and discover what drives them.

Making travel sustainable

From Galapagos sharks to Tasmanian devils, the TreadRight Foundation has worked to protect numerous species since its inauguration 10 years ago. But it’s not just wildlife that the not-for-profit organisation supports. Impoverished communities and diminishing wild habitats get help, too. TreadRight has supported more than 50 sustainable tourism projects: its latest projects focus on single-use plastics and clean water, while past years have championed ethical elephant experiences. 

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection partnered with TreadRight and Cheetah Outreach in 2018, to introduce Anatolian Shepherd Dogs into the reserve at Bushmans Kloof in South Africa. The dogs have helped local families protect themselves and their livestock from leopards in a sustainable way.

Looking out for the big cats

The top predators in their areas, big cats keep their natural ecosystems in check. Yet all seven species of the big cat family are listed as ‘threatened’, with tigers classified as ‘endangered’. In partnership with TreadRight, the Wildlife Conservation Society works to stabilise the world’s big cat population. Founded in 1895—the first non-for-profit of its kind in the US—Wildlife Conservation Society’s mandate has always been clear: to advance conservation, promote the study of zoology and construct special zoos and aquariums. We have this society to thank for many of New York’s leading animal sanctuaries, including Central Park Zoo and New York Aquarium.

Saving our rhinos

The rhino is another species Protecting our Wildlife takes care of. Roughly 80 per cent of the world’s rhinos live in South Africa, where Wilderness Foundation Africa is now carefully monitoring them using aircraft funded by TreadRight. The light aircraft permits the group to fly above game reserves, spotting and apprehending poachers. Additionally, vets can be deployed more efficiently to treat injured rhinos.

Of the 20,000 rhinos that live in South Africa, a staggering 8,000 have been poached over the past decade. Rhino horn is used to make traditional medicines in Asia and dagger handles in Yemen. Altering the mindset of those responsible for hunting rhinos is integral to bringing about change, and WildAid works to educate everyone involved in the supply chain, believing that ‘when the buying stops, the killing stops'.

Championing Asian elephants

Tackling the sad lack of elephant welfare in India and throughout Asia, Wildlife SOS cares for sick and wounded elephants that are forced to work. The organisation offers medical services for elephants and gives handlers training on humane treatment. Travellers should always seek operators who have signed World Animal Protection's Elephant-Friendly Tourism Pledge, a commitment never to commercialise activities involving elephant rides and shows.

The Red Carnation Hotel proudly supports the TreadRight Foundation’s Protecting our Wildlife campaign.