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The world’s wildlife is balancing on a dangerous precipice, so it is our responsibility to help protect some of these species most at risk from extinction. Through Luxury Gold's partnership with the TreadRight Foundation, we help protect and rehabilitate elephant, rhino and big cat populations around the world, while also educating our guests on ethical wildlife experiences.
STORY BY AMI VITALE, AWARD-WINNING NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER
Awarded “Best Image of the Decade” for her depiction of the final moments of a northern white rhino, former war photographer Ami Vitale captures compelling stories of wildlife and nature on film. Ami has travelled to over 100 countries and is committed to making a profound difference to the future of conservation.
"There isn’t just one thing you can do for the planet, there are many things, but one of those has to be choosing travel companies that offer ethical experiences. Supporting companies that choose sustainability means prolonging the existence of certain species."
Loving wildlife translates to giving them respect. By all means, take the photo and tell the story, but remember that you are in that creature’s habitat. Don’t make contact as this can cause the animal stress or put them in danger.
Poaching isn’t slowing down. It’s all our responsibility to stop animals from becoming extinct. When certain species die out, it has an enormous impact on our ecosystem, so we have to seek honed solutions, as TreadRight is doing, to change that. There’s no time left to be indifferent, we are in a race to save these animals, and our planet, right now.
India is plagued with a lack of elephant welfare awareness and education, which is leading to the persistent use of elephants for manual labour, performances, processions, entertainment and street begging. Wildlife SOS specifically addresses the problem of injured and sick elephants that are forced to work in slums and crowded cities. Wildlife SOS works to help elephants living in urban environments that are wounded, malnourished and dehydrated, or those being used illegally and commercially under deprived conditions. They currently offer medical services to elephants in need, and train their handlers on humane treatment and management.
With the grant provided by TreadRight, supported by Luxury Gold, Wildlife SOS has built a permanent Enforcement Training classroom at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura, Uttar, as well as outfitted it with AV equipment to train staff on anti-poaching efforts, wildlife laws, dealing with human/elephant conflict situations, proper elephant management and more, and do so on a consistent basis.
The Cape Leopard is among Africa’s most threatened big cats as they are often targeted by farmers who fear them for killing livestock. After conducting research on the problem, we learnt that Anatolian Shepard Dogs instinctually protect sheep and goats from predators. So TreadRight embarked on a project called the Cape Leopard Trust, with support from Luxury Gold, to donate Anatolian Shepherd Dogs to rural livestock farmers near Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve in the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa. The result is a successful predator management strategy that has led to a rebound of the Cape Leopard population in the area.
Our teams who build and operate travel experiences across the globe take wildlife protection seriously. To help them ensure the wildlife experiences offered by Luxury Gold meet our standards, the TreadRight team has updated our Animal Welfare Policy. In cooperation with our partner World Animal Protection and with guidance from globally recognised animal welfare criteria, the Five Domains of Animal Welfare, we are pleased to encourage and support a travel industry free of animal cruelty.
Ranthambore, India
Visit the former private hunting grounds of the maharajahs of Jaipur, in search of the elusive Bengal tiger and other wildlife on an early-morning game drive. More common wildlife sightings in the dry, deciduous forests o Jaipur include wild boars, monkeys, spotted deer and antelope. Return to your resort for breakfast before you head out on another safari adventure into the National Park, led by an expert naturalist. Besides wildlife, you'll discover lakes, palace ruins, traditional Chhatri and even a majestic 1,000-year-old fort.
Featured Tour: Essence of India with Ranthambore
Lion Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
Experience luxury game drives in open-air safari vehicles as you venture through the Lion Sands Game Reserve, part of the world-renowned Greater Kruger National Park. This ecosystem boasts the largest concentration of wild animal species in the Southern Hemisphere. Learn about the complexities of a termite colony or perhaps see a pride of lions roaming through the savanna while your ranger shares fascinating insights into the lives of Africa's animals, big and small.
Featured Tour: Spectacular South Africa