www.CompassionateTravel.org shows how travelers can make a difference

May 18, 2009

Boston - The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) says cruelty, confinement, neglect and abuse is the price paid by millions of animals for tourist entertainment. In an attempt to reduce the suffering endured by these animals, WSPA has launched a new Web site, CompassionateTravel.org, which educates travelers on ways to make their trips animal-friendly.

According to Dena Jones, WSPA’s U.S. program director, “Many people may be aware that thousands of bulls are killed and maimed each year during bullfights, but most do not realize that donkeys, horses and elephants are sometimes forced to carry tourists for hours without food or water or that performing animals are often trained using cruel techniques. By logging on to our site, everyone can learn some simple facts that will help make their next trip cruelty-free.”
CompassionateTravel.org provides a list of dos and don’ts for animal-friendly travel. Here are five ways you can help animals on your next vacation:

1. Volunteer your time helping animals in need. Numerous opportunities exist for individuals, couples and families who want to volunteer some of their vacation time helping animals. WSPA offers a list of volunteer vacations in 30 countries on the Compassionate Travel Web site.

2. Avoid attractions like bullfights and roadside zoos but do visit nature reserves, animal sanctuaries or rehabilitation centers. There is nothing like the thrill of spotting an animal in its natural habitat or learning the story of a rehabilitated animal that will soon be set free. In addition, the reasonable entrance fees benefit the animals at the reserves.

3. Try wild dolphin or whale watching. These eco-friendly excursions enable tourists to become immersed in the natural world of marine mammals without threatening the health and welfare of wild species.

4. Avoid animal rides or transport that could cause suffering. Animal-loving tourists often inadvertently perpetuate the suffering of animals (elephants, camels, etc.) who may have been working for hours, with no access to shelter, food or water.

5. Don’t buy wildlife souvenirs or products that may have endangered animals. The purchase of illegal souvenirs such as ivory, tortoiseshell, fur and horns undermines the conservation efforts of local governments.

The site also offers free “I am a Compassionate Traveler” luggage tags along with a wealth of information, brochures, videos and specific actions you can take to end animal cruelty. In addition, the site’s companion blog, “Compassionate Planet,” will provide weekly updates on unique travel opportunities and continued advice on making animal-friendly choices while on vacation. To learn more ways to help animals during your next trip log on to CompassionateTravel.org.

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WSPA is the world’s largest alliance of animal welfare organizations. Through partnership with nearly 1,000 organizations worldwide, WSPA strives to create a world where animal welfare matters and animal cruelty ends. The organization aims to foster change at both grassroots and governmental levels to benefit animals.

For more information please contact:
Charlotte Tomic: Tel: 305-531-257, Cell: 917-882-5243, E-mail: ctomic@aol.com
Tina Mosetis: Tel: 516-487-5866, E-mail: calltina@verizon.net