Australians addicted to toxic plastics

If you are a regular visitor to your local beach then you've probably noticed more and more detritus.

Australia’s use of plastics has hit a record 4.2 million tonnes a year; and the oceans are paying the price.

Australians, it seems, prefer convenience over a pristine environment, figures provided by the Australian Marine Conservation Society suggest.

Australia uses a record 80,000 tonnes of plastic a week - the equivalent weight of one-and-a-half Sydney Harbour Bridges, and generates 1.2 million tonnes of plastic packaging waste every year – about 38kg every second.

In fact, Australians sets an unwanted record of using 4,189,600 tonnes of plastic products and packaging in 2024-25, according to the latest Australian plastics flows and fates report, surpassing the previous high set during the Covid-19 pandemic.

AMCS is calling for future reports, now released annually, to include data on plastic pollution – as was previously reported in the 2019-20 plastic flows report.

AMCS Plastics Campaigns Manager Cip Hamilton said: “If you left the tap on and flooded the bathroom, the first thing you’d do is try to cut the water supply. Instead, the government's approach to managing plastic is to just keep mopping while the tap gets turned up and up.

"The only way to end plastic pollution is to cut back on how much plastic is generated.

“The federal and state environment ministers all agreed packaging reform was needed in 2022, again in 2023, and again last Friday. Ministers can agree and agree all they like, but agreement is not stopping a single piece of plastic from reaching our ocean. We need action.

“Some problematic single-use items such as lightweight plastic shopping bags have declined following state bans, but the use of thicker plastic shopping bags and plastic produce bags has shot up. 

"State and territory bans have been a great start and can work, but item-by-item bans will always be one step behind, playing endless whack-a-mole against a rising tide of plastic overproduction.

"This is precisely why we need strong national packaging laws that mandate reductions, set design standards and make companies responsible for the packaging they use.

“Our homes, our waterways, our beaches, and our ocean are drowning under a flood of plastic. Plastic entangles, starves, smothers and poisons marine life. Across Australia, sea turtle hatchlings have hundreds of pieces of plastic in their guts, seals and dolphins are being strangled, and our beloved corals are being suffocated."

Image: Colleen Hughson via BeachPatrol

Meet a new limited-edition gin with a purpose

Fancy an Easter tipple that could help save one of Australia's iconic native animals? 

Meet a new limited-edition gin with a conscious. 

The Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) has teamed up with Brisbane-based craft gin distillery BY.ARTISANS ahead of the Easter holiday to launch Burrow & Bloom. 

Sales of the gin will support efforts to save Australia's beloved but threatened Greater Bilby, also affectionately known as the Easter Bilby.

The bilby has suffered population declines since colonisation and the introduction of feral cats, the primary driver of native mammal extinctions and ongoing declines in Australia.

While once found across the country, there is now only an estimated 10,000 bilbies remaining in Australia, with around 3,300 individuals living inside six of AWC’s feral predator-free sanctuaries. 

“Burrow & Bloom was designed to reflect the landscapes the Bilby depends on,” said Alexander Bell from BY.ARTISANS. 

“We’ve used a foundation of classic gin structure, layered with native desert botanicals like roasted wattle seed, saltbush, desert lime and lemon myrtle, to evoke arid soils, dry air and nocturnal foraging. A gentle rose infusion softens the profile as a subtle nod to Easter, without losing the austerity of the desert.”

Each bottle sold will contribute $48 to AWC to support bilby conservation and habitat protection across AWC sanctuaries. 

A maximum of 1,000 bottles of Burrow & Bloom will be produced, at full release, equating to $48,000 in sponsorship support for AWC, and the protection and management of wildlife sanctuaries across Australia.

You can find out more here. 

Image: Judy Moosmueller

Tasmania: take a walk on the mild side

Tasmania is home to some great adventure treks.

From the Overland Track to Three Capes Track, the Maria Island Walk, Bay of Fires, Bruny Island and the Walls of Jerusalem Natioaln Park, there are many multi-day walks to choose from.

Also think the Dove Lake Circuit at Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay in in the Freycinet National Park and Cape Hauy on the Tasman Peninsula.

For something a little bit different - and slightly less challenging - maybe seek out the new single day in the wild walks offered by Bakers Walking Company near Bakers Beach. They sound ideal for those who do not want to climb mountains or overnight in tents. 

The guided day walks explore a private 1,137-acre wilderness beside Narawntapu National Park that covers easy-to-moderate terrain through forest and open bushland. 

The experience combines a chance to enjoy Tasmanian nature and fresh air, local produce and small-group comfort.

Groups usually feature four to eight guests and allow plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and connect with the environment, says admin and trek leader Joel Badcock. A fresh Tasmanian lunch and refreshments are included, served on the property.

The day walking track covers around 7km and dis located just 15 minutes from Port Sorell, 30 minutes from Devonport and 60 minutes from Launceston. Days walks run for approximately five hours and feature wildlife-watching opportunities. 

Each walk is led by a local guide specialising in flora, fauna and natural history so walkers can discover the region’s geology, ecosystems and cultural storylines.

They are billed as being suitable for guests aged 12 and over, with flexible cancellation up to two days before departure.

The property is a luxury bush estate - twice the size of Monaco - but with no chance of getting lost or stranded. 

Bakers also offers a range of multi-day experiences including accommodation with all meals, as part of public or private groups. There is access to a sauna, and outdoor baths.

If weather makes it unsafe or unpleasant to walk, there is the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

See https://bakerswalkingco.au/day-walks/

Visiting a national park? Make sure you don’t get shot

Stay alert if you are visiting a national park in the Australian state of Victoria.

There may just be a heavily armed deer hunter lurking around the corner.

The Victorian National Parks Association, Invasive Species Council and Environment East Gippsland have all slammed the state government’s decision to open 130,000 hectares of the Errinundra (above) and Snowy River National Parks to seasonal deer hunting.

"The government is shooting themselves in the foot," said Victorian National Parks Association executive director Matt Ruchel.

"People visit national parks to walk, camp, birdwatch and immerse themselves in nature – not share the bush with amateur shooters with high-powered weapons." 

State Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos says hunting will "reduce the impact of deer on our national parks", but the government's 2021 Statewide Deer Control Strategy states that "...recreational hunting on its own is not an effective means of controlling deer numbers.”

Jack Gough, CEO of the Invasive Species Council, said: "Let's be clear, this is not a serious response to the serious issue of out-of-control feral deer populations trashing, trampling and polluting our forests and rivers. Opening up national parks to recreational hunting is not going to make a difference to numbers on the ground."

The government touts economic benefits from the state's 45,000 licensed hunters. But national parks receive 50 million visits annually - three times more than state forests. This generates greater economic value through nature-based tourism.

Independent polling shows that when asked what visitors valued most about national parks, 53% cited peace and quiet, while 37% explicitly identified "no shooting or hunting" as a reason they would visit national parks more often.

The decision dramatically expands hunting areas beyond the 1.8 million hectares of state forest already available in eastern Victoria. 

If hunting proceeds, Parks Victoria will need dramatically more rangers with enforcement powers, opponents argue. Given the government has consistently cut funding to Parks Victoria, it’s unclear how it will finance the monitoring and compliance of 45,000 licensed hunters across these vast landscapes, along with the safety of visitors.

"We don’t need deer control as just a sport,” said Ruchel. “We need bigger co-ordinated control programs with integrated aerial control and supervised, accredited or professional hunters, especially for the most important habitats.”

The organisations are calling for a clear, well-funded program to protect high-conservation-value areas, using a combination of professional control, supervised accredited hunters, and thermal-assisted aerial programs that can reduce deer populations faster than they reproduce.

Snakes alive: smuggler has to wriggle out of charges

An alleged wildlife smuggler will try to wriggle out of charges after being found with three live pythons smuggled down his underwear. 

 
A Sri Lankan man was arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport this week after three ball pythons were discovered on his person, the Bangkok Post reported. 

The Wildlife Crime Intelligence Centre said officials received intelligence on Tuesday that the man had arrived in Bangkok on a Thai Airways flight. 

Background checks showed he had a record of trafficking various wildlife species. He had previously been arrested on wildlife smuggling charges in Colombo in 2024, the centre said.

The centre monitored the movements of the suspected wildlife smuggler and on Wednesday he returned to the airport to check in for his return flight. 

Officials asked him to undergo inspection using X-ray equipment. No illegal items were found. They then undertook a body search that found the three ball pythons hidden in his underwear.

The suspect was taken into custody and authorities are expanding the investigation, the newspaper reported. It was not reported how large the snakes were. 

The ball python, also called the royal python, is named because of its tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or frightened.

African wildlife experiences paired with top-notch wine and food

A lifetime ago I found myself on a slow train between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) that stopped in bleak, dusty railway towns like Noupoort and De Aar in South Africa's Karoo desert.

The Karoo semi-desert can be unforgiving country, similar to the Australian outback, but it is also home to Samara Karoo Reserve (www.samara.co.za), one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations.

Samara is not only a game reserve - it also invites food and wine lovers to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of the Great Karoo semi-desert, "where sustainable, farm-to-table dining meets the wild beauty of the African bush".

Nestled in 67,000 acres of soulful wilderness, Samara offers big five wildlife encounters paired with an immersive food and wine experience that celebrates the region’s rich culinary heritage, exceptional local produce, and boutique South African wines from the Cape winelands.

And from May 16, Samara will host “Wine in the Wilderness” experiences to coincide with the “Stoep Tasting Wine Weekend” in nearby Graaff-Reinet.

Samara’s cuisine is rooted in the traditional flavours and ingredients of the Karoo, showcasing the area’s farm-to-table culture.

 

Executive chef Vandeline Pienaar uses Karoo lamb , along with indigenous herbs and plants such as spekboom.

Signature dishes include Karoo lamb burger with agave buds and Amagwinya (dumplings) with spekboom salsa.

Guests can enjoy a bush breakfast under the shade of a centuries-old shepherd tree, enjoy a picnic on the mountain plateau, or dining beneath the stars.

Each meal is paired with a curated selection of boutique South African wines, many sourced from family-owned vineyards practicing regenerative viticulture.

For those seeking a unique local flavour of the Karoo, Samara has partnered with Leonista Agave Spirit, South Africa’s award-winning organic agave distillery for a safari tasting; "pairing the bold flavours of Leonista with a wilderness experience".

For The Stoep festivities, Samara offers “Cheetahs and Cultivars” experiences in collaboration with renowned South African winemakers. The first weekend (May 16-18) will see Samara partner with Creation Wines from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. On the second weekend (May 23-25), Samara will welcome Simonsig Family Vineyards of Stellenbosch.

The reserve offers accommodation in two lodges. The Karoo Lodge is a renovated farmhouse with a veranda while the Manor House has an infinity pool.

All units have air-conditioning, a patio, tea-and-coffee making facilities. All meals and selected drinks are included and guests can join two daily game activities with an experienced game ranger. Port Elizabeth is a 2.5 hour drive and there is a private air strip located 20 minutes' drive from the lodges.

Such unique experiences do not come cheap, but I'd bet they will be truly memorable. I'd certainly be  tempted.

For further info, visit www.samara.co.za

Is that a reptile down your pants?

Security officers made a shock discovery at Newark Liberty International Airport passenger screening - a live turtle stuffed down a man's pants.

A US Transportation Security Administration officer operating a pre-flight body scanner detected a concealed item in the Pennsylvania man’s pants, US media reported.

When confronted, the traveller ‘pulled out a live turtle.’ The captive was a 12cm-long red-ear slider turtle wrapped in a towel.

Police took possession of the reptile and later handed it over to US Fish and Wildlife Service officers.

The man accused of attempting to smuggle the turtle missed his flight and was escorted out of the security checkpoint by police. Police did not say where the man was planning to travel but he was turned around.

It is unclear if he will face wildlife smuggling charges.

“We have seen travellers try to conceal knives and other weapons on their person, however I believe this is the first time we have come across someone who was concealing a live animal down the front of his pants,” said Thomas Carter, the TSA’s federal security director for New Jersey.

“As best as we could tell, the turtle was not harmed by the man’s actions.”

Koala populations under threat in Australia

 

Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to Australia each year hoping to get a look at a koala in the wild.

Their chances of an encounter with the cute marsupial are reducing each year with the government approving more than 25,000 hectares of threatened species habitat to be destroyed in 2024 – more than twice as much as the previous year, new analysis by the Australian Conservation Foundation reveals.

The Albanese government, committed to "no new extinctions" in 2022 but appears to be on the side of developers rather than nature - and its pro-industry actions could impact on the tourism industry.

A total of 2,751 hectares of habitat for "critically endangered" species was approved to be destroyed, affecting 17 critically endangered species and ecosystems.

Australia's lack of regard for its native wildlife is highlighted by the fact that 42 more species and ecosystems were added to the threatened species list, and a further 14 were moved to a category closer to extinction.

Amazingly, 100% of assessment decisions about fossil fuel projects were approvals.

“Despite its commitment to zero new extinctions, in 2024 the Albanese government gave the green light to the destruction of twice as much threatened species habitat as it did in 2023,” said ACF nature campaigner Darcie Carruthers.

“More than 3,000 hectares of koala habitat was consigned to the bulldozers in 2024 - an area three times the size of Sydney Airport.

“In most cases, destruction of habitat is the defining reason why animals and plants are at risk.

“Australia already has one of the worst extinction rates on Earth – and it’s getting worse.

“There are now 2,245 Australian ecosystems, plants and animals recognised nationally as being threatened with extinction. Every day and every decision matters for our wildlife.

“The national laws that are meant to protect nature are failing miserably. Without the full reform of Australia’s unfit-for-purpose nature law - and with no sign of an independent agency to enforce the law - more and more unique plants and animals face extinction.

“We urge the Albanese government to deliver on its promised nature law reform because more delays mean more extinctions.”

Meet a new artisan gin with a uniquely Australian flavour

An animal sanctuary and a boutique distillery may seem unlikely bedfellows but Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and  Brisbane’s newest craft distillery and lifestyle brand BY.ARTISANS, this week announced the launch of the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Eucalyptus Gin.

The innovative spirit comes from the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary and is made using eucalyptus leaves, turning waste into a luxe spirit.

Each day, eucalyptus leaves are hand-harvested from Lone Pine, with the freshest leaves reserved to nourish the koalas, while the remaining foliage, previously destined for composting, is given a second life.

BY.ARTISANS harnesses these leaves to craft a drink that "captures the essence of Australia’s natural heritage while supporting koala conservation".

From today, the Eucalyptus Gin will be available exclusively at BY.ARTISANS’ flagship store in Brisbane's West End, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary’s gift shop and online.

A press release says that 5% of all proceeds will be donated to registered wildlife charities and research groups focused on koala studies and wildlife conservation.

“The koala is an iconic species, but their habitat is under constant threat due to urbanisation and deforestation," said Lone Pine general manager Lyndon Discombe.

"Eucalyptus is vital for koalas, being their sole source of food. This collaboration with BY.ARTISANS helps raise awareness of the challenges koalas face and supports conservation efforts."

Ginn Lai, co-founder of BY.ARTISANS, who conceptualised the project, said: “We wanted to give these eucalyptus leaves a second life, and through this collaboration, we’re telling the story of koalas, the importance of eucalyptus as their lifeblood, and how something as simple as a leaf can be transformed into something extraordinary.

"It’s a celebration of this remarkable native botanical while giving back to the community to help safeguard the future of koalas.”

See www.lonepinekoalasanctuary.com and www.byartisans.com.au.

Look out: there's a tiger in the village

In Australia, tourists are warned to be careful of crocodiles, snakes, dingoes and drop bears.

In Thailand, it pays to keep your eyes peeled for tigers.

The Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has just sent a team of officials and veterinarians to capture a wild tiger that has been wandering into Kariang Namtok village in Kamphaeng Phet, the Bangkok Post and The Nation reported.

The animal, which has reportedly scared villagers and killed pigs, will be captured, examined, treated for any injuries and released back into the wild, said Surachai Photkhamanee, chief of Khlong Lan National Park.

About 50 people were deployed on Saturday to track the tiger and assist in the capture operation.

Estimated to be about two years old, the young animal is believed to have wandered from Khun Nam Yen in Mae Wong National Park.

Image: The Nation  

Upgrade your wardrobe and help a furry friend

There are few creatures more quintessentially Australian than hairy-nosed wombats.

And there are few more idiosyncratic wine brands than Little Giant - with their distinctive short, stubby bottles.

The wombat is the emblem on every bottle of Little Giant and has become an unofficial marsupial mascot of the brand.

There is also a Little Giant range of beers that adopt a similar, albeit smaller, format of the unique bottle and label.

The people behind Little Giant - at Fourth Wave Wines - are a platinum sponsor of wildlife organisation WIRES and provide ongoing support for the preservation of the cute little critter.

Buy merchandise from Little Giant and they will donate more money direct to WIRES: $5 from vests, $5 from hoodies and $3 from WomButts (underpants).

For over 35 years, WIRES has rescued and cared for sick, injured and orphaned native animals.

“We are proud to give back to the environment and contribute to important work towards protecting Australia's unique wildlife," says Little Giant's Ross Marshall.

"A portion of the proceeds from each purchase of our Little Giant merchandise will directly support WIRES' wildlife conservation efforts.”

Visit https://www.littlegiantaustralia.com.au/shop

How about a wilderness walk on the wombat side?

Want to walk where few visitors have walked before?

Tasmanian Expeditions’ newest itinerary offers an immersive wilderness experience exploring the untouched beauty of Flinders Island and its world-class walks.

The six-day, five-night Flinders Island Walking Adventure - In Comfort is a guided hiking holiday through one of Tasmania's best-kept secrets.

And from December 1 2023, single supplements for solo travellers on this journey will be waived.

Rugged Flinders Island has fascinating Aboriginal and European history, along with granite peaks, crystal-clear water and abundant wildlife.

Tasmanian Expeditions has an eco-friendly approach including the use of solar power, rainwater, and thoughtful campsite placement.

At the end of each day of walking, visitors relax and sleep in a beachfront Eco-Comfort Camp.

"Our eco-camp allows for a truly immersive experience," says Michael Buggy, general manager of Tasmanian Expeditions.

"Guests walk the amazing trails by day and then retreat to our comfortable beachfront camp in the evening. Here, guests experience true immersion in nature, sleeping under the stars in clear-ceiling safari-style tents, ensuring comfort while staying connected with the island's remarkable nature."

Highlights include:

# Scenic flights from Bridport in Tasmania, showcasing the island's terrain and coastline

#· The dramatic peaks of Mt Killiecrankie and Mt Strzelecki, the second of which is the highest point on the island at 756 metres.

# Spotting a wombat - Flinders Island is one of few remaining habitats of the common wombat

Image: Lachlan Gardiner – “Hiking the stunning Flinders Island coastline”

See www.tasmanianexpeditions.com.au

The ultimate African wildlife safari - by hot air balloon

Here's a trip that sounds well worth adding to your bucket list.

How about a balloon safari looking at African wildlife - from cheetahs to zebras - from above?

Aardvark Safaris has just announced a unique balloon safari crossing the Serengeti National Park.

In partnership with Serengeti Balloon Safaris and Wayo Africa Fly Camps, the six-day African safari adventure will take to the skies each day to traverse the Serengeti, Travel Mole reports.

The inaugural launch date is November 1-7.

Having taken balloon flights in South Africa and India, I can confirm there is no better way to observe wildlife - the animals are simply not concerned by balloons flying above them.

Starting and ending in Arusha, Tanzania, the new safari includes four nights fly-camping in cocoon tents (above).

Each morning, guests will be flown by hot air balloon to a brand-new wilderness spot - although it is not clear what happens if there is no wind.

Guests can then explore with fully escorted walking safaris and traditional wildlife drives.

Highlights will include flying high above the Serengeti as well as close-up wildlife encounters while flying at grass level.

Balloons will also land on the eastern shores of Lake Victoria.

Serengeti Balloon Safaris is the oldest hot air balloon safari company in Tanzania. It has flown over 250,000 guests in its 30+ years of operating.

The experience is bookable through Aardvark Safaris - but be warned. It does not come cheap.

How to see Canadian critters in their own natural environment

Whitehorse is the gateway city to the wilderness of Canada's Yukon Territory.

The entire Yukon is a wildlife sanctuary; where moose outnumber the humans two to one.

For those who want to be certain of seeing native creatures up close, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve features 700 acres of snowy hills, marshes, steep cliffs and flat lands that provide a perfect ecosystem for 11 species of northern Canadian mammals.

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is not a traditional zoo or theme park.

Instead, the animals live in large, spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitats, allowing them to live and behave as they would in the wild.

The preserve is committed to educating the public about wildlife conservation efforts and the importance of protecting northern Canadian wildlife.

Among the critters who might hope to see are bison, moose, mule, deer, woodland caribou, elk, mountain goats, Canadian lynx, and foxes.

The Preserve is located 25 minutes from downtown Whitehorse and visitors can walk, ski, snowshoe or fat-bike the five-kilometre viewing loop at their own pace, or jump on a guided bus tour.

Visitors wishing to take a bus tour are encouraged to book in advance to ensure availability.

For more information, visit www.yukonwildlife.ca.

# Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and direct flights between Brisbane and Vancouver four times per week. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. Internal flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City are available on Air North and Air Canada.

More information visit travelyukon.com

Images: Cathie Archbould

Monkey business very important for one luxury resort

A luxury hotel in Vietnam is doing its bit to help ensure the survival of a critically endangered species of primates.

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, a five-star resort on the Son Tra Peninsula, has installedg three brand-new “monkey bridges” – man-made bamboo and rope structures - that help the resident population of red-shanked douc langurs travel safely around the resort to access their favourite feeding grounds.

Famed for their striking scarlet legs and white beards, red-shanked douc langurs are one of the rarest primates on Earth – classified as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Only around 2,000 remain in the wild in Vietnam, 1,500 of which are thought to live in the jungles of the Son Tra Peninsula, where they love to eat the young leaves of tropical almond trees. They occasionally get on the ground to drink water or eat dirt. 

The InterContinental Danang is determined to protect its charming tree-dwelling friends.

Five families of red-shanked douc langurs are known to reside within the grounds of this 39-hectare resort, each with between five and 20 members.

To help the communities thrive, InterContinental Danang is creating a network of bridges and ladders that let these arboreal animals move freely through the forest canopy, their preferred habitat.

The new monkey bridges joined two already in place, providing these colourful creatures with safe, stress-free passages through the forest.

August and September are usually the months when baby red-shanked douc langurs are born, so the new bridges have been completed at a crucial time. More bridges are being planned in future.

“At InterContinental Danang, we understand that we have a responsibility to preserve the precious ecosystems of the Son Tra Peninsula," said general manager Seif Hamdy.

"One of the best ways to help protect the red-shanked douc langurs is to keep their migration routes open. Our monkey bridges act like aerial highways, letting them live, feed and breed in complete peace and safety.

"The bridges are not only used by red-shanked douc langurs, however; other native species such as macaques, squirrels and even civets have been seen using them, which shows how beneficial they are to our wildlife.”

See www.danang.intercontinental.com.

Slippery business: snakes captured by customs officials

You see a lot of crazy people on popular TV show Border Security.

Often they are trying to smuggle food, or drugs, into Australia.

But a woman who landed in Chennai, India, last week after flying from Kuala Lumpur went one better.

She was caught trying to smuggle 22 snakes and a chameleon into the country.

The woman was intercepted by customs officials after arriving, Travel Mole reported.

The snakes were of various species and, along with the chameleon, were in individual plastic containers.

Local officials said they suspect wildlife trafficking.

The snakes were seized under customs and wildlife protection laws.

Image: The Hindustan Times 

Snakes alive! Travellers caught with live reptiles

Two Indian women were arrested at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after a menagerie of wildlife was found in their luggage.

Thai officials say they found 109 snakes, lizards and other reptiles.

Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation said the animals were spotted at x-ray screening of two suitcases, Travel Mole reported.

The animal cache also included two white porcupines, two armadillos, and 35 turtles.

Nithya Raja, 38, and Zakia Sulthana Ebrahim, 24 were arrested when trying to board a flight for Chennai. India.

They faces charges under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.

It was not clear what the women had planned to do with the animals had they got them to India. 

Wine drinkers do their bit to help save koalas

Winesmiths - one of Australia's best quality cask wine brands - announced today that $25,000 has been raised for the Australian Koala Foundation through the sale of specially marked Winesmiths Dry Rosé and Cabernet Sauvignon packs over the summer. 

One dollar from every specially marked pack sold has been donated. 

"With a focus on sustainability and in the spirit of our ‘Sacrifice Nothing’ ethos, we wanted to prompt consumers to think about their wine choice and their impact on the environment," said Winesmiths senior brand manager Lisa Antoney.

"The Australian Koala Foundation really looks at changing the relationship people have with nature. Conservation efforts not only benefit koalas, but our population as a whole. 

"At Winesmiths, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment. By packing wine into two-litre soft packs instead of glass, we save approximately 1.8 million metric tonnes of emissions each year.

"We recycle 100% of our wastewater for re-use on our vineyards, which equates to around eight Olympic pools of water saved each year."

The chair of the Australian Koala Foundation, Deborah Tabart OAM, said the money raised would go towards the newly announced Koala Kiss Project.

"The project outlines an ultimate vision of the 'Great Koala Trail': approximately 2,543 kilometres of uninterrupted conservation and prime koala habitat from Cairns to Melbourne, connected at 'kiss points'," Tabart says. 

"Kiss points are the points where intact sections of koala habitat come close to each other, but remain separated by divisions of cleared land. 

"If we achieve contiguous habitat, then all creatures great and small could traverse through the bush unthreatened.

"Humans could walk under this trail of gum trees with koalas happily in the branches overhead.

"Funding for projects is always important, but having our message spread to wine lovers around Australia will enable more people to think about the conservation of the koala and some of the bigger issues, like deforestation and water management.”

Winesmiths will unveil their next Sacrifice Nothing project later in 2022, with the objective to continue to bring awareness and much-needed funding to important sustainability causes.

See https://www.winesmiths.com.au/

Winesmiths two-litre wine casks are available in most liquor stores. RRP $16.

Global conglomerate heads for the African bush

 

Global hotel conglomerates and African safari lodges would seem to be unlikely bedfellows but ...

Marriott International has just signed an agreement with Baraka Lodges Ltd to enter the Africa safari lodge segment.

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will be the company’s first safari lodge, located within the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

The retreat expects to welcome guests from 2023.

The new-build lodge will feature 20 private tents, including one presidential canvas-topped pavilion and two interconnecting canopied suites.

Shared spaces will include a restaurant, lounge bar, spa, and a large outdoor terrace with fire pits that will play host to traditional Masai dance performances in the evening (ugh!).

“We cannot think of a more perfect retreat than the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya,” said Bruce Rohr, vice president and brand leader for JW Marriott, Marriott International.

“JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will offer guests a luxurious backdrop as they connect with nature and wildlife as never before," he said. 

"We are thrilled that the JW Marriott brand will be welcoming adventure travellers, including families, to this breath-taking part of the world.”

Masai Mara is home to lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros and elephants. Between June and September, the reserve is also host to the annual great wildebeest migration, when more than 10 million animals travel a distance of 1,800 miles from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania.

Marriott International currently operates more than 120 properties in Africa across its portfolio.

I suspect nervous American tourists might feel more comfortable visiting the jungle when they stay with a familiar name.   

Hotel group does its bit for nature

It is always pleasing to hear a good news story from the travel industry. 

This time it is Thai-based hospitality group Anantara that has some feed good tidings as we approach Christmas. 

Wildlife rangers in Cambodia have confirmed the return of wild elephants and endangered otters to a concession of forest that Anantara funds via The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF), Anantara’s charitable organisation.

The sightings of these rare species were confirmed by Khmer rangers supported by Wildlife Alliance and from funds raised by Anantara guests that are distributed through the GTAEF to a number of charitable projects around the world. 

"From the size of the dung and the number of footprints, it seems that this is a herd of nine elephants comprising four adult females, their calves and one juvenile,” said John Roberts, director of the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) and Group Director of Sustainability and Conservation for Anantara. 

The hotel group has been fully funding the ranger effort since the pandemic shut down tourism across the globe. 

The Cardamom Tented Camp, in southern Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountain range, is a non-profit eco lodge resting within 18,000 hectares of pristine land that opened in late 2017. 

Proceeds from the camp are used to fund rangers that patrol the concession, protecting against deforestation and illegal poaching. 

The camp uses the slogan, “Your Stay Keeps the Forest Standing” and otters (above) have recently been spotted nearby. 

For more info see anantara.com