Patagonia escape will help WWF raise $30,000 for endangered marine species
07 Mar 2006
Sydney, Australia - WWF-Australia is offering a unique opportunity to trek in the pristine wilderness of Patagonia while helping raise funds to save endangered species of the Southern Ocean.
Nineteen of the world's 24 species of albatross are threatened with extinction. One species, the Royal Northern Albatross, which breeds in New Zealand but travels as far as Patagonia, has estimated populations of 13,000 and decreasing.
WWF is raising money for its Southern Oceans program to address threats facing albatross and marine mammals, such as deaths on longline fishing hooks, marine pollution, climate change and illegal fishing.
In November 2006, participants will have the opportunity to join a 19 day Patagonian adventure. The exciting itinerary features a visit to UNESCO's World Heritage site for conservation of marine mammals, where participants may sight orcas, southern right whales, Magellanic penguins and southern elephant seals.
The trip will also visit the spectacular Punta Tombo Penguin Rookery, home to the largest population of Magellanic penguins in the world.
At the tip of Southern America, Patagonia is one of the few places in the world where mountains virtually erupt from sea level and rise to majestic heights. Participants will trek among the awesome peaks of the Fitzroy and Paine national parks - an area that offers some of the most spectacular low altitude wilderness trekking found anywhere in the world. The expedition also visits the unforgettable Perito Moreno and Balmaceda Glaciers.
World Expeditions will donate $1,000 for every person travelling in the Escape to Patagonia 2006 expedition to WWF to help the survival of endangered Southern Ocean species through the WWF Southern Oceans program.
WWF-Australia's first Escape to Patagonia trip departs on 5 November 2006 and the second trip departs on 12 November 2006. The cost is exceptionally good value - the per person twin-share price starts at $6,990 including flights, ex. Australia.
The following free information and slide nights will be held to outline details of the trip:
- Sydney - Thursday 30 March at 6.30pm
- Melbourne - Thursday 6 April 2006 at 6.00pm
Bookings are essential and seats are limited. To register your attendance call 1300 720 000.
More information
Visit the WWF Discover page or call World Expeditions on 1300 720 000.
Angela Heck, Partnerships & Events Communications Manager, WWF-Australia
Phone: 02 9281 5515
Mobile: 0421 053 023
