How far would you go to save animals? - Experts talk on adventure travel expeditions

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) will be holding a public talk for animal lovers interested in participating in one of WSPA’s overseas challenges in 2010.

The evening event: ‘How far would you go to save animals – taking the WSPA challenge’ takes place on Monday 1st March at WSPA HQ, First Floor, 89 Albert Embankment (nearest rail/tube station Vauxhall) from 6pm.

WSPA is organising two overseas challenges in 2010 giving people the chance to trek mountains and jungles for the charity and see WSPA’s unique animal protection work in action. The challenges are:

Bear Adventure (5-11 September)
Unique opportunity to walk through the beautiful Carpathian Mountains in Romania and see rescued bears at the WSPA built bear sanctuary.

Borneo Jungle Explorer (5 -15 November)
Participants trek through Kalimantan, an ancient, remote rainforest home to the Dayak people and endangered orangutans. They also visit the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan sanctuary supported by WSPA.

The evening will begin with an introduction from WSPA’s UK Director Suzi Morris followed by an opportunity to hear knowledgeable talks on WSPA’s animal welfare projects by our very own wildlife expert Victor Watkins and Rosie Chinchen WSPA UK’s Head of Marketing.

Victor Watkins started working to protect bears from cruelty back in the early 1990s, on a campaign which was one of the first of its kind. It was and still is run by WSPA, the world's largest alliance of animal protection organisations and he has also starred in wildlife TV documentaries.

Rosie Chinchen has hiked through the tropical forest in Borneo herself and is eager to tell you what the trek is like and what it feels like to see an orangutan for the first time.

Dawn James, editor of Teddy Bear Times magazine and a participant on the Bear Adventure, as well as other previous WSPA trek participants, will be more than happy to answer all of your questions on the night.

Jane Rockliffe, WSPA Community Fundraising Manager and a participant on WSPA overseas challenges, says:

‘We have some amazing adventures in our fundraising calendar for this year. They are tough challenges but also a lot of fun – especially when you get to see WSPA’s work in action with wildlife like bears or orangutans. The talks will be a real chance for people find out more, ask questions and get an update on WSPA’s work in the field.’

WSPA overseas challenges are the perfect opportunity to see some of the most stunning places in the world and gain a lasting sense of achievement. Not only will you be testing yourself physically and mentally but you will also be helping to fund WSPA’s work.

A training programme is provided for all the challenges and support is offered to help trekkers raise sponsorship money.