Joining Forces With Klook For Animal Welfare Advancement
UK charity Wild Welfare has formed an official partnership with world leading travel and experiences platform Klook. The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the 23rd of June in order to formalise their collaborative efforts to prioritise animal welfare.
The Asia-based travel company, who specialises in tours and experiences around the world, is in the process of developing a long-term sustainability strategy, garnering guidance from the internationally active Wild Welfare about animal welfare issues.
Planned collaborations have centred around raising awareness among Klook employees so they can learn what is meant by animal welfare and why it is important, what good welfare means to animals and how it can be achieved, and the ability to identify particular practices which potentially compromise animal welfare within the tourism sector. Wild Welfare will first host a training webinar for Klook staff, with the potential for assessment of activities in the future.
The travel industry can have a significant impact on animal welfare. From the potential to disturb animals in their wild habitats to interactions with captive individuals, careful consideration is essential to ensure that animal welfare is not compromised in touristic activities. Wild Welfare has already developed a guide on animal friendly tourism, as well as collaborating with other travel companies to work towards ethical ecotourism models.
Wild Welfare are keen to support Klook in their efforts to continue to collaborate with facilities in order to support them in pushing welfare standards forward. It is these constructive, positive partnerships that bring about lasting change for animals.
Forming partnerships with travel companies such as Klook can help to build professional capacity across an organisation, ensuring that staff members feel confident in their understanding of animal welfare, and how to prioritise it.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with another key company within the tourism community. A partnership with Klook allows us to achieve one of our goals, to increase animal welfare awarenes across the travel sector, and public education, including what positive or ethical choices people can make to improve animal welfare around the globe.” Simon Marsh, Wild Welfare Director.
Rebecca Keiller, Klook Senior Manager, Sustainability said of the new partnership: “We are delighted to have the support of Wild Welfare as we enhance our Animal Welfare Policy and ensure better practices across the globe when it comes to animal tourism, as well as to count on their expertise in a new webinar series to educate Klook employees on the indicators of good animal welfare.”
Wild Welfare works extensively across Asia, driving forward animal welfare improvements in facilities such as animal sanctuaries, zoos and aquariums. It is this expertise which makes the 11 year old charity perfectly placed to support Klook in offering practical guidance in strengthening policies and increasing awareness on animal welfare issues.
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Notes to Editors
For more information or interview requests please contact Wild Welfare on communications@wildwelfare.org
Wild Welfare is a global organisation committed to improving animal welfare for captive wild animals. By uniting the world’s leading zoos, zoo associations and animal welfare organisations, we build trusting partnerships that help provide long-term solutions to critical wild animal welfare issues.
Our vision is a world where every captive wild animal is able to thrive and live a good life. Find out more at wildwelfare.org. Registered charity in England (no.1165941).
