Leading tour operators have joined tourism industry leaders to initiate a worldwide pledge against the predator breeding and canned hunting industry – the ‘Born to Live Wild’ pledge.
Tour operators joining the pledge include Thompsons Africa and Tourvest, as well as Atta.
“This association supports all efforts to stop unacceptable practices involving wildlife within our industry,” said Nigel Vere Nicoll, Chief Executive, Atta, one of the organisations in support of the pledge.
The commitment includes actions from the international travel and tourism industries such as not knowingly booking or otherwise supporting any breeder or operator that contributes to the cycle of breeding, exploitation and senseless killing of predators. This includes all petting and ‘walking with lion’ facilities.
The pledge also commits continued support and promotion of conservation, and responsible interaction with Africa’s wilderness and wild animals.
“We applaud all of those that are willing to stand up and be counted, ensuring that tourism income and volunteer efforts are directed to true conservation efforts,” said Dr Simon Morgan, Director of WildlifeACT Fund.
“Since the release of our first pledge statement at the Conservation Lab, the response from the global tourism industry has been overwhelming – they want to be involved with bringing an end to predator breeding, canned hunting and the exploitation of lions and other predators in commercial activities,” said Ian Michler, Consultant and Lead Character for Blood Lions.
To view the full list of partners who have committed, click here.
