Page 52 - World of Animals - Issue #28 Magazine

Explore the Earth

Uganda: Trek with

mountain gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda is the place
to go if you want to trek with mountain gorillas, as
it is home to more than half of the total population.
In order to protect them and limit the exposure
they have to humans, it’s necessary to buy a gorilla
trekking permit. This system allows some degree
of control over how many people are entering the
park at any given time.
There are ways of making your trip as eco-
friendly as can be, such as travelling in fuel-
efficient and well-maintained vehicles. It’s also

possible to organise your trip with a company
that donates money to local communities to have
a positive impact on projects such as building
schools and hospitals in neighbouring villages.

Belize: Take a boat

ride with manatees

Manatees are some of the most docile creatures in the
world. With no natural predators, they are able to take
their time, slowly cruising the oceans looking for tasty
aquatic plants. Belize has three protected manatee areas
where it’s possible to go on tours and see the gentle
giants in the wild. Most eco-friendly operators won’t allow
you to touch the manatees as it can cause damage to their
skin. It’s also better to opt for smaller, low-powered boats,
as incidences of collisions with manatees have increased
as tour guides switch to high-powered motor vessels.

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