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Three of Plettenberg Bay’s animal sanctuaries received global recognition for their conservation efforts after being announced as overall winners at the World Responsible Tourism Awards in London on Wednesday.
The South African Animal Alliance (SAASA), which includes Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and the Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, was nominated by visitors for this year’s coveted awards by visitors and was in the running for the Best Animal Welfare initiative award. The category was established to recognise tourism businesses leading the way in their approach to care, wellbeing and dignity of animals.
Not only did they win gold in their category but were also announced as joint overall winners of this year’s awards at a ceremony at the World Travel Market’s Global Stage as part of World Responsible Tourism Day celebrations.
They share the honour with Campo and Parague dos Sonhos – a tourism establishment in Brazil that fully caters for the disabled.
“We wanted to recognise the Sanctuary Alliance for demonstrating that animal attractions can liberate previously captive wildlife and, without petting or exploitation, be commercially successful,” judging panel chair Harold Goodwin said.
Judges agreed that SAASA had successfully used tourism to fund sanctuaries for primates, birds and wild cats enabling them to provide environments where previously abused wild animals and animals that could not be returned to the wild, could be kept in captive protective habitats and be able to live normal and healthy lives. They also motivated their decision by the fact that SAASA campaigned against the practices of pet-and-play, that they were educating their visitors about why these practices should be banned and demonstrating that attractions could be successful without exploiting animals.
“Both winners demonstrate that it is possible to address the rights agenda, to swim against the tide, and also achieve a successful business,” Goodwin said.
Managing director of responsibletravel.com Justin Francis said the winners had a vision that extended beyond the commercial by linking business success with the wellbeing of local communities and the longevity of their environments. “They want to make profits with principles, communicate balance sheets alongside beliefs, and won’t undermine passion in the pursuit of professionalism. They are resilient, determined, humanising advocates for their destinations. They are the future of tourism,” Francis said.
Sponsored by the Oman Ministry of Tourism and organised by responsibletravel.com, the awards were founded to find and celebrate the best examples of responsible tourism from around the world.
After being longlisted for the awards, each organisation was also asked to supply several independent reference letters to testify to the sanctuary’s achievements. SAASA even managed to secure a stamp of approval from business magnate Sir Richard Branson.
SAASA spokesman Lara Mostert said they took responsible tourism and abides by the strict procedural rules laid out within the Fairtrade framework. “The animals come first and therefore we have a strict ‘no-touch’ policy which applies to all tourists, staff and/or other visitors to our sanctuaries. The only interaction that occurs is that with the wild animal and its own kind,” Mostert said.
She added the award was recognition of their tireless efforts to educate the public about wildlife conservation and the plight of wild animals living within a modern society. “It is because of SAASA’s no-touch policy that we have been recognised. There is after all zero conservation value in petting, prodding and posing with wildlife. These awards will undoubtedly help us to communicate this message better. It is time to outlaw the abusive pet-play-and-pay industry, South Africa must lead by example,” Mostert said.
“Plett Tourism is extremely proud of SAASA’s award. MonkeyLand, Birds of Eden and Jukani are iconic Plettenberg Bay attractions which at the same time have a deeper and richer environmental purpose. Their success is a testament to the vision and leadership of Tony Blignaut and Lara Mostert and all of Plett salutes their achievement,” Pett Tourism chairman Peter Wallington said.
This was however not the first award for SAASA this year. They also recently received the highly acclaimed Lilizela service excellence award for best visitor experience at a wildlife encounter centre.
The Lilizela Tourism Awards aim to recognise and reward the highest levels of excellence in the tourism value chain and is the brainchild of the South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. It is spearheaded by South African Tourism and delivered by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
Yolande Stander Garden Route Media
Picture: Ewald Stander
