Online franchise group Explorer Travel is helping to protect the lives of scores of elephants in Tanzania by sponsoring a wildlife charity set up by one of its homeworkers.
The company sponsors the Wild ‘n’ Free charity with a monthly donation of £100.
The animal rescue and rehabilitation charity was founded by Explorer Travel franchisee Geraldine Morelli in 2014 to support wildlife conservation projects worldwide.
The charity’s latest project, to support Alert for Endangered Species in Tanzania, aims to stop elephants straying out of the Arusha National Park into surrounding farmland and subsequently destroying crops. Many elephants have died or been killed after leaving parkland in the country.
Morelli, who runs travel franchise Rare Encounters – African Specialist, said Explorer Travel’s donations had funded the building of two of 36 beehives around the border of the national park, which it is hoped will help save many elephants’ lives. Elephants are scared of bees and turn around if they encounter them.
Morelli, who has to raise between £2,000 and £5,000 per project, said: “Explorer Travel’s support has made a massive difference. We have also had donations from some of Explorer Travel’s individual franchisees to sponsor beehives. The project has been very successful.”
The decision to support a wildlife charity stems from the company’s move to become a more sustainable travel business two years ago.
Director Steve Wood said: “Two years ago I decided we needed to change the emphasis of the company to selling more sustainable and ethical travel. Commercially, being associated with a charity is a positive thing. Although coronavirus is a dreadful crisis, for me the biggest issue is climate change.”