Celebrity Life

Alaska has all the ingredients for the perfect bucket list destination; screensaver-worthy vistas, fascinating wildlife and endless outdoor adventures no matter the season – it’s by far the largest state in America. With such vast lands, combining sleep with travel is the best way to optimise a short week stint (plus it is the safest, […]

Rare pink dolphins are returning to the waters between Hong Kong and Macau after the coronavirus pandemic halted ferries, but scientists remain deeply concerned about their long-term survival in one of the world's busiest sea lanes.

The tell-tale flash of pink leaping from the waters alerts Naomi Brennan to the presence of a local Chinese white dolphin and she jots the animal's location into a GPS device. Conservationists like Brennan regularly board boats in the Pearl River Delta to document how the mammals, known for their eye-catching pink colouring, are faring.

"Today we encountered three different groups of dolphins — six adults and two sub-adults," she explained. "They were engaging in a range of behaviour, from feeding to travelling and socialising."

For years, keeping tabs on the dolphins has been a disheartening task. The population has fallen by 70 to 80 percent in the past 15 years in what is one of the world's most industrialised estuaries.

[caption id="attachment_211503" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A Chinese white dolphin, also known locally as 'pink dolphin', swimming in the waters off the coast of Hong Kong. (Image: May James/ AFP)[/caption]

But this year these mammals' numbers have bounced back — and they have the pandemic to thank. Ferries between Hong Kong and Macau have been suspended since February, providing local marine scientists an opportunity to study how the pink dolphins have adapted to the "unprecedented quiet".

"We're seeing much larger group sizes as well as much more socialising, mating behaviour, which we hadn't really been seeing for the last five years or so," said Dr. Lindsay Porter, a Hong Kong-based marine scientist.

According to Porter's research team, the number of pink dolphins has increased by roughly a third in those waters since March. "These areas seem to be important for feeding and socialising. So it's great that there's this refuge for them," added Brennan, a member of Porter's team.

Megacities and shipping

The Pearl River Delta is one of the most industrialised coastal areas on Earth. As well as Hong Kong and Macao, it includes Chinese mainland megacities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Dongguan, and is home to some 22 million people.

And aside from heavy shipping traffic, the dolphins' key habitat has been subjected to a host of large-scale developments, including the construction of Hong Kong's airport on reclaimed land and the world's longest sea bridge connecting the financial hub to Macau and Zhuhai. A huge new reclamation project is also underway to build a third runway for the city's airport.

[caption id="attachment_211504" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Pink dolphins playing off the waters of Lantau in Hong Kong. (Image: AFP PHOTO / PIO/ HK Dolphin Conservation Society)[/caption]

According to the WWF, there are only an estimated 2,000 pink dolphins left in the Pearl River Delta — the minimum number that conservationists believe are needed to sustain the species. There is a palpable fear the delta's dolphins could go extinct under the population's current trajectory.

"Dolphins, and especially these estuarine dolphins, have a slow birth rate, a slow growth rate, a slow reproductive rate," said Laurence McCook, head of oceans conservation at WWF-Hong Kong. "So they need very careful management."

Cantonese heritage

The lack of ferries is a welcome, but potentially brief, respite for the dolphins. Noise from vessels disturbs mammals that rely on underwater sound for navigation and communication. The ships also pose the physical threat of striking the creatures, injuring and even killing them.

The rugged southern coastline of Hong Kong's outlying Lantau island provides shelter from typhoons and predators for the dolphins. But it is also where the ferries between Macau and the financial hub travel.

[caption id="attachment_211505" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Pink dolphins. (Image: Daniel Sorabji/ AFP)[/caption]

Conservationists are campaigning to expand an existing marine park to better protect the vulnerable species. "We've now identified a habitat that could then be reclaimed by them and could really be used to support their population," said Brennan, who believes recent findings could provide an opportunity for conservationists to "turn the tide" for the vulnerable dolphin population.

"The fact that we've seen such a dramatic change, though still early days, from just one of those impacts going away is a really positive shift."

But WWF's McCook warns time is running out for the dolphins. "They're an icon of the area," he said. "They're a part of Cantonese heritage. They've been around here for millennia."

"It would be a global tragedy to lose this iconic creature from the future of the Greater Bay Area."

(Main and featured image: AFP Photo / PIO/ HK Dolphin Conservation Society)

The post Pink Dolphins Have Been Spotted in Hong Kong After Reduced Marine Traffic From the Pandemic appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Commit to supporting wildlife protection today with these luxury experiences that go the extra mile for defending biodiversity.

The post Five luxe resorts and holiday operators that put animal conservation first appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Commit to supporting wildlife protection today with these luxury experiences that go the extra mile for defending biodiversity.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

Sustainability is an ever-growing necessity in today’s world and golf courses are joining the global movement. In 2018, Forbes stated that 9 million tons of plastic infiltrate the ocean every year. With this in mind, golf courses all over the world are making conscious decisions to eliminate plastic. From the preservation of wildlife to promoting […]

The post 10 World’s Most Eco-Friendly Golf Courses appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.

Today, ultra-luxury safari lodge operator Singita is a champion for African wildlife conservation.

The post How founder Luke Bailes grew Singita from one tiny lodge to owning 2 million hectares of land appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Today, ultra-luxury safari lodge operator Singita is a champion for African wildlife conservation.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

By now you've no doubt heard about the highly anticipated remake of the beloved 1994 Disney movie The Lion King, which features highly lifelike, computer-generated visuals and a star-studded cast of voice actors including Beyoncé, Donald Glover, James Earl Jones and Seth Rogan. With the film's Hong Kong release happening this week (Thursday, 25th July), you might be feeling inspired to take a trip to meet the king of the beasts in real life on a wildlife safari. So whether you prefer a luxury excursion or unique expeditions off the beaten path, here are our top picks for the most incredible safari adventures to experience right now.

Scott Dunn’s Lion King Adventure

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The Safari: 7 days through Nairobi and Laikipia in Kenya (from HK$49,100 per person)

This adventure starts off at the iconic Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, where there are -- you guessed it -- plenty of giraffes. The fun part is that you can wake up with them poking their heads through the windows looking for breakfast. Afterward, you’re off to the untouched natural haven of Laikipia, where you’ll stay on the Borana Conservancy, which is home to Pride Rock and a rhino sanctuary and where you can jump on an open 4x4 vehicle or horse to explore the African bush. Finally, this safari will take you to one of Africa’s most famed reserves, Maasai Mara, to spot safari royalty otherwise known as the 'big five': lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and cape buffalos.

Singita’s Adventure to the South

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The Safari: 12 days through the South African bush, Cape Town and Antartica (approx. HK$523,435 per person)

This safari is probably the most unique of them all: With a series of wildlife encounters from South Africa to Antartica, it’s an adventure that takes you from the bush to the ice. It begins in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, where you’ll likely find wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, zebras, leopards, cheetahs and, of course, lions. The next stop is more of an urban safari, where you’ll explore Cape Town’s food, culture and history before being whisked off by private jet to Earth's southernmost continent: Antartica. Here, you'll enjoy glamping at White Desert Antarctica’s Whichaway Camp before witnessing a rare spectacle: Emperor penguin chicks taking their first steps across the ice.

Finch Hattons and Mahali Mzuri's Flying Safari

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The Safari: 7 days through Kenya (price on request)

This dual experience takes you on not one, but two luxury safaris, the first of which is located in Tsavo West National Park, set around natural fresh water springs and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. During this more luxurious and relaxing safari, wildlife fans can enjoy spectacular views -- think impalas, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, lions and cheetahs -- before heading back to wind down at their camp spas and swimming pools. As you move on to Mahali Mzuri, meaning ‘beautiful place’ in Swahili and located in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, you'll have a front row seat to the rich wildlife on display and can have guided experiences led by local Maasai guides.

From Wildlife to Winelands with Ulusaba

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The Safari: 7 days from the Sabi Sand reserve to Mont Rochelle’s Vineyard (price on request)

Combining wine and wildlife, this safari takes travellers from Sir Richard Branson's private safari game reserve to the heart of the South Afria's winelands at Mont Rochelle. Located in the Sabi Sand reserve, the Ulusaba Hills offer a top vantage point that displays the surrounding terrain like no other, allowing for some incredible sightings. What’s more, the game drives come with experienced rangers and trackers to make the most out of your safari. After your adventure, you can unwind with a glass of new world wine in the Mediterranean-like climes of Mont Rochelle, where you can sit back and reminisce about your safari while sipping on their best vintages.

Track Lions on Foot with Warriors on Airbnb Adventures

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The Safari: 3 days through Nairobi (HK$4,023 per person)

Curated by Airbnb Experiences, which allows daring explorers to venture off the tourist trail, this safari is made for the real adventurers. Here, you can observe lions in their natural habitat while also helping conservation professionals conduct field work. Highlights include learning about African wildlife and local Samburu culture around an evening campfire, going on a ramble to encounter lions and other animals with a guide who personally knows the prides, and assisting the Lion Warrior Project, which employs Samburu warriors to help conserve, educate and ensure a future for Kenya's lion population.

The post Meet the Real Lion King on These Thrilling Safari Adventures appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

I’ve been living in Chile for just over a yer ago and on the whole I love it. In case you’re not convinced from my…

The post 9 reasons to visit Chile in 2019 appeared first on The Expater.

I’ve been living in Chile for just over a yer ago and on the whole I love it. In case you’re not convinced from my…

The post 9 reasons to visit Chile in 2019 appeared first on The Expater.

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards is an annual competition for photographers of all ages to enter their hilarious snaps and stand a chance to win great prizes. We spoke to Paul Joynson-Hicks, one of the organizers of the competition, and asked him a few questions. Paul, what is the purpose of the competition? It is […]

The post The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards – Conservation Through Humor appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.

Mention the group African Bush Camps and the picture that is conjured up is that of the most incredibly pristine camps dotted over such off-the-beaten track parts of Africa that having anything constructed there seems like a miracle. When you are born on the outskirts of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and spend your formative […]

The post Bekezela (Beks) Ndlovu, Safari Visionary appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.