Tag Archives: Wildlife

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Touring Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

Falcon

The most important falcon welfare institution in the world, as well as the largest, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital first opened its doors in 1999.Not only does the hospital do so much to help falcons, as well as other animals, but it is also one of Abu Dhabi’s major tourist attractions, and has been visited by a number of VIPs over the years.

Falcons in the UAE
Falcons have long since been loved by falconers in the UAE, with many of them lavishing a huge amount of care, attention and money onto their birds. These birds are treated as part of the family, not only having their very own perch to sleep on next to their owner’s bed, or even in their owner’s office, but also their very own passport, as well as a business class seat on airplanes. These birds are primarily used for hunting purposes, and are trained to hunt game. Each year, the hospital treats around 11,500 birds, running in the same way that a human hospital would. The birds first arrive for a general check-up, which could then lead to further examinations, whether this may be x-rays or surgery, while an emergency room is available for more urgent cases. When a falcon loses or damages even a single feather, this can really throw them off balance during flight, so the hospital keeps multiple spare feathers in stock, so that they can replace any damaged feathers that they may encounter during general check ups.

The Falcon World Tour
Since 2007, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital has placed a huge emphasis on tourism, which has been helped by the fact that the hospital has been so widely featured in the media over the years. The Falcon World Tour that they offer is the best way to really see all that the hospital does, providing you with a deep insight into the world of falcons. There are two tour options available, one of them two hours long and one of them three hours long, but both of which will immerse you in the history of falconry, as well as giving you the opportunity to hold a falcon. This unique tourism program has won the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital multiple awards from around the globe, as it is the only place in the world that can offer this experience to tourists.

Falcon Passports
The illegal trade of falcons is something that has been hugely on the rise, which is why the UAE recently introduced falcon passports. This means that no falcons are able to be taken abroad without one, and it is the responsibility of the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital to issue these, which visitors will be able to learn more about.

Being one of the leading, and largest, avian hospitals in the world, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital has earned itself quite the reputation. From the way in which it is able to perform complicated procedures on these rare birds, to the emphasis that they place on educating the public on the importance, as well as the beauty, of these magnificent creatures, a tour of the hospital is definitely worth doing the next time you find yourself in Abu Dhabi.

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Touring the Australian Outback

The Australian Outback is legendary, and refers to the vast and arid interior of the country. Many would argue that the true Outback lies well beyond the outskirts of any city, but, if you happen to be visiting Sydney and want to experience a small taste of the Outback, these are a few areas that you can tour.

Broken Hill
Broken Hill
While it may take a lengthy train ride to get you there, Broken Hill, in the far west outback of New South Wales, is an isolated mining town surrounded by semi-desert. While there is only one mine still functioning today, it mines for zinc, lead and silver, which is why the town acquired the nickname Silver City. Being a mining community, there are many mining museums to visit, as well as quite a thriving art scene with a sprinkling of small galleries. Broken Hill is known for its spectacular sunsets, and there are many areas of the Outback that provide great vantage points, from the Mutawintji National Park to the Kinchega National Park, both of which are also worth touring in more depth.

Mudgee
Mudgee is a hillside town that features a range of Outback attractions, especially when it comes to walks through the bush. The Castle Rocks Walk is an iconic one, as the views along the way, as well as at the end of it, are quintessentially Australian. From sandstone pagoda features to eucalypt and pine bushland to native bird life, this is a walk that simply has to be taken. The Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve is also worth a visit, as being the second oldest nature reserve in the country, it is steeped in Aboriginal history. For those that want the opportunity to view more of the Outback’s native wildlife, take a tour around the Goulburn River National Park, which is not only perfect for swimming and fishing, but is also home to a variety of wildlife species, from the turquoise parrot to the eastern grey kangaroo to the red-necked wallaby. To inject a dose of history into your trip, stop off at the Gulgong Pioneer Museum, which is home to one of the best Australiana collections in the country.

Mungo National Park
Mungo National Park
A part of the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area, the Mungo National Park consists of over 120,000 hectares of remote Outback landscape, with everything from looming sand dunes to ancient dried up lakebeds. When it comes to touring the park, there are a couple of options available. If you would prefer a self-guided tour, there is a 65 km drive that can be followed, which stops off at 15 points of interest along the way, enabling you to explore the park at your own pace. Alternatively, you have the option of joining an escorted tour in 4WD vehicles. These are led by local rangers from the three tribal groups of the Willandra Lakes Region, giving you the opportunity to learn so much about the area’s history and culture.

Every Australian state contains a small amount of the Outback, and while this may take a fair bit of traveling from the major cities, this is a journey well worth taking. From the remoteness of Broken Hill to the native bushland all around Mudgee, these are some great places to visit when touring the Australian Outback.

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Get Outdoors Festival

Held on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of August this year, Ontario’s Get Outdoors Festival takes place at Wye Marsh, the largest wetlands in Ontario. From interactive workshops to wildlife identification sessions, this festival is a way to experience the best of what the great outdoors has to offer.

Guided Canoe and Kayak Tours
Wye Marsh is home to a large amount of wildlife, from the Midland Painted Turtles to the River Otters to the Trumpeter Swans, and taking a ride out onto the water is one of the best ways to experience all of this. These guided tours take place on voyageur canoes, with each one led by a Wye Marsh naturalist.

Cycling

Cycling
With over 25km of cycle trails, renting a bike is a great way to explore Wye Marsh. The festival will have bikes available for rent, although if you do not feel like biking, you can easily walk the trails too. One of the highlights of the trails is the 490-foot floating boardwalk, which takes you out over the water and rewards you with a stunning panoramic view.

Live Animal Demonstrations
While it is always exciting to view wildlife in their natural habitat, experiencing them close-up will help you to learn so much more about them. This is the aim of the live animal demonstrations at the Get Outdoors Festival, where guests will be able to meet animals such as the snapping turtle, fox snake and red-tailed hawk, learning about these unique creatures and the role they play in our ecosystem. The Wye Marsh bee-keeper will also be putting on a talk and demonstration each day of the event, showcasing his gorgeous honeybees and explaining exactly why they are so vital to life on this planet.

Bird watching

Basics of Birding
At the festival, a Wye Marsh naturalist will be on hand to teach visitors the basics of birding. From discovering how to recognize the different bird calls that are constantly sung around Wye Marsh, to learning about the natural environments of these specific birds, these sessions are always a big hit with both adults and children.

Paddle Carving Seminar
New to the festival this year is the Paddle Carving Seminar, which will be held by Roger Foster, who is an instructor at the Carlisle Canoe Co. Visitors will learn all about how to use a century-old tool to carve a paddle from a solid piece of local wood, and are guaranteed to leave the seminar with a beautifully finished paddle, as well as skills that they will be able to carry with them for the rest of their lives.

The Get Outdoors Festival aims to provide people with a new way in which to experience the outdoors, showing them the many different benefits that spending time in nature can have. With the average North American spending 95% of their day indoors, the Get Outdoors Festival is something that everybody should embrace, as you will be able to discover new passions that will encourage you to spend plenty more time outdoors in the future.

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The Harvard Museum of Natural History

Harvard Museum of Natural History

Papa Bravo / Shutterstock.com

Situated on the sprawling grounds of Cambridge’s Harvard University, the Harvard Museum of Natural History features a combination of the most exciting specimens from the university’s three other natural history museums. From the permanent exhibitions that showcase the mind-boggling diversity of life that this planet holds, to public lectures and special events where visitors can learn about natural history in even more depth, it is easy to see why this is the most frequently visited out of all of Harvard University’s museums.

Africa, Asia & America
Three of the permanent exhibits at the museum focus on specific geographical areas; Africa, Asia and Central and South America. Each of these exhibits features mounted wildlife exhibits that are native to that particular region. In the Africa exhibit, visitors will be able to see lions, gorillas, a hippopotamus and rare species from the island of Madagascar, while in Asia, visitors will be greeted by a rare Indian rhinoceros, Siberian tigers, cheetahs and the clouded leopard. In the Central and South America exhibit, some of the wildlife highlights include the jaguar, tapir, sloth and an entire wall of hummingbirds.

Bees!
This spring and summer exhibit will be held until November, and features different bee specimens from all over the world. Bees are absolutely vital to the survival of our planet, and this display helps to emphasize this, teaching visitors more about these incredible creatures, as well as showing off the honey-making process.

Climate Change: Our Global Experiment
Climate change is a topic that is becoming increasingly important, and this exhibit is a way for visitors to learn the facts about the issue, in order to make their own decisions about what the planet needs. The exhibit puts on display all of the latest research from the experts at Harvard, as well as other institutions around the world, and also has a simulation globe that visitors can interact with, allowing them to learn about the consequences that climate change has had, as well as what lies in store for the future.

New England Forests
The forests of New England are beautifully unique and diverse, which is exactly what this exhibit aims to celebrate. This multimedia exhibition takes a close look at the way in which New England’s forests have responded to human activity over the years, while showcasing the circle of life that lives within them, from the microscopic insects that live in forest ponds to the ecology of wolves and woodland caribou.

The Harvard Museum of Natural History is home to a number of other exciting exhibits, teaching visitors all about natural history from all over the world. The museum also holds several different special events and classes for adults, from wildlife drawing sessions taught by renowned artists to fascinating talks and lectures on New England’s natural history. The museum itself is open daily, and an admission ticket also grants you access to the adjacent Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, which is also worth a visit if you have some extra time to spare.

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Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Kings Park and Botanic Garden

EA Given / Shutterstock.com

Located on Mt. Eliza, overlooking the Swan River and the city of Perth, Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, attracting over 6 million visitors each and every year. Spread out across 400 hectares, two-thirds of the park is natural bushland, playing home to over 300 species of native plants, as well as 80 species of wild birds. The remainder of the park consists of cultivated gardens and recreational areas, making the entire park a tranquil green oasis in the very heart of the city.

Western Australian Botanic Garden
The Western Australian Botanic Garden was opened in 1965 and consists of 17 hectares that showcase the best of Western Australia’s natural biodiversity. The Conservation Garden features some of the state’s endangered plants growing in their natural habitat, a sight that most people would otherwise not be able to see, while the Banksia Garden features impressive relics from the super-continent of Gondwana. The Giant Boab is always a popular attraction here, as this iconic tree, weighing 36 tonnes and estimated to be around 750 years old, is the largest mature tree ever to be transported across land, which it was in 2008 when it was moved from Warmun to its current location at Kings Park and Botanic Garden in Perth.

Bushland
With two-thirds of Kings Park being protected bushland, the park attracts a diverse array of wildlife, and this is always a joy to see when visiting the park. There are two walking and cycling trails through the bushland that visitors can take, one which is relatively easy and only takes 25 minutes to complete, with the other consisting of a few steep sections and taking approximately an hour to complete.

Fraser Avenue
Leading up to the entrance of the Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, Fraser Avenue is one of the most visited sites in Perth, as well as one of the most photographed. Rows of red flowering gums were planted here in the 1800’s, with more being added in 1929, and the result is a magnificent canopy that creates a shaded avenue, and an exquisite entrance to the park.

Synergy Parkland
Situated on the west side of Kings Park, the Synergy Parkland is a recreational area for the entire family. Children absolutely love the playground, which boasts an island fort, a water misting forest, and impressive large-scale replicas of extinct Australian fauna. While the children play, adults can sit back and relax with a bite to eat, and a delicious coffee, from the café located here, while the area proves to be just as popular during the summer evenings, when it turns into an outdoor cinema.

The Kings Park and Botanic Garden works hard to conserve the nature and wildlife that is native to Western Australia, so that generations to come can also experience this. These ongoing efforts have helped the park earn itself quite the reputation, and it is now considered to be one of the city’s best attractions.

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Great Urban Green Spaces

Hampstead Heath, London

Studies have shown that not only do green spaces in urban environments go a long way in helping to reduce crime, but they also provide a major boost to the mental health of those around it, leading to safer and happier communities. From self-seeded wilderness that overlooks the streets of New York to a restored public park in the heart of Seoul, these are some of the most inspiring green urban spaces out there.

High Line, New York, USA
Just about every city has areas that are derelict and run down, quickly becoming abandoned spaces, and this was exactly the case with the unused railway lines that run high above the streets of Manhattan. Originally built in 1929 and then completely abandoned by the 80’s, the High Line Park was officially unveiled in 2009, giving the area a fresh breath of life that it had not seen in a while. Stretching for over a mile, the High Line is lined with a variety of plants, making it the longest green roof in the world. With the strategic location of drainage systems, nutrient-rich soil layers and the intense heat reflected off of the city’s buildings, the High Line’s unique environment encourages existing plants to self-seed and spread, resulting in a vibrant green space that is relatively self-maintaining.

Hampstead Heath, London, UK
Situated just six kms. from London’s busy Trafalgar Square, Hampstead Heath consists of 800 acres of woodland, meadows, grassland and ponds, bringing a rich biodiversity to the crowded streets of the city. Thanks to its vast size, there are many pockets of the Heath that are a haven for wildlife, and for those who want to take in some nature, there are many different areas to visit. The grounds of Kenwood House is where you will find exotic trees and shrubs, as well as giant rhododendrons, while the Pergola and Hill Garden features wisteria-lined pathways and picturesque views. One of the most popular activities in Hampstead Heath is outdoor swimming, with two swimming ponds available, one for men and one for women, as well as a mixed sex pond that is only open during the summer months. While London might experience more than its fair share of cold weather, the swimming ponds are popular year-round, even when there is ice floating on the surface of the water.

Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, Duisburg, Germany
Situated on the 570-acre site of a former steel plant, the Landschaftspark in Duisburg, Germany, was created in 1991, with the goal of integrating the existing fragments that were left behind by the area’s industrial era into a green urban space that the residents of the city can enjoy. Existing structures were re-purposed, with a number of different amenities included in order to ensure that the park appealed to a wide variety of people. From hiking trails to a deep diving pool to a rock climbing wall, this abandoned area quickly became one of Duisburg’s hottest spots, paying homage to the city’s industrial past while taking steps towards building a greener and healthier future.

Urban green spaces are of the utmost importance, and cities all over the world are now recognizing just how much of an impact a space like this can have. With the increase in urbanization becoming all-too-common, individuals all over the world are losing touch with nature, making green urban spaces more important than ever, providing the community with positive effects that are sustained over a long period of time.

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Movie Travels – Into the Wild

A biographical survival drama from 2007, Into the Wild stars Emile Hirsch as the main character of Christopher McCandless. The movie chronicles his travels across North America, and the time that he spent alone in the Alaskan wilderness. While the story may not have ended well for McCandless, the film inspired many others to travel through Alaska, following in McCandless’ footsteps and exploring its epic wilderness. OROGOLD takes a look at some of the destinations that McCandless visited during his Into the Wild travels.

Denali National Park, USA

Denali National Park and Preserve
With over six million acres of pure, untouched wilderness, this national park is centered on Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America. The area is truly rugged, and only those who have been specially trained are allowed to drive visitors through some of the unpaved cliff-side roads, with plunging drops right beside them. Many parts of the park are completely inaccessible by vehicle, making hiking a popular activity. Denali National Park is also home to many wildlife species, from grizzly bears to caribou to wolves to dall sheep, as well as over 150 different bird species, making it an animal lover’s paradise. Around 16% of the park is covered with glaciers, with the 32 mile Muldrow glacier being the largest one.

The Stampede Trail
The Stampede Trail is one that McCandless walked, aiming to live off the land, and was also home to the ‘magic bus’, which was his base during that time. It takes about two to three days to walk the trail, depending on how much you intend to walk each day, and the magic bus, although riddled with bullet holes and stripped bare of anything of value, is still there for you to visit. Although it may not be the best walking trail in Alaska, it is definitely one worth doing for fans of the movie. However, many parts of the trail can be dangerous at times, especially during bad weather, which is why OROGOLD recommends that you don’t travel alone, and make sure that you have all the necessary equipment.

Northern Lights seen from Fairbanks, Alaska.

Fairbanks
Alaska’s second largest metropolis, Fairbanks is where the body of McCandless was found, after he had died of starvation. The city itself is friendly and charming, with locals always ready to give a warm welcome to visitors. During the summer, the sun casts its light over the city 24 hours a day, giving it a new energy and life. It is also a great place to view the aurora borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights, and if this is something you are hoping to catch, OROGOLD recommends visiting between September and April.

Alaska’s wilderness may be its biggest draw, but it is also what can make traveling through Alaska quite dangerous. McCandless is not the only one to have fallen victim to the harshness of the land, which is why OROGOLD advises that you travel with caution, ensuring that you never put yourself into a potentially dangerous situation. There are many orientation or training sessions that can prepare you for the wilderness if you want to take on a more extreme challenge, while for others, a tamer tour of the vast landscapes may just be enough to satisfy your travel bug!

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Tips on Night Driving – OROGOLD Reviews

Humans are naturally diurnal, which is the opposite of nocturnal, and means that your depth perception, peripheral vision and color recognition all drastically decrease once the sun goes down. In addition to this, you are also less alert at night, making it no surprise that 49% of all major car accidents take place at night, even though there are fewer drivers on the road. To help you stay safe on the road after dark, OROGOLD shares with you some of our top tips on driving at night.

Woman driving her car at night.

Adjust and Clean Headlights
Over time, your headlights will usually shift position, making it important that you regularly adjust them, especially if you are going to be driving at night. It is an easy process to do, with plenty of YouTube tutorials to guide you a long if your owner’s manual is slightly too complicated, and, once done, it will make night time driving significantly easier. Headlights that are not aimed correctly can not only end up blinding other drivers, but can also distort the way that you see the road, and also make it much harder to drive in the rain and snow. It is also important to regularly clean your headlights, as this allows more light to shine through and eliminates the haze that gathers around them over time. You can get this done quite cheaply at any auto parts store, or, if you want to clean them yourself, OROGOLD suggests using sandpaper and polish. While you’re cleaning, be sure to check your windshield, as chances are that you’ve ended up smudging them with fingerprints at some point without realizing.

Be Aware of Wildlife
Wildlife and night time drivers are never the best of friends, and often experience encounters that can be fatal for both sides. Although you usually can’t see an animal on the road until it’s too late, OROGOLD suggests keeping watch for animal eyes that will be lit up by your headlights long before the rest of their body will, as the eyes will reflect the light. If you see a pair of tiny bright spots further down the road, it is likely to be an animal. The best strategy to use if you see a larger animal, such as a deer, on the road in front of you, is to slow down as quickly as possible. With deer, if you swerve to the side to avoid them, which is never recommended on a dark road at night, they will often follow the lights of your car and walk even further in front of you.

Woman looking at her Smartphone while driving at night.

Keep Your Eyes Alert
After driving for a while at night, it is easy to get sucked into a zen-like state where you just stare blankly at the road, driving on autopilot. One of the best ways to keep your eyes from tiring is by keeping them moving, finding as many different things on the road to look at while still focusing on your driving. If your eyes start to get dry, roll down the window slightly and let some fresh air in. OROGOLD also suggests checking to see if your console lights can be dimmed, as this reduces the glare that gets cast onto the windshield, making it easier for your eyes to stay focussed on the road.

Staying as alert as possible on the road at night is extremely important, as is checking your car fully to make sure everything is in working order. Needless to say, avoid alcohol at all costs if there is even the slightest chance that you may be driving at night, and always carry with you the number of a local taxi company.

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Our Favorite Honeymoon Destinations – OROGOLD Reviews

The perfect honeymoon destination is one that allows the newly-weds to celebrate their marriage and begin their life together in a relaxing environment, giving them a once in a lifetime experience. OROGOLD’s list of favorite honeymoon destinations feature spectacular and unique locations, which are romantic and unforgettable at the same time.

Beautiful views of water villas in Maldives.

Maldives
The Maldives are known for being one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world, due to its white sandy beaches and sparkling lagoons. There are many luxurious resorts and hotels to choose from, but if you are looking for something extra special, take a look at the Niyama, a fashionable new hotel with some unique extras. The Niyama is home to the Subsix nightclub, where you can dance the night away six feet below sea level with your new spouse, watching reef sharks through the floor to ceiling windows. Don’t worry about being exhausted the next day, as the 24 hour spa will take care of you in one of their tree-house treatment rooms. For those nights when you want to do something more relaxing, you can enjoy a movie at the hotel’s beach cinema.

Silhouettes of a giraffe and an acacias tree during at sunset in Kenya

Kenya
For couples that love wildlife and nature, Kenya will give you an exciting honeymoon among vast African plains and wild animals. Losaiba is a hotel, set amid a 60,000 acre private reserve, that allows you to truly enjoy the energy and wilderness of Africa whilst still being pampered, making it an ideal honeymoon spot. For a romantic night, the staff will roll a handcrafted bed onto an open-air platform, enabling you to gaze at the milky way while you snuggle up to your spouse. You can also get up close and personal with Africa’s animals by taking guided safari tour, also offered in the evenings, perfect for seeing the more nocturnal animals. For some romantic relaxation, you and your spouse can spend an evening enjoying a champagne bath.

Twilight views of the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, India

India
For an exotic yet romantic honeymoon, the Taj Lake Palace in India is a hotel not to be missed. Created 250 years ago, the marble building is built in the middle of Lake Pichola, making it seem as though it is floating. A short boat ride takes you to the hotel, and the first close-up sight is bound to leave you breathless with its many turrets, domes and opulent architecture. The hotel offers couples the opportunity to dine on some world-class Indian dishes at their courtyard restaurant, as well as the option to enjoy a candlelit meal on a floating pontoon, just for the two of you. The city of Udaipur is nearby, perfect for daily excursions, and you can return back to the Jiva Spa for a couples massage, relieving you of the chaos of the city. If this description seems familiar, it is because the hotel featured in the James Bond movie, Octopussy, making it even more special for the James Bond fans out there.

With so many amazing destinations, each offering something unique for your honeymoon, it can be hard to pick just one location to visit. If time permits, consider extending your honeymoon, giving you time to visit more than one location and making your decision slightly easier!