OT Staff
The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary takes in orphaned and abandoned elephant calves to release them back into the wild. Visitors can book private feeding sessions to watch the elephants receive their bottles and play in the mud.
The El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve in Mexico's Baja California Sur peninsula is where grey whales are known to regularly and voluntarily approach fishing boats out of curiosity. Book a whale watching tour to see these gentle giants in person.
The Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano prefecture is famous for its large population of wild Japanese macaques that bathe in the area's hot springs. Take photos of these striking creatures when you’re there.
The Galápagos Islands in the Eastern Pacific Ocean are famous for their large number of endemic species that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Tourist boats in the area offer five- to seven-day all-inclusive itineraries.
Seal Rescue Ireland is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing sick, injured or orphaned seals. Take a guided tour where you will walk through the rehabilitation centre and meet the seal pup patients in their kennels and pools.
The Pantanal of South America is considered the largest wetland on Earth. Get on a Pantaneiro horse to traverse the wetland marshes in northern Brazil and keep your eyes peeled for jaguars, giant anteaters, giant otters, tapirs and hundreds of bird species.
The Marine Life Discovery Centre at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is a wonderful place to learn about various marine creatures, like manta rays. You can participate in marine biologists' research projects, help rebuild reefs and check out a rehabilitation program for sea turtles.
The Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda is home to about 340 of an estimated 800 wild mountain gorillas. Expert trackers and guides lead small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered slopes to spend an hour just a few feet away from these gentle creatures.
Iceland is home to most of the world’s puffins, and Reykjavík is a great place to catch these iconic birds in action. Hop on an express cruise to Akurey, a protected nature reserve that puffins use as their nesting ground. Peak viewing season lasts from May to August.
Growing up to almost 10 feet, Komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the world. There’s no better place to encounter them than on Komodo Island in eastern Indonesia, where they roam freely. Remember to always keep a safe distance from them.