Select a region
"Daring and dedicated" islanders have just one day left to sign up to a "once in a lifetime adventure" in India to raise money for Durrell.
The conservation trust is inviting 20 islanders to partake in 'The Founder's Trek', a 60km expedition through North East India from Gerald Durrell's birth place in West Bengal.
Durrell has organised a series of special fundraising events in 2025 to mark the would-be 100th birthday of Gerald Durrell and his Trust's continuing legacy of saving endangered species from extinction
'The Founder's Trek' is due to place from Saturday 22 March to Wednesday 2 April 2025.
The event has been designed for participants to witness "an unforgettable journey" through the landscapes of India whilst raising money for the wildlife charity.
Pictured: Durrell described the trip as a "once in a lifetime adventure".
Professional travel group, Tribal Tracks, will lead the expedition.
It will begin in West Bengal – where Gerald Durrell was born – and end in Assam, where the conservation trust is currently working to save the world's smallest pig: the pygmy hog.
Along the way, trekkers will hike and camp in the rural landscape and take in the breathtaking views of the world's third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga.
In Assam, trekkers will also have the unique chance of seeing some of Durrell's current conservation work behind-the-scenes.
Participants will get the chance to meet the endangered pygmy hog and the dedicated team working to protect it.
Pictured: In Assam, Durrell groups are working to protect the world's smallest pig species: the pygmy hog.
Rebecca Brewer, Interim CEO of Durrell, said: “We would love our supporters to join us in commemorating Gerald Durrell’s centenary year with this remarkable expedition.
"Why not take on the ultimate fundraising challenge and witness firsthand the legacy of our incredible founder in the stunning landscapes of Northeast India.
"Trekkers will have the opportunity to experience for themselves what goes into saving the pygmy hog from extinction, and learn about the other incredible wildlife, such as tigers and rhinos, benefitting from the restoration of the precious grassland habitat.”
Gaynor Hall, Director and Co-founder of Tribal Tracks, added: “This is an incredible journey to the Northeast of India.
"We love the contrasting elements, from trekking at altitude through magnolia forests and across suspension bridges in the shadow of Kanchenjunga, to witnessing the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme in Assam.
"You will truly understand the dedication of the team saving this endangered species, witnessing both the breeding programme in Guwahati and the release sites in Manas National Park.”
The deadline to apply for one of the 20 places on the expedition is Sunday 30 June.
A place on the trek costs £2,935 per person, and all participants are encouraged to fundraise a minimum of £2,500 to support Durrell’s work.
The Trust will ensure that all emissions from the trip are balanced through its Rewild Carbon programme.
You can find out more information or apply online.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.