Josh and Stef Abroad: Wildlife, Travel and Conservation
Traveling the globe is always exciting, but it’s even more inspiring when we see how wildlife, nature, and conservation come to life in different corners of the world.
Recently Stef took Josh back to her hometown in Northen England to see family and friends, spent time Italy for a friend’s wedding, and stopping over at Dubai.
We caught up to hear about their experiences, the wildlife they encountered, and the lessons they brought home about how to be conscious of sustainability and conservation while overseas.
What was the biggest highlight or surprise of the whole journey?
Stef: I found the UK to be quite a nice surprise; it has been a few years since I have returned during summertime. I thought everything was very quaint and there were lots of flowering plants – we enjoyed watching the bumblebees!
Josh: Highlight was certainly Sorrento, loved the pizza and pasta obviously, the gelato was also great. Weather was perfect and had a great holiday vibe. The history in Pompeii was also interesting.
Did you see any wildlife?
Stef: We did! It was fun to see squirrels again, I love how agile they are, bouncing along with their big bushy tails
In the UK we went to Jimmy’s Farm which has Polar Bears and was very cool. The Colchester Zoo had loads of animals and was your typical city zoo. Peak Wildlife Park and more Polar Bears was very good. Lastly Chester Zoo which is world famous and great. Interesting enclosure for their flying foxes.
Did any of the places you went to provide education or raise awareness about protecting the natural environment?
Stef: We visited several zoos and aquariums – of course. The Green Planet in Dubai was different to what I have seen before, it is an indoor biodome educating visitors about rainforest conservation and biodiversity.
Josh: All the zoos we visited are involved in international captive breeding programs.
Which destinations made it easiest—or hardest—to travel sustainably?
Stef: It definitely has to be a conscious decision, which takes a little more planning and organisation. When booking accommodation, I always try to choose ones which have
filtered water so we can refill our bottles. Our hotels in Dubai and Italy both did, it cuts down on plastic considerably.
We also travel with our coffee cups – although on holiday there’s usually time to relax and drink it at the cafe!
In England we hired an electric car for two weeks. It was great! Again, it takes a bit of time to get used to the charging process, and we only had one mishap where we nearly missed our flight!
Eating plant-based in Italy was a little challenging. However, we did go on a vegan food tour in Rome which was fantastic!
Josh: I think Stef’s covered this.
Were there any landscapes that made you pause and feel connected to nature?
Stef: The scenery in Sorrento was magical, with views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Looking out to the ocean always makes me feel connected to nature.
Josh: Sorrento was definitely the most picturesque. Wouldn’t say I was feeling connected to nature, however.
Did you notice any messaging about wildlife or conservation throughout the cities?
Stef: The increase of electric vehicles in the UK was noticeable, and we discussed at length the challenges Australians face – or think we face – in this realm.
Josh: Nah can’t say I noticed any messaging about nature outside of the zoos.
After four weeks of exploring, what reflections do you have about being a voice for nature and protecting wildlife, even while traveling?
Stef: In addition to the conservation messaging, I also loved that more and more places have sensory guides for people with autism. This is close to my heart given our work with our Pathways Program. Two stand outs were The Green Planet in Dubai and Chester Zoo in England.
Josh: Taking a drink bottle and keep cup was a helpful saving many single use plastic bottles and disposable cups.
Thanks to Josh and Stef for the fascinating glimpse into the world of wildlife and conservation. Their stories show the curiosity, dedication, and fun that come with experiencing nature.
Every trip is a chance to have fun, create memories, and make a difference!
Reptile Encounters would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, the people of the Kulin Nation, who have never ceded sovereignty. This always was and always will be Aboriginal land.