THE REALM OF THE ICE BEARS!

Transcription

1 THE REALM OF THE ICE BEARS! A POLAR BEAR SAFARI DESIGNED FOR THE COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM HOSTED BY DOUG WARMOLTS VICE PRESIDENT OF ANIMAL CARE COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM OCTOBER 19-25, 2017 International award-winning wildlife and landscape photographer Tim Neumann will accompany our group with 15 paid passengers to provide instruction so you can capture the very best images of the Realm of the Ice Bears

2 I invite you to join me on a magical journey into the kingdom of the Ice Bears. Churchill, Manitoba is uniquely positioned on the annual migration route of the region s polar bears. We will explore the frozen tundra, as these giant bears prepare to venture out on the quickly-forming ice of Hudson Bay. Doug Warmolts Doug Warmolts, Vice President of Animal Care, is looking forward to leading this special trip to Churchill, Canada to witness the seasonal migration of Manitoba s polar bears. Starting at the Zoo in 1988 as curator of the Aquarium Department, one of Doug s first major accomplishments was the design and opening of Discovery Reef in Over his 28-year career of dedication to the conservation of wildlife, Doug has held several animal management positions and has had a leading hand in shaping many of the current animal habitats at the Zoo, including Polar Frontier and, most recently, Heart of Africa. He has served on numerous professional conservation committees and boards within the Zoological community. Doug currently leads the Zoo s operations for the welfare and care of its animals, including the birth of our polar bear cub, Nora. An experienced international traveler, he looks forward to sharing his passion for wildlife and wild places as well as his many stories with you on this journey into the realm of Canada s Ice Bears.

3 THE REALM OF THE ICE BEARS! Among the indigenous people of northern Canada, centuries of folk tales revolved around the giant predators that shared their world. One group of legends described polar bears as humans when they were inside their houses. When they went out to hunt, they donned a thick white coat of fur in order to insure a successful hunt. Other myths describe how humans learned their hunting skills and the method of building igloos from observing polar bears. The canine tooth of a polar bear was thought to protect the wearer from any attack of the brown bear locally known as the polar bear s little cousin. It is into the frozen realm of the ice bears that we will venture in October Arriving in Winnipeg, Manitoba, we will meet with guides from Frontiers North, our travel partner and the premier tourism enterprise that has made Churchill s polar bears accessible and famous. A visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo and the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre will give us insights into the daily lives of these great white bears and the challenges they face in our modern world. An early morning flight brings us to the western edge of Hudson Bay and the world-famous Polar Bear Capital of the World Churchill. The town, itself, is a fascinating blend of local and historical points of interest, including the Churchill Eskimo Museum. Any exploration of the world of the polar bear must include an in depth look into the relationships between the bears and the human communities that share their habitats. An essential element in the history of the northern Canadian wild lands is the use of dog sleds. A visit to Wapusk Adventures will introduce us to the prize-winning team of dedicated professionals who train and care for these talented canines and each of us will have the opportunity to climb into a dog sled and enjoy a ride through Churchill s forest. Of course, the highlights of our adventure will be the journeys onto the frozen landscape that surrounds Churchill. We will venture out across the icecovered ground in a specially-designed Tundra Buggy. Our friends at Frontiers North designed these over-sized vehicles to make it easy to explore the region, while minimizing the impact of our travels on the countryside. These unique vehicles are allowed to explore over 20 miles of established trails within the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, while most vehicles are limited to a network of just over 6 miles of built-up roads. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has long played an active role in the conservation of polar bears a role that has led to a strong relationship with Polar Bears International (PBI). In appreciation of the Zoo s partnership, one of PBI s conservation scientists will join us for part of this exciting adventure. We ll hear first-hand accounts of what it s like to be on the front line of polar bear conservation. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is pleased to offer you this opportunity to travel to our northern neighbor and enter the amazing world of the polar bear. Please be aware that, due to the limited capacity of our Tundra Buggy, there are only 18 places on our excursion to Churchill. We hope you will be among those who will join Doug Warmolts as he explores the realm of the Ice Bear.

4 Tim Neumann International award-winning wildlife and landscape photographer Have you ever seen a beautiful picture, of an animal, taken out in the wild and thought, I wish I could shoot wildlife images like that? Well the reality is, you can, and it s not as difficult as you might think. All that s required is a little fundamental knowledge of camera operation, a touch of artistic vision and a couple of helpful tips and tricks. The basics are not all that difficult and the equipment needn t be that expensive. A little well thought out guidance can have you capturing compelling animal images on this very trip. Of course, the animals will likely be Polar Bears (how exciting!) and the photography guidance will come from international award winning photographer Tim Neumann. With a minimum of 15 registered travelers, Tim Neumann will join our expedition and will be in-field, on-hand and dedicated to helping each photographer realize some of the best wildlife images of their lives. Nothing beats have an experienced eye, over your shoulder, guiding you to the proper exposure, meaningful composition and edited final image. Prior to the trip, Tim will be hosting a two-hour, Wildlife Photography Workshop at which he will address several topics all aimed at helping you to get better images on this trip. Fundamentals of wildlife imaging will be discussed, including, but not limited to, being ready to get the shot, exposure fundamentals and camera settings, gear considerations and last, but not least, some thoughts on image composition. While in the field tracking Polar Bears, Tim will be on-hand helping to guide our intrepid photographers to better images. With significant experience teaching in the field, under the pressure of getting the shot, Tim is ideally suited for providing that little extra input that can take an average shot to a great shot. During select times while not out in the field, Tim will be offering mini sessions focused on reviewing and editing the day s images. Both Lightroom and Photoshop will be the focus of our post-processing efforts and for those wishing to take part, bringing along a laptop with those applications would be ideal. Time permitting, and if folks want to take part, we can even put together a slide show of the best images of trip to be shared towards the end of the trip. As is typical with animal based excursions, our daily schedule is likely to be somewhat fluid as we adapt to the whims of animal behavior, local conditions and unfolding weather. As the schedule unwinds, we will try to fit in daily sessions covering image editing and post processing approaches and techniques, as well as a potential slide-show or two where those who are interested in participating can show of their most recent prize images. If capturing stunning images of Polar Bears interests you, then this might just be the ideal trip to do just that. We hope you will join us for what will surely be right up every photographer s alley and return home with some of the best images you have ever taken.

5 The Realm of the Ice Bears: Oct 19 (Thu) Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Our polar bear adventure begins with our flight to Winnipeg, Manitoba (flight not included). The Sheraton Four Point Hotel, which is conveniently located across from the airport, will serve as our temporary home for the next two nights. Following dinner, a Frontiers North guide will join us to give us additional information about the next few days and answer any last-minute questions we may have. (D) Oct 20 (Fri) Assiniboine Park Zoo & Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Center, Winnipeg, Manitoba MUSK OX This morning we will enjoy a tour of the Assiniboine Park Zoo, an 80-acre park-like refuge that is located just minutes from Winnipeg s busy downtown. The Zoo, as an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, actively participates in over 50 Species Survival Plans and European Species Survival Plans. In addition to its focus on Canada s indigenous wildlife, the Zoo features a variety of Asian wildlife, including the Amur tiger, one of the rarest of the world s tiger populations. However, it is the new Journey To Churchill exhibit that has become the most popular display at the Zoo. And it serves as the perfect introduction to our upcoming exploration of the realm of the Ice Bears. This serves as home to many of the species who live in the wild regions of Manitoba muskoxen, wolves, caribou and snowy owls. Moving on we ll learn about the vital linkages between Canada s most famous predators and prey polar bears and seals. Nestled within the Journey to Churchill lies the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre a scientific hub focusing on polar bear transition, research and education. Researchers at the Centre are using the controlled zoo environment to perfect field research techniques and are engaged in a number of exciting research projects in the field that help us understand the changing Arctic environment and the impact on polar bears and other northern species. Our overnight accommodations will be at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. (BLD) Oct 21 (Sat) Flight to Churchill, Manitoba Churchill Eskimo Museum It s finally here! Today we are going to Churchill! After a very early breakfast, we board a warm bus for the short ride to the private hangar from which our aircraft will depart for the 2-hour flight to Churchill. Upon arrival, we head out on a tour of Churchill, which includes an exploratory drive of the area surrounding the town, including historical Cape Merry, the site of a crashed airplane known by locals as Miss Piggy and Manitoba Conservation s Polar Bear Holding Facility (weather permitting). We will take a break for lunch and enjoy a warm home-cooked meal at one of Churchill s family-run restaurants.

6 In the afternoon, we will explore Churchill s famous Eskimo Museum, home to an internationally recognized collection of Inui art in stone, bone and ivory depicting the life and spirituality of a people deeply rooted in the north. The collection includes almost 1000 artifacts, dating from approximately 1700 BC to modern times. Returning to the hotel, we will enjoy a delightful dinner, after which we will be visited by a local resident, who will give us insights into what it s like to grow up in Churchill. (BLD) Oct 22 (Sun) Tundra Buggy Adventure Today is our first day on a Tundra Buggy! After breakfast, we will be picked up at the hotel and driven to the Tundra Buggy Launch, where we will climb on board. Following a safety briefing, we will hit the trails and travel into the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (CWMA). Our driver navigates the bumpy trails in search of polar bears and other arctic wildlife, while our guide describes interesting details about the local geology and history. We will be served a hearty picnic lunch right on the buggy, as we watch and photograph wildlife. At the end of the day, we return to our hotel for a relaxing dinner. (BLD)

7 Oct 23 (Mon) - Wapusk Adventures Dog Sledding Parks Canada Today s focus is on the unique culture of northern Canada. Our first excursion will be a visit with one of the area s best dog mushers, Dave Daley the owner of Wapusk Adventures. Dave will regale us with his incredible dog sledding stories and introduce us to his dog pack. He will then take each of us on a one-mile dog sled ride through the boreal forest. Returning to town, we ll have lunch before heading over to the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre. The Centre features in-depth displays that reveal the remarkable story of Churchill through wildlife dioramas and exhibits that feature the fur trade throughout the town s history. We ll enjoy another delicious meal before retiring for the night. (BLD) Oct 24 (Tues) - Tundra Buggy Adventure Flight to Winnipeg, Manitoba (flight included) We will venture out on our final Tundra Buggy excursion. With no need for a safety briefing, we will immediately set out in search of polar bears. Although we may follow some of the same trails, the movement of wildlife each day insures a variety of sightings of the area s wildlife. In the afternoon, we will return to the airport for our flight to Winnipeg (flight included). Checking back in at the Sheraton Four Point Hotel, our evening will be free to to relax and prepare for tomorrow s departure. (BLD)

8 Oct 25 (Wed) Departure (flight not included) We will enjoy breakfast before being escorted to the Winnipeg International Airport for our homeward-bound flight (flight not included). As our aircraft soars above the wilderness, we ll look out and smile, remembering the sights and sounds of the wildlife residents that populate this magical piece of Canada the realm of the Ice Bears. (B) B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner THE REALM OF THE ICE BEARS! $6,795 per person sharing twin/double occupancy $1,775 per person single room supplement, subject to availability A minimum of ten (10) travelers, not including the leader, is required to maintain the above prices. A maximum of 18 travelers may participate in this adventure. A nonrefundable deposit of $2000 per person is required no later than May 1, 2017 to confirm your reservation at the above price. A credit card may be used for the payment of the deposit only. Fees for the use of credit and debit cards are not included in the prices. If you wish to use a credit or debit card for your deposit, please add $64 if using Discover, MasterCard or Visa - $80 if using American Express - to your deposit amount. We strongly recommend submitting your registration and deposit as early as possible to insure your reservations, which cannot be confirmed until your registration and deposit are received. Full payment of the balance is due no later than July 1, Balance payments are accepted by check. To give you maximum flexibility, international air transportation to and from Winnipeg is not included, as shown in the above itinerary. Roundtrip economy flights between Columbus and Winnipeg are currently estimated at $325 per person. Please note that this estimate may not reflect the price available when you book your tickets. We recommend you make your international travel arrangements through Cathy King, an independent air travel professional, so she may coordinate everyone s flight schedule. You may contact Cathy at or adventuretrips@hotmail.com. Included in the Safari Price: Doug Warmolts, as your host, with a minimum of ten (10) travelers. Transportation in Canada: All ground transportation, including transfers, as shown in the above itinerary, are included. Your flights between Winnipeg and Churchill are included. Accommodations and Meals: All hotel accommodations are based on two people sharing a room. However, a limited number of single accommodations may be available. Included meals are shown in the above itinerary. Safari Activities: All tours and wildlife activities are included, as shown in the above itinerary, unless listed as optional. Miscellaneous Fees and Tips: All service charges, hotel taxes as imposed by government agencies and park and reserve entrance fees are included. Pre-departure Preparation: You will receive extensive, personalized information on all aspects of your safari, including health and safety, passports and visas, packing recommendations, electricity, currency, and local customs. Not included in the Safari Price: Transportation between your home and Winnipeg, passports, tips and gratuities, travel insurance, immunizations, excess airline baggage charges, airline fuel surcharges, guide tips, beverages and items of a personal nature, such as medical expenses, laundry and room service; souvenirs; telephone, WiFi and internet charges; and any activities not included in the safari itinerary or those activities listed as optional. For the comfort of all safari travelers, smoking is not permitted in vehicles.

9 WORLD SAFARIS REGISTRATION FORM The Realm of the Ice Bears! Hosted by Doug Warmolts, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium October 19-25, 2017 The price of this safari, as shown in the above itinerary, is based on twin or double occupancy. Single accommodations, if available, require payment of a single room supplement of $1775. A $2000 per person non-refundable deposit is required no later than May 1, 2017 to reserve a place for each traveler on this safari. The balance is due no later than July 1, Enclosed is $ as a deposit for a total of persons on this safari. Accommodations Requested: ( ) Double two travelers sharing a room sharing with ( ) Twin two travelers sharing a room sharing with ( ) Single one traveler in a single room. Single accommodations may be available but are not guaranteed until confirmed. Air transportation to and from Winnipeg are not included in the safari price. You may make your own flight arrangements. If you would like us to assist you in purchasing your international air tickets, please let us know. ( ) Please assist us with our air transportation arrangements. SCHEDULES & FARES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY RESULT IN PRICE INCREASES I certify that I have read, understand and accept the terms of the "Cancellations" and "Terms and Conditions" included on this sheet, and; 1. I am aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available during all or part of my trip. This includes emergency medical care, presence of physicians, and adequate medication. I hereby release World Safaris, Safari Professionals, their staff and safari escorts from liability in case of accident or illness while I am participating in this safari and do further agree to absolve from all responsibility World Safaris, Safari Professionals and their staff from all loss, damage or expense which I may incur by reason of any such accident or illness. 2. I shall be responsible for all uninsured medical expenses. 3. I hereby authorize necessary hospitalization and/or treatment while I am participating in this safari. 4. I assume the risk for traveling in countries where standards of safety, maintenance, and health may not be common to those in the United States. 5. I understand that weather and other conditions may necessitate changes in the activities and schedule of this safari. Signature: Today's Date: Signature: Today's Date: Please note: Your signature on this form indicates that you understand and accept the terms and conditions of this safari. Registrations cannot be accepted without a signature. The signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for anyone under 18 at the time of registration. Make checks payable to World Safaris and mail to: World Safaris, 5306 Villas Ct., Winston-Salem, NC Please read the other side and complete the personal information form. We are unable to finalize your registration without a completed personal information form and a copy of your passport.

10 COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM DISCLAIMER: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (hereafter Zoo ) is not the tour operator. Zoo is not responsible for changes of flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or car rental reservations, delays, losses, injuries, inconveniences, cessation of operations, airline or tour operator bankruptcies, acts of God, or any other event beyond Zoo s control. Zoo acts only as agent for participants with respect to travel services, and it shall not be responsible for changes of flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or other reservations, injury, damage, loss of baggage, accidents or for the acts or defaults of any person or entity engaged in conveying participants or in carrying out other arrangements of the tour. Further, Zoo shall not be responsible for losses or additional expenses of any participants due to sickness, weather, strike, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, quarantine, acts of God, or other causes beyond its control. Zoo shall not be responsible for alteration of the itinerary as deemed necessary for carrying out the tour and the right is reserved to substitute hotels of similar quality. The right is further reserved to cancel any tour prior to departure; in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on Zoo s part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of the tour should such person s health, actions or general deportment in the opinion of Zoo impede the operation of the tour or the rights or welfare of the other participants. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour. Applicants for participation in this tour accept in full all the conditions set forth above. TRAVEL INSURANCE: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance which covers baggage, medical costs, trip interruption and cancellation. World Safaris nor the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are liable for any accident, injury, or illness, and are not liable for theft, damage, or loss of personal effects or baggage. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers a comprehensive insurance package which allows the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion to be waived if purchased within 21 days of the initial trip payment. Information will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation and deposit. For details you can call the Zoo at , or go to the Zoo s website at: TERMS AND CONDITIONS World Safaris, Safari Professionals and our representatives agree to work for you in the making of reservations and/or other arrangements with travel service providers on the following terms: We do not own, manage, control, or operate any of the travel service providers with whom we make your travel arrangements. We serve as agents for certain travel service providers, including Airlines Corporation carriers and in-country operators and we make your travel arrangements with these travel service providers in accordance with their terms and conditions. Should you have any questions concerning those, please contact either the travel service provider or World Safaris. All coupons, exchange orders, receipts, contracts and tickets issued by us or a travel service provider are subject to applicable tariffs as well as any terms or conditions imposed by the travel services provider. We are not responsible for events of force majeure including disease, acts of war, terrorist attacks, unfavorable weather conditions, earthquakes, political instability or for inadequate visas or passports. Any and all controversies, claims or disputes of any nature arising before, on and after the date of this agreement and claims brought by or against the client, this travel agency, or a third party, shall be settled by a single arbitrator in Forsyth County, North Carolina in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You acknowledge that this agreement involves interstate commerce. Our sole knowledge and the expertise on which you may rely are in the making of travel arrangements. In the case of all travel arrangements the contract in use by the provider of such transportation or lodging, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and such travel supplier. World Safaris reserves the right to cancel or withdraw the safari prior to departure and to decline to accept or retain any person as a participant of the safari if their actions impose upon or disturb the other participants of the safari. The right is also reserved to amend the itinerary should it be found necessary for the benefit of the participants of the safari or for other reasons. By accepting these travel arrangements you confirm that you have read this agreement and understand that it is the sum total of our agreement with you and supersedes all prior arrangements or understandings. This agreement cannot be changed except in writing and signed by Michael Hutchins or Thomas LaRock. CANCELLATION: All cancellations must be submitted in writing and are subject to the following cancellation fees: The deposit generally covers the costs of canceling the services already booked, if the cancellation is received in our office no later than May 1, If the fees charged by our suppliers exceed the deposit, an extra charge may apply. Cancellations received in our office after July1, 2017 are subject to cancellation fees of 100% of the safari price. Refunds for any services that are voluntarily not used will not be issued. HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS: To enjoy your travels to the fullest, you should be in good physical and mental health. Any physical disability requiring special attention or treatment must be reported in writing to World Safaris when the reservation is made. World Safaris reserves the right to refuse or revoke travel to anyone who is, in the sole judgment of World Safaris, in such physical or mental condition as to be incapable of group travel or who may require care and attention beyond that which World Safaris can provide. To assist you in preparing to make the most of your safari, you will receive a detailed personal Safari Guide after you register for your safari. We strongly recommend you read it thoroughly when you receive it and, again, a few weeks before your departure. You may call us at any time for answers to your questions.

11 TRAVELER INFORMATION: Please complete the following for each traveler. PLEASE PRINT YOUR NAME EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS ON YOUR PASSPORT Name Address: Date of Birth Phones: Home/Office Mobile Nickname Passport Number Country of Issue Date of Expiration Person to contact in case of emergency & relationship (spouse, child, parent, friend) Their phone numbers Their address List the names of medications you are currently taking, dietary preferences or requirements, allergies (including food allergies), disabilities or special health care needs that may affect your ability to fully participate in this safari: Please give us any other information you feel would be helpful: Health Insurance Company: Policy # Signature: Today's Date: Please note: Your signature on this form indicates that you understand and accept the terms and conditions of this safari. Registrations cannot be accepted without a signature. The signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for anyone under 18 at the time of registration. PLEASE ENCLOSE A COPY OF THE PHOTO PAGE OF YOUR PASSPORT