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OPINION: Animal Conservation or Cruelty?

By Ashley Hiemenz

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It is well known that animals are a powerful tourism catalyst throughout the world. However, after the tragic death of Dawn Brancheau at Orlando SeaWorld on February 22nd, many questions have again been raised about the exploitation of whales and dolphins as entertainment. SeaWorld, owned by Blackstone, is a profitable business that fills its stadiums day after day with thousands of viewers eager to watch animals do circus tricks. The animals live and perform in pools the conditions of which have been likened to a human spending the rest of his or her life in a bathtub.

The spinner dolphin is common to the waters of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, and most famous for its acrobatic displays. Some have been seen completing 14 spinning jumps one after another.

The spinner dolphin is common to the waters of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, and most famous for its acrobatic displays. Some have been seen completing 14 spinning jumps one after another.

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Posted under Estonia, General, Malaysia, South Africa, opinion, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter

Estonia’s Land of Bogs (Soomaa) and Beachside Pärnu

By Christopher Lewis

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The principal attraction of the small Baltic republic of Estonia is its UNESCO World Heritage Site capital city of Tallinn. Beyond the city lmits and off the beaten track, however, lie several less-well-known pleasant surprises, like Estonia’s Summer Capital, better known as Pärnu, and the surrounding Soomaa National Park.

No matter the season - even frozen and blanketed in snow - the bogs of Estonia's Soomaa National Park are a magical landscape begging for exploration

No matter the season - even frozen and blanketed in snow - the bogs of Estonia's Soomaa National Park are a magical landscape begging for exploration

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Posted under Estonia, General, local tips, whl.travel newsletter

Estonia Adds a Second whl.travel Destination: Parnu and Soomaa National Park

VAATA ALLPOOL SEDA TEADET EESTI KEELES / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN ESTONIAN

With sandy beaches against a backdrop of quiet, untouched, natural beauty, the peaceful town of Pärnu and surrounding Soomaa National Park are a unique and gorgeous destination in the small Baltic republic of Estonia. Known regionally as ‘Estonia’s Summer Capital’, beach-side Pärnu is already popular among locals as a great place to enjoy sandy beaches and a quaint, yet vibrant town atmosphere.

When not on raised paths, special bogshoes are required when trekking through Soomaa's watery fairytale landscapes

When there are no raised paths, special bogshoes aid with trekking through Soomaa's watery fairytale landscapes

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Posted under Estonia, General, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news