05 Nov 2014

Heritage Expeditions Sponsors Forest & Bird's Seabird of the Year 2014 Poll

Heritage Expeditions is proud to sponsor Forest & Bird’s Seabird of the Year competition for 2014. Over one third of the world’s seabird species spend time in New Zealand waters, yet sadly many are threatened with extinction. 

A number of well known New Zealanders are backing their favourite seabird species, including politicians, conservationists and celebrities. Rodney Russ, owner and founder of Heritage Expeditions is campaign manager for his favourite seabird, the Light- Mantled Sooty Albatross. Rodney explains his affinity with the elegant Light Mantled Sooty Albatross - 

‘For me, the Light-Mantled Sooty Albatross redefines perfection and beauty. To watch it in flight and to hear it call as as it roars over and around the rugged Southern Ocean islands is of another world’. 

The majestic Light-Mantled Sooty Albatross breeds on the Subantarctic Islands of the Southern Ocean including New Zealand’s Auckland, Campbell and Antipodes Islands. Described as the ‘albatross with the light eyebrows’ from Cook’s first voyage in the South Indian Ocean, its dark plumage differentiates it from most other albatross species. The Light-Mantled Sooty Albatross is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful albatrosses due to its graceful flying style. 

The Light- Mantled Sooty Albatross faces stiff competition from a number of other seabird species in the competition, including the Adelie Penguin, the Buller's Albatross and the Fairy Prion, with the Fiji Petrel currently sitting in first place! Vote for your favourite seabird of the year here today! 

In March 2016 Heritage Expeditions will run a special fundraising voyage to New Zealand’s Kermadec Islands as part of its longstanding partnership with Forest & Bird. Travel with a representative from Forest & Bird on this conservation themed voyage and a portion of the profits will go to Forest & Bird's valuable conservation work, contact us for more information.