Taronga CEO Challenge India 2018

Discover parts of India you have never seen before on this unique wildlife adventure.

As part of Taronga’s CEO Challenge, you will visit important national parks including Ranthambore National Park and Kazirangah National Park, which are home to tigers, elephants, buffalos and of course, the one-horned rhino. With a team of passionate Taronga supporters, you will also go to the Sloth Bear Sanctuary for a special project visit.

Conservation is a confronting issue in many parts of the world. This is your opportunity to gain an insight into the complexities of animal conservation in India, while also experiencing the colourful culture of this unique country.

On one of the days you will challenge yourself on a 3-hour trek to our guide’s home village. Here you’ll have the chance to learn more about local customs, farming practices and what life is like for the Rajahtani people.

You will attend safaris for wildlife spotting, while also learning about the rhino population as well as habitat, local communities and conservation efforts to help this important species thrive.

The funds you raise will help Taronga support priority conservation projects for threatened and endangered wildlife in Australia and around the world, and the future of Taronga’s ten legacy species.

Through animal conservation, scientific research, breeding and education programs, Taronga is working closely with and supports organisations worldwide, to preserve vital habitats for endangered species to secure a future for wildlife and people.

Day 1, Sunday 25 November 2018: Arrive Delhi

Welcome to India! You will be met at the airport and we will make our way to the hotel where you will have time to freshen up before dinner and relax after the flight or explore the city of Delhi.

Day 2, Monday 26 November 2018: Delhi to Agra

This morning we take a tour together of Old Delhi before departing on the afternoon train to Agra. Tonight, we will all gather for our welcome dinner and get to know each other.

Day 3, Tuesday 27 November 2018: Half day Project Visit Sloth Bear Sanctuary

We start the day with a sunrise tour of the world famous Taj Mahal. By mid-morning, we will make our way to the Sloth Bear Sanctuary where you will become a volunteer for the afternoon. You will learn about how the centre has rescued these animals from the streets of India and changed national policies to protect them.

Day 4, Wednesday 28 November 2018: Agra to Ranthambore National Park

This morning we will travel to Ranthambore National Park. In the afternoon, we will go on our first safari, looking for tigers, bears and many other fascinating wild animals. We will spend the evening at a homestay with a local guide, learning more about the park and the local community.

Day 5, Thursday 29 November 2018: Morning and Afternoon Safari

Today we will spend the morning and afternoon on safari in the national park. The 22 species of mammals listed here include the leopard, sloth bear, hyena, jungle cat, caracal, sambar, chital, nilgai, Indian hare, wild boar and mongoose in addition to its prime attraction – the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Day 6, Friday 30 November 2018: Ranthambore National Park to Jaipur

Before leaving for Jaipur, our local guide challenges us to a 3-4 hour trek through local villages to our local guide’s home village. You will see what local life is like for the Rajahtani people and learn about their livelihoods and farming practices.This evening you will stay in Jaipur and enjoy an authentic cooking class followed by dinner.

Day 7, Saturday 1 December 2018: Jaipur to Kazirangah National Park

Today we will be travelling for most of the day to get to Kazirangah National Park, home of the Indian Rhino. We will take an early transfer to Jaipur Airport for our flight to Guwahati. From there we will transfer to Kazirangah National Park for an overnight stay.

Day 8, Sunday 2 December 2018: Kazirangah National Park

We start the day with a morning safari as the sun rises, and you’ll have the opportunity to see more magnificent animals in the wild. In the afternoon, you will have a second opportunity for a safari to spot wild rhinos and elephants! You will end the day by attending a brainstorming session and presentation by rangers on poaching.

Day 9, Monday 3 December 2018: Guwahati to Kolkata

We will take an early morning transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight to Kolkata, where you will spend the night in a beautiful hotel. Tonight, we will have our final farewell dinner as a group before spending a free night to explore the famous city of Kolkata.

Day 10, Tuesday 4 December 2018: Departure

It’s time to say goodbye to our amazing adventure! Today we take a morning flight from Kolkata to Sydney.

Day 11, Wednesday 5 December 2018: Welcome Home

Welcome home! As the runway comes into view you will have many special stories to share.

How do I fundraise?

Past participants have successfully fundraised in many creative and fun ways. We will send you a comprehensive Fundraising Toolkit upon registration to help you reach your target. You will also have regular support from the Inspired team, who will help you develop and manage your fundraising plan, as well as support from Taronga Conservation Society Australia.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

The funds raised for Taronga Conservation Society Australia are tax-deductible (conditions apply).

Can I give a $15k donation instead of fundraising?

Taronga would love you to fundraise instead of donating! Fundraising through your networks helps us to build communities of Taronga’s advocates who understand Taronga’s mission
and vision for a shared future for wildlife and people. This increased awareness helps us to educate more people about the plight of wildlife and engage them in our future activities.

If you choose to donate the full amount, we would still like you to let your networks know that you are undertaking this opportunity in support of Taronga because you believe in the work that we do.

What if I do not reach the target?

We understand that fundraising is difficult. We also know that you will do your best! If you haven’t achieved the target before you set off, you can still fundraise on your return – your passion and personal connection to Taronga will be even stronger. As our experienced team are here to help you on this journey, we can help you work out the plan as it comes closer to the trip.

The most important thing is that you spread the word about Taronga’s work in wildlife conservation and continue to support Taronga and our mission for many years to come.

Is it called a ‘Challenge’ because of the fundraising component?

Although Fundraising is challenging, the real challenge comes when you land in India! You will be on frontline of human poverty and illicit wildlife crime as both people and local wildlife fight for their survival. You will confront some of the most
‘wicked’ problems on the planet today, challenging how you think about the world and your place in it. We hope your donors are willing to support you through this journey of discovery.