In 2013, Taronga Zoo in partnership with Sydney’s Active Travel, has two exclusive expeditions to Antarctica on board the celebrated expedition ship, The Akademik Sergey Vavilov.

If you have a particular interest in polar conservation, these two voyages offer a rare opportunity to learn more about Australia’s involvement in this important work.

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Taronga is home to what is believed to be the only Leopard Seal in human care in the world. This seal, ‘Casey’, is providing researchers with a unique opportunity to study and learn about one of the Antarctic's top-order predators.

Your onboard Taronga seal expert will deliver special presentations on the significance of training these amazing marine creatures to support zoo-based research programs, with an overview of the important field studies undertaken in Antarctica by the Australian Marine Mammal Research Centre (AMMRC) which Taronga co-founded.

An 18-night cruise visiting the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula departs on February 6, 2013 from Ushuaia, Argentina.

This expedition is a comprehensive journey to Antarctica with spectacular scenery, abundant marine mammal viewing and a great variety of bird life. Majestic swooping albatross, densely populated King Penguin rookeries and enormous, groaning icebergs are just some of the highlights of this memorable trip.

The second expedition, departing from Ushuaia on March 16, 2013, is a 10-night cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula with a particular focus on marine mammals. At this time penguin chicks are almost fully grown and there is great activity both above and below the water. Expect to encounter several species of whale, as well as penguin, and of course, Leopard Seals.

Your booking will also help make a difference to the future of today’s wildlife:

For every booking, Active Travel will make a donation to the Taronga Foundation of $750 for every 18-night expedition booked, and $500 for every 10-night expedition booked. 

Click here to book this once in a lifetime experience

Zoo Friends Member couples receive a bonus hotel arrival package valued at $500. Just remember to mention this special offer when you book and quote your membership number.