Penguin Island on BBC1

Penguin Island begins on 14th July 2010, 7:30pm, BBC1

Anyone tuned into BBC1 at 7:30 this evening will catch the beginning of Penguin Island, a new six-part documentary series following the lives, loves and survival techniques of the world’s smallest penguins.

Found on Phillip Island in Australia, the world-famous little penguins entertain half a million tourists a year with a sunset parade from the surf to their burrows. But behind the scenes, the penguins’ lives are even more interesting. Penguin Island uses the latest underwater satellite tracking and Big Brother-style video surveillance to follow the lives of several penguin families who live in a colony where relationships are fraught and survival is tenuous. 

Over six half-hour episodes, Penguin Island follows the penguins as a dedicated team of rangers and scientists monitor and protect them through the hottest summer on record. 

Be sure to tune in tonight as viewers are introduced to Bluey and Sheila, one of the 13,000 little penguin couples who live on Phillip Island.

Phillip Island is located just an hour and a half away from Melbourne and can easily be incorporated into a tailor-made itinerary with Audley. To find out more visit the Australia section of our site.

Audley quiz night raises over £600 for two African charities

'Uthando South Africa' is a registered non-profit organisation based in Cape Town.

Each year, the Africa team organises a fund-raiser quiz for the staff of Audley, and this year it took a Family Fortunes theme, with the various departments battling it out through various rounds for the champion’s trophy! Nearly 80 people came along to support the event, which was a really fantastic turnout.

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Audley’s tiger initiative pays off

Audley raises money for TOFT in support of India's wildlife reserves

Audley has received a message of thanks from one of its foremost wildlife charities.

TOFT (Travel Operators For Tigers) aims to drive a more responsible and sustainable approach to tourism in India’s wildlife reserves by supporting conservation and local community programmes, along with a range of different initiatives.

As an international tour operator member of TOFT, Audley is dedicated to helping support responsible travel within India’s protected parks. One initiative which has proven to be particularly successful is Audley’s contribution of £15 for each person who books and travels with them to an Indian wildlife reserve where tigers are present. This scheme has raised an impressive £2,745 so far, and this figure is continuing to grow.

To read more about our commitment to responsible travel, or to discover how you could book a tailor-made trip to the wildlife reserves of India, visit the website at www.audleytravel.com or call 01993 838 350.

‘Orangutan Rescue’ on Sky TV

The Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok, Malaysian Borneo.

If you’re lucky enough to be a Sky subscriber you might like to know Orangutan Rescue premieres tonight and highlights the plight of these magnificent but very much endangered animals.

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Rio announces re-opening of Christ the Redeemer statue

Christ the Redeemer statue re-opens in Rio de Janeiro

Following a four-month facelift and £2.7 million in public and private donations, Rio de Janeiro’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue has re-opened to the world. Continue reading »

Trains, planes and busy buses in India

Locals enjoy a bus ride in rural India

With so many incredible places to see and so many miles between them, travelling around India, especially through the more off-the-beaten-track places, can be a challenging (yet surprisingly rewarding) experience.

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British Museum exhibition: ancient Egyptians’ journey from death to the afterlife

Statue at Luxor Museum, Egypt

If you’ve been to Egypt or are considering a trip there in the near future you might like to know there is a major related exhibition this autumn at the British Museum.

This exhibition focuses on the ancient Egyptians’ journey from death to the afterlife, focusing on the famous Book of the Dead. This ‘Book’ was not a single text but a compilation of spells designed to guide the deceased through the dangers of the underworld, ultimately ensuring eternal life.

The exhibition will be displaying many never before seen papyrus and linen texts, some over 3,500 years old. There will also be funerary figurines, amulets and jewellery on display.

Exhibition details

For more details visit the British Museum website.

Going Japanese in Oxfordshire

Japanese cuisine

A taste of the Far East will reach Chipping Norton this weekend, where a local resident will be running a Japanese cooking course.

Miyuki Sedhora lives in Churchill near Chipping Norton with her husband Robin Walden, and two children, Freddy and Tazu, but was born in Hiroshima. She moved to England 24 years ago and has recently set up cookery courses for those interested in learning about traditional Japanese cuisine. Continue reading »

China leads the way in high-speed rail

China leads the way in high-speed rail

The Shinkansen in Japan, or bullet train as it is more commonly known, is often referred to when talking about the world’s fastest forms of travel. However, it is actually Japan’s neighbour, China that holds the record for the world’s fastest rail journey.

In 2008 China began its first high-speed passenger service and by 2012 the country hopes to have more high-speed train tracks than the rest of the world combined. Investing billions into this ambitious project, a cutting-edge network of trains and subways look set to transform the flow of people and goods in and around the country.

Why not travel aboard the world’s fastest train on a tailor-made holiday in China?

Audley launches India Tiger Safari video

If you’re thinking of booking a safari at one of India’s national parks, or just interested to find out more about the wildlife of this fascinating country, then make sure you take a look at Audley’s latest short movie (click the arrow below to play the video).

The India Tiger Safari with Audley Travel video is a unique glimpse at the amazing wildlife encounters that await visitors in India’s central wildlife parks. The video features footage taken by Harsha Ogale, one of Audley’s Indian Subcontinent specialists, and it was taken during Harsha’s recent trip to the Bandavgarh and Tadoba National Parks in central India.

The clip also includes narration from Harsha, which helps to guide viewers through the video and provide more information on the types of animals that might be spotted and the best ways to plan your wildlife safari of India.

Click the arrow to play the video above, or alternatively visit our Wildlife of India section to find out more about booking a tailor-made trip to India with Audley.