50 Degrees North launches new animal welfare policy

MINNEAPOLIS – 50 Degrees North, a leading tour operator specialising in Nordic travel, announce the launch of its Animal Welfare Policy, setting a new benchmark for responsible tourism in the region. This policy aims to ensure that animal welfare remains at the forefront of all travel experiences in the Nordics, providing ethical, sustainable, and culturally respectful travel for all guests.

The policy, created by Jerrine Mullen, Sustainability Manager at 50 Degrees North, was developed with the understanding that animal welfare practices need to be specific to the unique challenges of the Nordic region. While many tour operators have broad animal welfare policies, these tend to be general and often fail to address the specific needs of Nordic species and environments. Through research and connecting with experts from Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), 50 Degrees North has crafted a real-world, region-specific policy.

“We recognised that global animal welfare standards don’t always work in the Nordic context,” said Jerrine Mullen, Sustainability Manager. “For example, in Lapland, ensuring animals always have access to fresh water isn’t practical because the water freezes. As a result, we’ve adopted a more tailored approach, recognising the complexities of animal welfare in the Nordics. We aim to collaborate with our suppliers to provide resources and guidelines that reflect what welfare should encompass in our regions.”

The new Animal Welfare Policy reflects 50 Degrees North’s commitment to working with suppliers who adhere to high animal welfare standards. By preferring to partner with companies that have written welfare policies in place and hold reputable certifications such as those from Sustainable Travel Finland, the company ensures that all wildlife interactions are both legal and respectful, while also minimising disruption to ecosystems. To support its partners, 50 Degrees North has introduced a Supplier Code of Conduct that provides guidelines and educational resources to help improve animal welfare practices across the tourism industry.

In addition to supporting suppliers, 50 Degrees North is educating its travellers through a dedicated ‘Responsible Travel Tips’ page, which is shared in their online travel documents. This resource, among other things, helps guests understand how to interact with animals ethically during their travels. 50 Degrees North’s tour guides are also trained to set a positive example, ensuring all guests understand the importance of responsible behaviour when engaging with both wild and domesticated animals.

The launch of this policy marks another step forward in the company’s mission to offer ethical travel experiences in line with its B Corp certification. With a clear commitment to sustainability and high social and environmental standards, 50 Degrees North is leading the way in responsible tourism in the Nordic region.

The article 50 Degrees North launches new animal welfare policy first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.