Aurora Donates To Riaus

Aurora Expeditions has donated over $2,500 to further the valuable work of the science communication organisation. The funds were donated as part of a partnership initiative on the In Shackleton’s Footsteps voyage to Antarctica and South Georgia which departed in March 2014 with RiAus Director, Dr Paul Willis, as a guest lecturer.

Dr Willis, who has travelled to Antarctica some 8 times with Aurora Expeditions, said: “I have had the great privilege of sharing the geological wonders of Antarctica with many people over the years and the experience never fails to amaze me. With the help of passengers we have unearthed Weddell Sea fossil fields, searched for the boundary of Earth’s last mass extinction, and even discovered a meteorite!”

Paul’s recent scientific foray into Antarctic climbs covered one of the most bio-diverse ecosystems on the planet, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Keen scientists and experiential travellers were able to join Paul ‘in the field’ experiencing science and nature at its most raw. Highlights included vast King Penguin colonies, hiking in the footsteps of early explorers, prolific wildlife including birds, whales and seals, historic sites and landing on the continent of Antarctica itself.

Aurora Expeditions CEO, Lisa Bolton said: “We are delighted to support RiAus with this donation. Our philosophy is to provide educationally enriching voyages to wilderness regions, so the affiliation is a welcome addition to our philanthropy program”.

RiAus General Manager, Bradley Willis said “we are delighted with the amount pledged by our partners at Aurora Expeditions with whom we have a long standing relationship. It is great to have the support of like-minded organisations that have a real passion for science and the natural world”.

The donation will assist RiAus continue to inspire current and future generations to learn and appreciate the importance of science in their daily life.