Agir
A birdwatcher ’ s paradise
The Mauritius Wildlife Foundation is making great strides in its mission to support protected species ; with the help of significant government subsidies , more land being designated as wildlife sanctuaries and everincreasing protected forests , the native bird population has increased tenfold . Egrets , tropicbirds , pink pigeons and green cateaux decorate the skies with their colourful plumage . Birdwatchers , enthralled by the sights on offer , are now the target audience of one in every four tourism campaigns
Dip your toes into the marine park
Since the law banning motorboats from the lagoons took effect , the island ’ s marine ecosystems have flourished . As a result , the erosion of Tamarin Bay is now a distant memory – a story told to frighten children . At La Preneuse and Grand Baie , you no longer need to be in deep water to be surrounded by schools of colourful fish . Disney didn ’ t even need to use special effects for ‘ The Little Mermaid ’, because they shot the film in our waters .
It ’ s ( not ) a dog ’ s life !
Our four-legged friends can be seen everywhere . After our goat yoga session , we say a quick hello to Jean , the bookshop cat , as we do our shopping . A little later , we grab a quick latte at ‘ Chienne de vie ’, the island ’ s most modish chain of dog cafés . It ’ s a win-win situation : therapy animals accompany their humans everywhere , without restriction , but they benefit as well : animal psychologists and behaviourists keep an eye on the mental well-being of cats and dogs and help them to understand us better .
Pedigree and exoticism
In this world , we ’ ve understood that animals are more than just pretty things to own ; we may admire the icy charm of Huskies and Angoras from afar , but we still love stroking the short , coarse hair of our rottweilers - dogs who love to splash in turquoise waters and seize any opportunity to chase flies for fun .
What about pedigree cats and dogs ?
Displaying pedigree animals like croissants in a shop window has long since been recognised as barbaric , but it is now illegal . The conditions under which such animals can be bred and sold are strictly regulated to ensure their well-being and dignity .
Turtle race
Turtles , which deserted our shores long ago , have come back to reproduce . The island ’ s peak tourist season now lasts four extra months as nature lovers flock to watch the eggs hatch , from January to April on protected beaches that have been specially designed so that the hatchlings have the best possible chance of reaching the ocean .
You can ’ t always buy the finer things in life .... but some of them chirp , swim , and snuggle close , making our world more beautiful , and certainly more affectionate !
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