Paddle-board with corgis

– Airbnb this week began offering “Animal Experiences” – promising harmony with nature, from lazing with alpacas to helping dogs struggling to survive in the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

The startup expanded beyond homesharing services about three years ago into offering ways for travellers to dive into local happenings.

Airbnb has built a line-up of “experiences”, in which lodging comes with conduits to local cuisine, arts, music, outdoor adventures and even socially minded activities.

Animal Experiences promises travellers getaways that could allow them to engage with many kinds of creatures and their “human advocates” – and ways that might help, instead of harm, nature.

“With technology taking up so much of our lives, it’s easy to feel disconnected from nature and animals,” Airbnb cofounder and chief executive Brian Chesky said during a presentation in New York.

“Life is better with animals, but for many busy people, looking at them through a screen is the closest they can get.”

The new nature-focused category of experiences is intended to provide customers with better understanding of animals, while maintaining a high standard for environmentally friendly tourism.

Experiences offered included paddle-boarding with corgis, kayaking with conservationists, buzzing about with urban beekeepers, watching Arctic foxes and rescuing puppies lost in the 30 kilometre Chernobyl exclusion zone.

“We know people love animals and want to see and experience them when they travel, but we also know they most want to see animals in a setting that respects their wellbeing,” said World Animal Protection executive director Alesia Soltanpanah.

An Airbnb animal welfare policy created with input from the nongovernmental organisation is intended to make sure the creatures are safeguarded while humans visit their worlds, Soltanpanah said.

“You will never find an Airbnb experience where you can kiss a dolphin or ride an elephant.”

The policy bars direct contact with wild animals, or using them as props for selfies.

Marine animals should not be used for entertainment in captivity, and trophy hunting is taboo, according to the policy. –

New York

Life is better with animals, but for many, looking at them through a screen is the closest they can get.

Brian Chesky Cofounder Airbnb