About
Our Mission:
Creating A More Connected, Compassionate
And Inspired World
HIPAW is the U.S. registered 501(c)3 tax-exempt arm that funds the animal welfare projects that are supported by Humanitourism. Our projects are all self-funded and benefit underserved communities globally where animal welfare conditions and resources are poor. We are solely dependent on individual gifts and in-kind donations. We do not currently receive funding from grants or foundations for our work. Because we are a non-profit organization, your contributions are tax-deductible.
Humanitourism: A Life-Changing Experience
Humanitourism is “Humans helping Animals through ecoTourism.” The tours take small groups of people to unique, less-traveled places where they can volunteer to assist in impactful animal welfare projects and experience an authentic and culturally sensitive adventure that benefits the local communities. By combining meaningful volunteer work supporting animals with outdoor eco-adventures, Humanitourism offers travelers life-changing experiences that help animals, families, local businesses, and our planet.
Rescues For Adoption
Animal rescue is a major part of HIPAW’s work. During our Humanitourism trips, we often encounter animals that are injured, sick, endangered, with special needs or in otherwise critical circumstances who would not survive without our help. Many of these animals are treated and some become rescues for adoption. In these cases, we secure confirmed adoption families before transporting them. For most of our rescues, it’s their last chance and hope for a better life.
Upcoming Trip Highlights
Join us on one of our upcoming tours and make a difference to animals who need your help. Plus, experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where your involvement will benefit the local communities where you travel. All our trips are designed with sustainable development in mind, using lodging, eateries and tours that are culturally and environmentally sensitive. In the underserved areas we visit, we strive for short- and longer-term positive change in the lives of the people and animals there.
About the Founder
Zoe Katsulos is the founder and executive director of HIPAW and Humanitourism. She has been leading adventure tours for over 25 years. As a strong animal advocate, Zoe established Humanitourism to fulfill a personal mission to empower individuals to better their lives, the lives of others and the lives of animals. She believes that travel and the outdoors provide an unparalleled environment for creating challenges and opportunities which serve to push individuals toward personal growth and development.
A native of Michigan, Zoe moved to Colorado after her first backpack trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in 1991. As a graduate of Landmark Education, Zoe is as devoted to helping others explore adventures as well as their personal development.
