The death of Knut, the world’s most famous polar bear in Germany at the weekend has sparked the debate about the ethics of zoos in modern day society.
Knut was born in captivity in Berlin Zoo in December 2006 and, after being rejected by his mother, was placed in an incubator and raised by humans. The story of his abandonment plus his good looks and close relationship with his keeper, Thomas Doerflein, turned him into something of a celebrity.
He was used by the German Government to campaign against the threat of global warning and even appeared, Photo-shopped in, with Leonardo DiCaprio for Vanity Fair's Green Issue in May 2007.
News of his premature death at the weekend (in the wild they live to 30, Knut was just 4) has raised questions about the way Knut was treated and the very fact polar bears are in zoos at all.
Comments Chris Breen, Founder of Wildlife Worldwide: “This is a very sad story but it raises legitimate questions about the future of zoos. They have improved beyond all recognition from a few decades ago but Knut would almost certainly have lived a lot longer in the wild. The same can be said about whales being used to entertain crowds in US theme parks; their lives are cut desperately short and the only place for them is in the ocean.
“Zoos can play useful roles – breeding programmes for endangered animals for example – and not everyone is afforded the luxury of being able to travel vast distances to see them But, ideally, the best place to witness these beautiful creatures is in their natural habitat.”
Wildlife Worldwide offers a choice of trips to view polar bears, all of which focus on the town of Churchill – the 'Polar Bear Capital of the World' – and the only human settlement where polar bears can be observed in the wild - it lies right in the bears' migratory path.
The most popular itinerary is the 7-day Classic Polar Bears trip which includes three days’ Polar Bear viewing from a specially designed Tundra vehicle and evening presentations from wildlife experts. There is also a strong likelihood of witnessing the amazing Northern Lights during the holiday.
The trip departs on 12 October and now costs from £3585 per person – a reduction of £650 pp - (two sharing). Alternative, similar departures are available on 19 and 20 October. The price includes international and domestic flights, all transportation, bear viewing activities as detailed in itinerary, 5-nights’ accommodation, most meals and expert guides with evening presentations/lectures.
Other Polar Bear trips from Wildlife Worldwide include:
Tundra Lodge Adventure – 7 days from £4825 pp (11-18 October)
8-Day Classic Polar Bear Expedition – from £3870 pp (15 October)
To qualify for the reduced prices, trips must be booked by 1 May. All trips can be purchased ‘land only’ for those who would rather source their own flights.
| Wildlife Worldwide is committed to preserving the natural environment and minimising any negative impact on local cultures through education, conservation, sustainable development and socially responsible practices. Donations are made direct to a variety of charities and environmental causes through Wildlife Worldwide’s holidays. |
No comments:
Post a Comment