Tourists vs Wildlife

I have always been a animal lover since being small, caring about my surroundings and what lives in them is something i believe is greatly important. I want them to appreciate the wildlife and what it brings to nature as a whole always reminding them just as my Grandmother did me, that the animals were here before us. This planet does not belong to us and we have to share it.

So imagine my disgust at seeing the story in the news about a polar bear being shot by a cruise ship guard. It happened last Saturday when guests cruising on the MS Bremen which is operated by German Hapag Lloyd Cruises docked on the island of Svalbard in Northern Norway. Apparently the bear had attacked one of the 4 strong ‘Guard Team’ who are always onboard for these types of expeditions just in case the Bears pose a threat. On this occasion sadly the bear was shot ‘in an act of self defence’. The guard who was attacked was air lifted to a neighbouring island for treatment and is said to be recovering from his injuries. The cruise company have said “We are extremely sorry that this incident has happened.”

Sorry just doesn’t cut in for me. Don’t get me wrong, I dont for one second suggest that the bear should have been left to kill the Guard. BUT why do we insist on going in to these animals habitats and thinking we have the right to be there regardless of the consequence? Its THEIR HOME. If we cant observe from a distance and be happy with that we shouldn’t be going at all. It’s like going on a safari and shooting every lion that comes near. Is there really any wonder that so many magnificent species we share our planet with are in dangerously low numbers if we have this mentality and treat them this way?

The tourism industry on the one hand is so very important when it comes to supporting economies, but I very much feel its about time that we take responsibility for the wildlife we are harming whilst we go about our travels. Its great to want to see polar bears in the Artic, I wouldn’t want to see that stopped. But do it from a distance. Do not put those bears in a situation where they feel threatened enough to have to defend their territory.

How do you feel about this story? Id love to hear your thoughts.