I have to say that being at eye level about 2 feet away from a polar bear (on the other side of a sturdy glass window) while he happily lapped up his breakfast kibbles was an incredible experience. I knew it would be cool, but I didn't expect to be moved to tears!
I spent a long time thinking about why it made me so emotional. Perhaps because polar bears are such a powerful symbol of both conservation efforts and impending climate disaster.
In any case, the Assiniboine Zoo is doing great work!
I think also getting to see a polar bear, heading toward extinction due to corporation-caused climate change, just after giving a lecture about losing the night sky to urban light pollution and corporate satellite pollution was just too close a parallel.
But the positive side: it was lovely to see another group of people who are fighting to save something beautiful that we have here on Earth. So many different ways to fight, and so many people fighting.
sadly, zoos may be the only place left for them soon.
@sundogplanets Did you catch any of the bears in the water tunnel? They often put their paws on the glass and seeing the size is surreal!
Always a great time at the Assinaboine Zoo.
Just finished reading this ,
A WOMAN IN THE POLAR NIGHT,
by Christiane Ritter.
Can Imagine how you felt.
Prof. Sam Lawler
rag. Gustavino Bevilacqua
rexi
WandreCanada
gdtrfb57
Aviva Gary
hynesyte