The is the last set of polar bears. It is not lost on me that the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in the wild is dwindling fast. A few years ago there were ~1200 bears in the region and the latest census is 800. Only 3 bear families were sighted during the 6 weeks the area was open for viewing. Years ago, it was not uncommon to see bears with triplets and now it is virtually unheard of. There are many reasons for their demise and none of them bodes well for a recovery.
So it was bittersweet the fleeting moments I spent with them knowing all to well that their species is facing extinction in my, or certainly my grandchildren's life.
The cages have been removed from Animal Crackers, Ringling Bros. Circus is no more but we still wontonly destroy what instinctively we should protect. The diversity of life is what makes our planet what is so interesting and exciting. Will our only memories be that of photos and song.
I'd rather be the gypsy
(I'd rather be the gypsy)
Whose camped at the edge of town
(Camped at the edge of town)
The one who has the dancing bear
That follows him around
And he lifts his big foot up
He puts his big foot down
And bows and twirls
And dances 'round and 'round
Eric
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15 He puts his big foot up...
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17Video...please click on link (not photo) and watch hi def
