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I never shared this before, but I felt something in me respond in a unique, almost familiar way when I finally saw real, live moobears in front of me, inches away from my face. For years, they were known to me strictly as ‘photographs and statistics’, but the day I could see them and smell and hear them was a day I felt changed, and knew the work I’d done was just the beginning. I cannot explain it, but it was mesmerizing. These animals are amazing, and the intelligence, intuition and quirky habits they possess endears me to them 10 fold.
Yesterday I was on featured on Korea’s TBS eFM English radio, being profiled about my life in Korea. While we touched on some of my other work here (I’ve done a fair bit of odd stuff and feel like the ultimate freelancer:)), we spent half the interview speaking of the bears. It only makes sense~ So much I want people to know!
Newsflash: I have word from Vietnam that one Korean-owned farm gave up their bears voluntarily, and it is believed this action was inspired by the pressure created after the JoongAng interview, resulting coverage and consequential meetings. I felt wonderful and proud of all involved. More to come when I am briefed.
Also in the works: Immigration has NOT yet implemented their campaign which I mentioned on air (KBS), and I have taken action to get an update. The campaign is intended to warn travelors to Vietnam about bear bile tourism. We have high hopes!
Commemorative bear coins are coming-if you wish to submit a design, shout it from the rooftops! (and email me);)
Still no email response from the PR department at Bear Tree Park but we are hacking away at it; again, we have high hopes for this unique facility.
Bear hugs to all!
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January 17, 2010
We hit 100 signatures this evening on our new petition. While we previously endorsed the petition authored by moonbears.org, we felt a need to begin a new one to address the facets of the issue that have evolved in recent times; particularly pertaining to bear bile tourism, educational needs and customs/immigration campaigns. I feel somewhat addicted to refreshing the page, waiting for the numbers to climb so that one day, we may submit it to the press, the government, etc and feel that we have a solid consensus from humankind. I’m encouraged, but impatient. I owe a great deal of thanks to Jeanette McDermott of UFP and Rebecca Stache (also of UPF Germany), who helped inspire this change. Let’s hope the momentum contiunes!
