Photo: Robyn Appleton
Earlier this year, there was a flurry of excitement from everyone here at the Wildlife Media offices. We’d successfully raised the money to film the elusive Andean (or “spectacled”) bear in February. And the rush was on to make final travel arrangements. We were literally just a week or so away from sending Chris Morgan and the team down to Peru to tell the story of Robyn Appleton (the featured biologist in BEARTREK-Peru) and spectacled bears on film.
Unfortunately, nature doesn’t always follow our timeframe. Due to El Niño and the bears’ behavioral response to the weather, the Andean bears were even more elusive than normal. Thus, Peru was halted for the time being and planned for later in 2010. We want to be able to present you with the unbelievable footage we are known for, and earlier this year, that would have been impossible.
“I am sorry about the postponed plans for Peru – this has been a tough call for all of us. But as you can see, these bears have a mind of their own!” – Chris Morgan, Wildlife Media Executive Director.
Despite the filming setback, we are proud that already, with only the small segments of Peru footage taken during prior trips, we have been able to help Robyn inspire Peruvian government officials to protect this endangered and magnificent animal.
“The short films that Wildlife Media has already put together for us have played a major role in persuading the government to turn our research area into a national wildlife refuge. The government became engaged in our protected area request after seeing a number of short films that Wildlife Media put together for us, one of which had the first ever wild spectacled bear cub caught on film. Not only has the government become captivated by this beautiful bear after seeing these short films, but the communities which share their land with spectacled bears are also enthusiastic and honored to become part of this project.” – Robyn Appleton, Director of the Spectacled Bear Conservation Society, Peru.
For all of you who have donated one dollar or thousands, THANK YOU. We are all still excited to get to Peru later this year, and we cannot wait to show you more exclusive footage of the spectacled bear. Just know that your constant support, loyalty and donations drive us to deliver a documentary film that will surely inspire the world. You are a part of a conservation message of hope that will reach millions across the globe.
Thank you for all your help and support and stay tuned!
–Jordan Green