NAVC Polar Bear Expedition: Day 7

Once again I find myself sitting on yet another flight. Flights can be characterized as either “anticipation” or “consummation,” depending on the direction of travel. Seven days ago it was anticipation. Today, well, need I state the obvious?

I do find some of my best introspection happens on airplanes. That little 24 x 32” space is my kingdom, my territory, for whatever happens to be the length of time I'm on the wing. I lock myself behind imaginary walls and fall into a mental trance. Anxious to get home to my vertebrate family, I had a lot to think about during the travel.

(The passport stamp from Churchill in Manitoba, Canada.)

The overall feeling amongst the NAVC travelers was elation. Other than a rocky start trying to get all the explorers together out of the starting block, and then the blizzard delayed departure to Churchill, the balance of the trip far outweighed all expectations. All told we saw a total of 40 polar bears from the tundra buggy, dozens more from the helicopters, moose, caribou, Arctic red and cross-foxes, grey wolves, willow ptarmigan, lemmings, buntings, gulls, mergansers, eiders, and ravens. We met numerous wonderful local personalities, ate many a great meal, socialized, partied, danced, reinforced old friendships, and generated many new ones.

(Drs. Walton, Fitzgerald and Beledegreen took a helicopter ride the last morning we were in Churchill. They spotted this polar bear sow and her two cubs feasting on a dead bull moose. Photo: C. Walton)

My partner in the Expeditions program, Dr. Carol Walton, really outdid herself. Even with all the bumps and detours, she pulled off an incredibly choreographed Arctic dance. I look forward to future programs with her.

(Two polar bears play in the tundra.)

Although the trip is over, our mission and commitment to both veterinary education and the environment around us is only beginning. One of the goals of the Expeditions program is to increase the awareness of the world around us - and integrate it into our veterinary profession. “Where the destination is your classroom, and nature is your teacher.” That says it all.

(We passed this shipwreck the day before - there was no ice. Photo: C. Walton)

I am on a little soapbox here, but I feel that it is our responsibility to make a difference.This trip reinforced the need for our involvement. We, as a profession, are not only animal caregivers, but also educators. Our reach is far. Who do people come to when there are questions about disease - not just animal, but people too? We all get questions about swine flu, the safety of propofol when used in our pets, and many more inquiries on topics far and wide.

The environment is in trouble. We as a veterinary community can set and example, we can lead the pack. Make an effort in your office to decrease your carbon footprint. Double-side your paper printing, recycle your plastics (including your syringe cases), go digital to reduce the usage of chemicals, use paper instead of plastic bags. There are many things that we all can do right now. Not only will it be environmentally friendly, these simple changes will help you conserve money, and in this economy, every penny counts.

(Polar Bear International's mission statement.)

I have been fortunate to participate in these first two Expeditions, both in Antarctica, and also in the Arctic.There is a very good chance that I have stepped where no person has ever set foot before. It is both an awe-inspiring and humbling experience.

The polar bear is a barometer of our changing world. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, this past year had the third largest arctic ice melt on record. If the global warming continues, these animals will not survive much longer.

(This lone polar bear perches patiently on the edge of an ice field overlooking a lead, or patch of open water, waiting for the coming of its first meal of the season. Photo: C. Walton)

There are things you can do. I recommend joining Polar Bear International (www.polarbearsinternational.org).

(Polar Bear International's logo: You can join Polar Bear International by clicking here now.)

For a minimal donation of $25/year you can receive their eNewsletter and can access numerous online resources and references. You can also follow the Churchill polar bears with daily updates from the tundra (http://www.polarbearshd.com/dailyupdates.html). Your donations go to a good cause.

(The pancake ice is starting to fill the bay. The polar bears will take several short mini-journeys out onto the ice to test the strength before embarking on their winter hunts. Photo: C. Walton)
 

Finally, I want to thank you all for joining us on this amazing journey. I hope you enjoyed the daily tales form the tundra. I also hope that some day you can join us on one of our NAVC Expedition courses. Look for the Galapagos next summer!

I look forward to seeing you all in Orlando, Florida in January at the NAVC Conference. Please stop by the Expeditions booth and say hi!

All the best,
Doug

PS - I'll be hosting a slide show of the entire Expeditions journey on Monday evening during the main conference. Check the program grid for times and room number!