It was wonderful to be back at Bristol Zoo yesterday with a global campaign that was happening simultaneously around the world. It was a great feeling to think that thousands of Greenpeace volunteers from around the world were engaged in similar activities. But the question remains - what do we call our new Walrus?
Saturday 20th April was declared by Greenpeace International as 'I ♥ Arctic' day. The aim of the campaign was to make a concerted effort to add more Arctic Defenders to the 2.9 million that have signed the online petition to call for the Arctic to be declared a global santuary - protected from commercial development. Our campaign also involved members of the public declaring their love by having their photo taken with I ♥ Arctic speech bubbles. Groups were also encouraged to organise supporters into human 'I ♥ Arctic' banners. The fantastic array of human banner pictures from over 30 countries can be seen here.
All the pictures, films and messages that Greenpeace produced will be delivered to Kiruna – a small town in Sweden – where the leaders of the Arctic Council will meet in May to discuss the destiny of the place at the top of the world which affects us all.
Once again, Bristol East had an enthusiastic team of volunteers to meet the day visitors who were happy to stop and talk about the importance of the Arctic and support the cause. Our usual family of polar bears were joined by a new Arctic friend - a wonderfully whiskered Walrus .... by the name of ...? Well all suggestions are welcome! Please post below.
By the end of the day we had gained just over 200 signatures and almost 60 photographs of I ♥ Arctic supporters. An excellent result - thanks to Fi (who liaised with the Zoo), Carol (brilliant costume creator), Richard L, Madeleine, Mark and family, Loz, Cordelia, Ian, Seth and Rich B. Our collection of pics can be found here on Flickr.
To add your support to the Save the Arctic campaign and become and Arctic Defender then click here.
Meet our menagerie of Arctic critters at Picton Street Mayfest on Saturday 4th May.
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