Polar Bears International Sustainability Alliance

A unique group of polar bear allies known as the PBI SustainabilityAlliance has been busy at work preparing to take on an incredible challenge.  This challenge is to be on the front-lines as shrinking sea ice creates situations where bears are hungry, injured, or landlocked.  The Alliance consists of zoo experts and biologists that are trained in rescue and rehabilitation for these animals. The aim of this group is to help the bears in the short term.

http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/pbi-sustainability-alliance

Here are a few things that the Alliance will be doing:

• Networking with authorities in the polar bear nations to let them know help is available
• Holding workshops and training sessions to help communities manage bear encounters
• Preparing guidelines for rescue and rehab efforts
• Gathering needed tools and equipment—from tranquilizer guns to transport cages
• Lining up potential homes for rescued cubs
• Assembling a boots-on-the-ground squad

The Sustainability Alliance is being supported by the Arctic Ambassador Centers located in North America and Europe and Australia.  The full list can be found here:  

http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/pbi-arctic-ambassador-centers/list#NorthAmerica

One of the Arctic Ambassador Centers is the San Diego Zoo. Several members of the PBI Sustainability Alliance are also from the San Diego Zoo.   Check out a recent clip --