Michael Bear

“Marshall identified the key message in these wildlife shows as being that “animals are vicious, so humans are justified in using any means to subdue them.”
― Chris Palmer, Confessions of a Wildlife Filmmaker: The Challenges of Staying Honest in an Industry Where Ratings Are King

“While “Irwin lookalikes” hassle animals on the screen, they “unwittingly [record] our dysfunctional relationship with [nature], teaching our children to both fear and subjugate creatures already pushed to the brink of extinction.”
― Chris Palmer, Confessions of a Wildlife Filmmaker: The Challenges of Staying Honest in an Industry Where Ratings Are King

“as author and scientist Dr. Jonathan Balcombe wrote in his 2010 book Second Nature, animals’ thoughts and feelings are far more complex than humans previously imagined. “Animals are conscious beings with feelings,” Balcombe noted, “yet our treatment of them remains medieval.”
― Chris Palmer, Confessions of a Wildlife Filmmaker: The Challenges of Staying Honest in an Industry Where Ratings Are King

“Irwin’s legacy proved a dangerous one. Today’s presenters often close in on wildlife, forcing dangerous animals into interactions that can be physical, confrontational, and extremely stressful for both parties. Audiences are misled into thinking that invading wild animals’ space is acceptable. Charming and charismatic hosts often behave in ways that end up hurting the wildlife they profess to love.”
― Chris Palmer, Confessions of a Wildlife Filmmaker: The Challenges of Staying Honest in an Industry Where Ratings Are King