I fear that more such episodes will be shot within protected areas around the world, more such carefully planned ‘Man vs Wild’ adventures will be led into wildlife habitats for the “larger good”, and more people will be led to believe that shows like this should be emulated in real life to experience “truer” forms of adventure when, in reality, human-centric arrogance lies at the core of such productions. I fail to see why this “awareness” had to be raised from within the boundaries of a protected wildlife habitat with a ‘Man vs Wild’ format. I was also informed that your episode with Grylls is about raising awareness about water conservation. Nevertheless, the team claimed success with the PM Modi episode, saying it “generated much desired attention on conservation of wildlife”. Where is this “larger good”? How is disturbing wildlife habitats with unnecessary intrusions serving a “larger good”?
The Discovery press team said that you agreed to make your TV debut with Into the Wild because you believe that it is “a truly unique show” that offers “adrenaline-pumping action” and also “lends itself beautifully to driving a specific purpose for the larger good of society”. In a simulated urban disaster, Bear navigates abandoned buildings, roof tops and sewers and finds it as hard to find clean drinking water as in the desert. So, what kind of message do you think this ‘Man vs Wild’ theme sends about wildlife conservation?Īlso Read: Why conservationists are upset with Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar & Bear Grylls of Man vs Wildīandipur is also a tiger reserve and I’d hate to see Grylls walking around the area with a spear. Urban Survivor: Directed by Nicholas White. Sheer stupidity aside, such attitudes go directly against conservation values. What I cannot understand is, why Bear Grylls? Why work with someone who thinks of our shared space as ‘Man vs Wild’? It’s a format that pushes for a confrontational attitude where people are encouraged to enter wildlife habitats - like Bandipur and Corbett that are legally protected, especially for wildlife - and then get into “battle-mode”. Now, I am sure that you are aware of all of this.