We made a mistake. Here’s why we’re grateful you pointed it out.
We posted an article that showed an adorable bobcat family caught on camera. It had conservation information and was sure to be a big hit on social media. Then supporter Mike Hust pointed out why we were wrong to post it.
“Wonderful to see, however I think it would be best if you didn’t release the location of these beautiful creatures. Unfortunately, those involved in cruel and destructive practices also troll this site.”
Supporters Trish Boyum (of Ocean Adventures) and Brian Nawyn noted their agreement. It didn’t take much thought to recognize the mistake that we’d made and decide on the remedy. The post was deleted, and this blog written.
It’s a lesson we’ve learned from ethical wildlife photographers like John E. Marriott and Kerri Martin and are glad to see is spreading to many others: take the photo, enjoy the moment, don’t tell anyone where it was. From well-meaning animal lovers who want a photo to those who would do the animals harm for a profit, posting where an animal was located was taken is never a good idea.
As such, posting this article to our social media pages, regardless of intent, was a mistake.
There’s also a lesson we hope to illustrate by using whenever possible: accepting rightful criticism and showing you can do better. This post stands as an apology to the animals, our supporters, and ourselves for not doing as well as we can on an issue with a simple solution. It also serves as a thank you to the three who commented and brought this issue to our mistake.
We’ll do better for the animals, together.
