WWF: Profiting Off Polar Bears While They Disappear

The Guardian reports that The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) loves using images of polar bears to pull in donations. What they don’t advertise is that behind the scenes, they’re supporting the commercial trade of polar bear fur - the very industry killing these animals for profit.

Polar Bears Are in Trouble - And WWF Knows It

Polar bears are fighting for survival. The Arctic ice they depend on is disappearing, forcing them to travel longer distances to find food, leading to declining health, fewer cubs, and earlier deaths. Despite their endangered status, Canada continues to allow polar bear hunting, making it the only country in the world still selling their skins. Up to 400 pelts are exported each year, mainly to China, where a single skin sells for around $60,000. WWF is fully aware of this, and they’ve actively worked against banning this blood trade.

WWF’s Double Game: Conservation or Exploitation?

WWF publicly claims to support conservation but behind closed doors, they advocate for “sustainable use” policies. Their position? That killing a “manageable” number of animals - whether for fur, trophies, or ivory - somehow benefits the species overall. This is the same argument used to justify elephant hunting, rhino horn sales, and now, the slaughter of polar bears.

At international wildlife trade meetings (CITES), WWF has consistently lobbied against full protection for polar bears. When the US and Russia proposed a ban on the commercial trade in 2010 and 2013, WWF urged countries to vote against it, claiming that the bears hadn’t yet met the necessary criteria. Their stance remains unchanged - at a 2022 CITES meeting, a WWF spokesperson confirmed they still wouldn’t push for stronger protections.

Hiding Behind Indigenous Rights While Ignoring Indigenous Voices

WWF claims that banning the trade would harm Indigenous communities. But not all Indigenous voices agree. Robert Thompson, an Iñupiat polar bear guide, pointed out that his people survived for thousands of years without selling polar bear parts. Instead of killing, he suggests sustainable ecotourism as a better way to generate income while keeping polar bears alive.

This argument from WWF is selective at best. When Indigenous groups oppose industries that harm wildlife, WWF is often silent. But when they need a justification for supporting animal exploitation, Indigenous rights suddenly become convenient talking points.

A Pattern of Betrayal

WWF’s stance on polar bears is not an isolated case. They have also opposed stronger protections for elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and hippos. In 2022, they successfully lobbied to downgrade Namibia’s white rhino population from the highest level of protection, making it easier to trade their body parts. While most conservation groups fight to protect animals, WWF uses its influence to ensure their continued commodification.

The Public Deserves the Truth

People donate to WWF believing they are helping animals, not funding an organisation that works to keep them legally killable. A former WWF director admitted that the organisation wields enormous influence - enough to shape global policies. But if the public knew that WWF’s version of conservation includes endorsing fur sales and trophy hunting, their support might not last.

WWF denies lobbying for the polar bear fur trade, claiming that they only oppose “unsustainable” hunting. But actions speak louder than words. If WWF truly cared about these animals, they would fight to stop the trade entirely - not make excuses for its continuation.

Polar bears are running out of time. WWF’s policies aren’t saving them - they’re selling them.