Polar bears are just one of a multitude of species labelled as vulnerable to the threat of climate change. Polar bears typically live in the Arctic Circle, but as their habitats shrink and their food source is depleted, they are becoming increasingly pushed from their natural environments and into areas which are hostile to them. This reflects the concept of physical geodisplacement amongst threatened species.

Matthew’s reference to the Harbin Polarland theme park and hotel in China is a harrowing reference to the geodisplacement of endangered species. By taking an animal out of its natural habitat and placing it in an artificial environment for human entertainment, we are perpetuating their vulnerable status.

The infamous theme park has sparked international conversation regarding the treatment of animals, namely, the mistreatment of threatened species. Polar bears are naturally active creatures - usually being active on an average of 18 hours a day and they typically spend half of it hunting. This life in captivity begs the question - How moral is it to profit off an animals entrapment? The hotel has crossed a line in the public’s view, being labelled as animal cruelty. Chinese wildlife protection laws have gaps which enable the exploitation of animals in medicine, circuses, zoos and hotels such as the Harbin Polarland theme park.

The Polar Bear Hotel opens up a dialogue about empathy, and questions our humanity. It depicts the physical geodisplacement of  threatened species and sparks public reflection.
 

“China opens polar bear hotel: polar bears stuck in a stuck in small area to entertainment guests” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMZROJOquow  

Academic Article for further research:

Molnár, Péter K., et al. “Predicting survival, reproduction and abundance of polar bears under climate change.” Biological Conservation, vol. 143, no. 7, 2010, pp. 1612-1622. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2010.04.004