Alaska, 2018

We delayed releasing this image because I wasn’t really sure what to write – it was such a surreal few minutes and it took time for it all to sink in.
I guess on the one hand it’s a fairly straightforward portrait of an adult male polar bear – there is nothing dramatic going on and no collapsing iceberg in the background.
But on the other hand, there is fine detail in this study. He is totally comfortable with my presence and happy merely to observe and continue being who he is – the ultimate alpha mammal. His relaxed demeanor allowed me to inch closer and wait for head-on eye to eye contact. Only then can we stare into his unique world.
What do I see in his eyes? Wisdom, security and governance. He is totally in control – a bit like a meeting with a therapist. He has all the answers to my none. It’s a fireside chat at the top of the world with a Statesman.
I think he is telling me that he likes his tea white with no sugar. Then we can get on with the issues of the day.