Animal rights activists are up in arms after the Seattle Kraken's mascot was filmed chasing a bear in a promotional video, igniting a fierce debate over wildlife exploitation in sports marketing.
The controversial footage, which has gone viral on social media, shows the hockey team's fuzzy blue mascot pursuing a brown bear across a field in what appears to be a staged event. Wildlife experts have condemned the stunt as irresponsible and potentially dangerous for both the animal and humans involved.
Outrage from Conservation Groups
Leading animal welfare organisations have slammed the NHL team for what they're calling a 'reckless disregard for wildlife'. 'Using wild animals as props for entertainment is completely unacceptable in 2023,' said a spokesperson for PETA UK. 'This kind of behaviour normalises the mistreatment of wildlife and sets a terrible example for young fans.'
Team Defends 'Lighthearted' Promotion
The Kraken organisation has defended the video, claiming it was meant to be 'lighthearted fun' and that no animals were harmed during filming. 'Our mascot's interaction with wildlife was carefully supervised by professional handlers,' a team statement read.
However, wildlife biologists argue that even brief encounters with humans can cause significant stress to wild animals and disrupt their natural behaviours. The incident has sparked calls for stricter regulations around the use of animals in sports promotions.
Social Media Backlash
The backlash on social media has been swift, with thousands of fans expressing disappointment in the team. 'This isn't the kind of publicity an expansion team needs,' tweeted one longtime hockey fan. Others have threatened to boycott team merchandise until the organisation issues a formal apology.
As the controversy grows, marketing experts suggest the Kraken may need to rethink their promotional strategies to avoid further damage to their brand reputation.
