This episode of the podcast explores the creation of the teddy bear and the failed promotion of the Billy Possum, discusses integrating nature into modern life through various means, investigates the migration of Diamondback Terrapins and the changing perception of polar bears, explores the concept of baseline shifting and how to resist it, and includes ads for java super blend, savory nutcrunch bars, and pet-friendly shelters.
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Quick takeaways
The teddy bear gained immense popularity after Theodore Roosevelt spared the life of a wounded bear during a hunting trip, overshadowing other stuffed animals like the Billy Possum.
The book 'Wild Ones' by John Mualem explores how our perception of wildlife has shifted over time, showcasing examples of our efforts to preserve and conserve endangered species.
Deep dives
The Origin of the Teddy Bear
The teddy bear originated from a hunting trip taken by Theodore Roosevelt in 1902. After failing to shoot a bear, Roosevelt showed mercy to a wounded, tied-up bear and spared its life. A political cartoonist depicted this moment, which inspired the creation of the first teddy bear. Initially considered a novelty, teddy bears gained immense popularity, outshining baby dolls in the market.
The Rise and Fall of Billy Possum
In an attempt to rival the popularity of teddy bears, supporters of President Taft introduced a new stuffed animal called the Billy Possum. This toy featured at a banquet in 1909 but failed to sustain its success. Despite efforts to promote the Billy Possum, it quickly faded from stores and the market, leaving the teddy bear as the dominant stuffed animal.
Shifting Baselines and Human-Animal Interactions
The book 'Wild Ones' by John Mualem explores how our perception of wildlife and human-animal interactions has shifted over time. It highlights the concept of shifting baseline syndrome, where each generation accepts the diminished version of nature they inherit as normal. The book showcases examples of how our relationship with wild animals has become a designed experience, where we go to great lengths to preserve and conserve endangered species.
Preserving Wildlife and Conservation Efforts
The story of George and Tex, a whooping crane, illustrates the lengths humans go to preserve wildlife. George acted as a companion to Tex, performing elaborate courtship dances to encourage Tex to reproduce. After years of effort, Tex finally laid a fertile egg, marking a major success in the conservation of whooping cranes. This story exemplifies our ability to push against the shifting baseline and strive for a world with more wildlife thriving in natural habitats.
As you probably know, 99% Invisible is a show about the built world, about things manufactured by humans. We don’t tend to do stories about animals or nature. But our friend Jon Mooallem writes brilliant stories about the weird interactions between animals and humans, interactions that … Continue reading →
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