S. Geological Survey projects that two thirds of polar bears will disappear by 2. Times have become so dire for this species that theyve been observed resorting to eating dolphins, and traveling further into human territory one haunting image even showed a polar bear rummaging through a landfill in search of food. The fact is, this species is in grave danger of extinction. While their native home is melting away, polar bears are being placed in captivity and put on display in an effort to raise awareness for their plight. Although the wild polar bear is hanging on for survival, there seems to be at least one polar bear in zoos across the world. Some argue that keeping these animals in captive environments is the one way that we can ensure that they will endure for future generations given that the wild is not a safe place for them anymore. It is also believed that getting people to see these animals up close and personal will inspire them to stand up for the species in a way that they wouldnt otherwise. The reality, however, is that captivity, in no way benefits the polar bear or any other species. A growing body of evidence suggests that the act of watching an animal languish in a small enclosure does not, in fact, teach children or adults about the importance of conserving these species in the wild. Rather, zoos exist for entertainment and profit purposes that come at the great expense of the animals. Something this heartbreaking image illustrates with great clarity. This baby will never know the wild home she was meant to live in. Nor will she understand what it truly means to be a polar bear. This image has been construed as a sweet moment between a mother and her baby, but that betrays the profound reality of their sad situation. In captivity, these animals will only ever get to experience a small fraction of what their lives could have been. In the wild, they would have had miles and miles of ice to roam across and enjoy the thrill of hunting and interacting in family and social groups. Their lives would have had a very distinct meaning and purpose entirely of their own volition. Instead, they are confined to a glorified prison cell that is artificially cooled and packed with ice to keep them comfortable. The extreme boredom and frustration with this tiny ice box will likely lead them to exhibit stereotypic behaviors such as pacing or head bobbing. These pointless, repetitive actions are thought to be physical manifestations of extreme mental distress. According to Polar Bears International, Some 8. North American polar bears in zoos do it, devoting nearly a quarter of their active day i. If anything, this image is a harsh reminder that we owe these incredible animals so much more than a life in captivity. We owe them their wild home and a life free from the threat of starvation, boredom, or any other harm inflicted by humans. The only way to really protect these animals is by saving their habitat and this is something we can all do every single day by simply choosing to Eat. For. The. Planet. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization FAO estimates that livestock production is responsible for 1. Worldwatch Institute have estimated it could be as much as 5. Additionally, this destructive industry currently occupies over half of the worlds arable land resources, and uses the majority of our freshwater stores. This system causes rampant air and water pollution, land degradation, deforestation and is pushing countless species to the brink of extinction. And yet, one in eight people still suffer from food scarcity. The real war against climate change is being fought on our plates, multiple times a day with every food choice we make, said Nil Zacharias, co founder and Editor in Chief of One Green Planet, one of the biggest challenges facing our planet, and our species is that we are knowingly eating ourselves into extinction, and doing very little about it. As the leading organization at the forefront of the conscious consumerism movement, it is One Green Planets view that our food choices have the power to heal our broken food system, give species a fighting chance for survival, and pave the way for a truly sustainable future. By choosing to eat more plant based foods, you can drastically cut your carbon footprint, save precious water supplies and help ensure that vital crop resources are fed to people, rather than livestock. With the wealth of available plant based options available and One Green Planets Food Monster App, it has never been easier to eat with the planet in mind. Click on the graphic below for more information. For more news like this follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to our daily newsletter here. Check out more animal stories here. Click here to see our archive of 5,0. Learn more about our campaigns and join our movement of forward thinkers, conversation starters, change makers, and unleash your Green MonsterEat. For. The. Planet Take control of the damage being caused by animal agriculture and show the world how the fork can be an incredibly effective tool in the fight against climate change. Crush. Plastic Take action to cut plastic waste at the source and give marine life a fighting chance. Image source Imgur.