In the wake of the recent killing of a polar bear in Iceland, a basketball team is considering changing to a new mascot.
Körfuknattleiksfélags Ísafjarðar, also known as KFÍ, has had a polar bear for a mascot for many years now. Monday’s killing of a polar bear has prompted the team to ask themselves whether or not they should switch to a new mascot.
Writing on their home page, they say in part, “Some KFÍ fans have called for action. They’re tired of seeing the blood of their team’s mascot being spilled on the evening news. They say that either polar bears must be dealt with humanely, or the team should pick a new mascot.”
As it is, the official position of the Environment Agency of Iceland is that any polar bears landing in Iceland should be shot to death, despite the fact that by Icelandic law, polar bears are a protected species that may only be killed if they pose an immediate threat to livestock or people.
DV spoke to a fan of the team, who said, “What kind of luck does our mascot have? Maybe it’s time to find another animal to bring the team luck.” Possible suggestions that have arisen include the arctic fox, which is protected from being killed under any circumstances.
DV adds that the team has also found difficulty in getting anyone to wear the mascot costume for the entertainment of participants at this year’s basketball camp.
A formal decision on whether to changes mascots – and if so, to what – has still to be taken.
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