The official attire of the palace guards is as famous as the London sights. Among these, the long black turbans stand out. Known as bearskin, these turbans are still made from bear fur. About 100 bears are killed each year to make turbans. After the news broke, there was a strong outcry on social media.
Bear fur from the international market
From the 17th century, the soldiers’ official dress included a turban made of bearskin. A British turban maker makes turbans for the palace guards. Bear fur for this purpose is bought at auction from the international market. Between fifty and one hundred bear skins are bought each year. A skin costs 650 pounds (Rs. 61,000).
Thick fur of female bears
The skins of Canadian black bears are used to make hats. The main thing is the thick hairy skins of bear females. Later, after adding the black color to these, it is made into a turban. Decades ago there were protests against the killing of so many bears to make turbans. But despite the passage of time and the technology to make turbans on the same model without killing the animals, there is widespread outcry on social media after news broke that the traditional method is still being followed.
Explanation that the permission was granted
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, an animal welfare organization, has organized several protests against the cruel killing of bears for their skin and to stop this practice. With criticism from various quarters, the defense ministry has come forward with an explanation. The explanation is that alternatives to bearskin have been tried over the years, but none of them have the natural moisture-retaining ability of bearskin. Any other material used would be difficult for keepers because they absorb too much moisture. The Canadian government has authorized the killing of wild bears to control their populations. The ministry explained that the skins of animals killed in this way are mainly used to make turbans.
Recap: Netizens Outraged After Finding Out 100 Bears Are Killed Each Year To Make King’s Guard Hats
