In many countries, the wolf is returning after years of absence.
Documentary filmmaker Thomas Horat shows what this wild animal stirs up among shepherds, conservationists, and biologists.
In search of answers, Thomas Horat interviewed sheep farmers in Switzerland, as well as in Germany and Austria, Bulgaria, Poland, and the USA for his film «The Return of Wolves».The Return of WolvesHe did catch sight of wolves, though all the wolf footage was shot by other filmmakers. Nevertheless, the film offers exclusive insight into wolf behaviour.
He did catch sight of wolves, though all the wolf footage was shot by other filmmakers. Nevertheless, the film offers exclusive insight into wolf behaviour.
Livestock protection instead of culling
There are regional differences in how this situation is handled: «When you tell Bulgarians that in Switzerland livestock guardian dogs are paid for, everyone laughs, because for them it’s only a dream. In Bulgaria, there is always a shepherd present. Here, people say that’s too expensive. Perhaps a rethink is needed.»
Animal welfare advocates, biologists, and behavioural researchers who champion the wolf’s reintroduction are also given extensive space to speak. Yet Thomas Horat does not want his film to be seen as a political statement: «Through this work I have learned a great deal about the wolf, but I am neither for nor against the wolf — there are no evil animals..»
The wolf debate and the referendum
This tension also shapes the wolf debate in Switzerland: on one side stands the important role the wolf plays in nature, protecting forests through its hunting of red deer. On the other side, we fear being devoured like Little Red Riding Hood.
In Switzerland, the opposition is led by politicians from Valais. With success: if the federal government has its way, wolves are to be allowed to be hunted preventively in future, provided other measures to prevent damage prove ineffective. Conservation organisations have launched a referendum against this. At the well-attended preview screenings of «The Return of Wolves», they found the ideal audience for collecting signatures.
With his film, Thomas Horat does not aim to reflect the political debate. «There is no pro and con in this question», he believes, «the wolf has returned and it is now only a matter of how we deal with the situation.»
The film «The Return of the Wolves» will be shown in cinemas from 7 November 2019.
