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Great Wildlife Heist, The

Viewing Ideas

1. Ask students for their views about the relationship between what is legal and what is ethical. Brainstorm a list of situations that would justify taking illegal actions for an ethical end. Describe a situation that would justify taking an unethical action for a legal end.

2. This program raises many questions about ethics and the way people rationalize illegal or unethical actions. As they watch, have students list each major character and the reasoning the individual uses to justify such behavior.

3. During the program, opinions are expressed for and against the captive breeding of exotic birds. Have students look for and record the evidence used to support these competing claims.

1. Many of the people featured in the program seem to be operating in a "gray area," that is, not exactly criminal, but not exactly legal. As preparation for the student activity Choices for the Birds, read each pair of actions below to your students and ask for their opinion about which action demonstrates a less ethical choice. Why do they think so?

   1. Illegally exporting exotic birds from their country of origin, or selling smuggled birds that have come from another country.

   2. Importing smuggled birds, or buying smuggled birds (as pets).

   3. Importing smuggled birds, or caring for smuggled birds.

   4. Killing rare birds as farm pests, or raiding nests for bird smuggling.