Filming of “The Expendables 2” Causes Disturbance to Bats in Devetashka Cave

Yet another hit to bats. The filming of "The Expendables 2" in Devetashka Cave in Bulgaria (which included loud construction work and brush-clearing) seriously disturbed the bat species hibernating there, two of which are endangered (see link to full article below). The filming was allowed despite the fact that the cave is one of Europe's most important bat hibernation sites and that Bulgarian legislation only allows for activities related to tourism or scientific research to take place at the site. Could they not have found somewhere else to film? I have never been much of an “activist,” but this seriously angers me. I will DEFINITELY not go see "The Expendables 2.” I know in the end that that doesn’t really “do” anything to help, but at least I won’t be giving money to go see a movie that had such a negative impact on bats. 

Bat Conservation International article: "Bats in the News - Hollywood vs. Bats in Bulgaria" 

 

If this upsets you as much as it does me, you can show your disapproval of the situation by not going to see the movie. You can also write to the Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Water to express your disappointment in their lack of judgment in this case (see link below). What an unfortunate situation, and one that I hope can be avoided in the future.

 

Message from Alexey Zhalov, Vice Delegate of Bulgaria & Vice Secretary General of European Speleological Federation