Wildlife can be viewed as an extension of us. Or rather we are an extension of them? Often certain animals are viewed as bad, a word I abhor, or dangerous and so on. The fact is, none of this is true.
Wildlife just are. They live to experience, just as we do. They aren't going to come to your door in the middle of the night because they're hungry and want to eat you. They're not going to cut you off in traffic because they're in a hurry to go somewhere. They're not going to take anything from you because they want it. Wildlife does not bother humans. We bother them.
Are they dangerous? First ask "Are humans dangerous?" Anyone/creature can be dangerous in certain circumstances. If you decide to put yourself in a situation with a crocodile, elephant, snake, bear, giraffe, chimpanzee... you need to expect the outcome may not be what you want.If you put yourself in a situation with a human who is intent on survival, you need to expect the outcome may not be what you want here either.
Wildlife act on instinct, survival and reproduction to put it simply. They are necessary for our planet. They are a gift for all of us to appreciate, each and every species. And they can help us if you choose to let them.
How? How can a squirrel help me, you ask? With this you need to open your mind. What do you believe in? Afterlife? A higher power? Messages from above? Did you ever stop to think that wildlife may have messages too, if you just listen?
Wildlife, Nature and the Environment can send messages. Yes, these words are in caps, because they are titles and I want to get my point across. Many cultures and religions believe in this. Now I'm not saying because a certain religion has this belief that you must also. What I am saying is pay attention to your surroundings and you may be surprised.Example: I often had dreams, or rather nightmares of snakes and serpents hunting me. They would chase me, appear in the sky, wrap themselves around my arm and yes, I was bitten. Did it hurt? No. It felt like a pressure on my bicep. Was is trying to tell me something? Absolutely.
I have listened to the Snake and now it is one of my totem animals. I love and respect this animal so much that my first novel has a snake as the main character! Sally the Snake -The Quest to the Beginning was written before I grew to love this creature interestingly enough. Now she is published and I educate my preschool children about snakes as often as I can.
Have you ever looked into the eyes of an animal? Do you turn the channel when stories of wildlife abuse and cruelty appear on your t.v.? Do you pretend it isn't happening?
Wildlife has a direct connection to humans. What is happening to them is happening to us. The most obvious example is the Polar Bear. They are losing their habitat, food and numbers. Why? I think you know the answer. The world is heating up which means ice melts, simple. Ice melts=polar bears can't hunt=no food =no polar bears. Humans fault.
Overflowing city garbage=raccoons in homes=household damage=death to raccoon. Humans fault.
Yes, people are victims too I understand that. The difference is that wildlife doesn't choose to invade, starve, suffer. The situation is forced on them by humans. They act out of survival, instinct.
Today, on this World Animal Day, recognize these beauties and educate your family and friends. Wildlife is precious, special and such a gift to all of us. They are unique in their design. They are diverse in their abilities. They are simple in their complexity.
When you are driving your car and see a bird soaring high above, recognize its splendor. If a possum gets stuck in your garbage can, yes it has happened to us, show it love and speak softly. The poor thing is scared to death!
Maybe you live in an area where you haven't had the privilege of observing much wildlife. I have been speaking to an amazing site that allows you to view Wildlife in the natural habitat. Yes, you can see Polar Bears/Bears in the wild, Sharks in the ocean, Elephants drinking, Beluga whales, Baboons climbing down their trees in the morning - I watched them this morning!
Explore.org is a live cam site with footage all day, every day of nature's beauties! This is the site I use to show my preschool children how Wildlife live, not in zoos! I have told my former and current parents, family, friends and anyone who will listen, about this wonderful site where we can be a part of the beauty without disturbing those who live there!
Wildlife experience pain, sadness, joy. Some on levels unlike our own but should that matter? Are we the ones to decide if they feel or not? Life is life.
Let's love all life. Hate, fear and violence only produces more of the same. And showing respect and love to Wildlife can be the start of a better future for every living being on Earth.
I may have been rambling here a bit but for good reason. Too often I see the dismissiveness of others to anything that isn't human or even worse that isn't material! Technology, clothes, make-up, etc. are often more important than the life of another species. This is something I will go on about until I am unable to speak, read or write!
So, thank you for reading my rant and allowing me to express my love, my passion. After all:
We are all Mother Nature's Heroes, all deserving of life, together.
