Alternate:Words

Happy?Feet, originally uploaded by Thorsten Becker.

Today I am reposting an entry from July 2007. I have been tagged by my friend Esra for fourth and fourth (something going around in the blogger realm). I will spare any comments on tagging games (lest I hear my wife say “you're always so serious”, with that long drawn out 'serious'). I am going to cheat a bit by simply taking the historically fourth picture on my blog, mainly because that entry concerns something very close to my heart. I am including the original post below and provide some additional comments afterwards.

Happy Feet is one of those movies you don't expect anything but light entertainment from until the real message carries through: mankind's destructive habits, exploitation and inconsideration for nature. I think the most disturbing scenes were of Mumble being captured and put on display.

As much as I appreciate observing animals in a Zoo or exhibition I can't help but notice the lethargic expressions and movements due to cages and displays that are often too small to offer sufficient space and variation. 'Happy Feet' had a happy ending. But I am not too sure about the little fellows in this photo. I'd be happier to know that they'll be released one day - into a natural habitat no longer ravaged and exploited by us = the consumer. No consumer - no exploitation. I think we can all do our part to make this happen.

If there is one subject I have always been passionate about it's animals. When I was a child I wanted to be a 'Tierforscher' – zoologist. I've been watching, studying and interacting with animals ever since I can think. I've had a least one guinea pig at any given time and often an accompanying parakeet (plus a few hamsters and a cat which later lived with my grandparents due to landlord restrictions). I diligently followed the shows of famous German zoologists Heinz Sielmann and Bernhard Grzimek, often watching them with my grandmother who very much loved animals. In fact it was she who installed that same appreciation in me. We also frequently went to the local zoo; memories I will always cherish.

I admit to still posses a childlike excitement when watching animals, and having no fear of getting close (I have a solid understanding of many of them). If you've ever watched the Jeff Corwin show you'll have a good impression of how I feel and act around animals. I am equally passionate about them. In fact, very few subjects stir such a strong emotional response in me. And truth be told I have very little sympathy for people who, in my eyes for absolutely inexplicable reasons, don't like animals (the 'ew, animals, dirty filthy creatures' crowed). I think it is one of humanities most important responsibilities to take care of the creatures around us, we have to, we must, we're obligated.

I appreciate people's efforts to protect and preserve animals and zoos play an undeniably important part (while also offering much needed education). I am happy to see that these days many of them offer their inhabitants quite spacious and comfortable living quarters that are not just focused on display. The zoo in my hometown of Hanover is a prime example, something I am quite proud of.

Unfortunately the vast majority of zoos around the world are still very inhospitable. A pet can be adopted or rescued but an animal in a zoo has no choice. What to do? Not going to the zoo would be the wrong signal, the animals still suffer regardless of your lack of visit. Many zoos have good intentions. Therefore support them through donations and petitions. Entice more people to go with you which will increase revenue that can be used to update the zoo. Complain about the conditions if they are unsatisfactory but also inquire about ways to help. No problem is ever solved by ignoring it but by getting involved.

Well, now I am supposed to tag four other bloggers but alas I don't really have the contacts. So if you're still reading this and have a blog consider yourself tagged (unless, of course, you have already been tagged).

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