Any of you who know me, or have read my blog for a while, may know that I am passionate about animals. I love animals, and I wish I could take care of them all. I wish I could do more. But I'm human. And it really isn't my calling. I've been called in a different direction, and that's okay. I am so happy to be writing this blog, and it has given me a chance to share God and His Word with all of you. Which I love doing. The new format also allows for a chance for me to share these other things with you in the form of what I call "Thoughful Thursday," where I muse about a variety of things that interest me, and things I am passionate about.
Today I have to talk about a news story I read last week. It's not pretty, and it may be too strong for you. If you read the article title and think it might be, feel free to skim it. I'm going to do a brief summary, but even I won't go into everything, so this post will be safe-ish.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2019/06/wildlife-tourism-update-on-elephant-gluay-hom/
So, this news story is about wildlife captivity (particularly elephants) and the way they are treated for "entertainment," or "tourism." These animals live in horrible conditions, and it's just disgusting. They don't live natural lives. They are chained. Beaten. They live on concrete. They don't get enough food. They are forced into interaction with people whether they feel up to it or not.
And as a side note: that is how people and animals get hurt.
Why? Why do people do this?
Simple answer: Greed. They use these animals for a profit.
Now, I know some of you are saying "But what about zoos? What about ranches that use horses?"
Well, I say it's all about the purpose and the quality of the lives these animals have.
Most zoos have animals in captivity who have never been wild, and they use them to educate the public, and to aid conservation efforts. It is, perhaps, not the ideal way to see these animals, but with so many being hunted to extinction, it's hard to see many of them in the wild. So you have to consider the quality of the care they receive and whether they are stressed or not. And you can tell. Even if you've never been around that species of animal before, if you really look, and don't go in with a preconceived idea, you can tell.
Ranches have used horses for work for ages. Longer than you or I have been alive, I guarantee it. And it's about the quality of their lives. Are they healthy? Safe? Do they work hard but also get time to rest and play? And to a horse, running, jumping, herding, and rodeoing can be play too. They're very smart, and form close bonds with people, just like dogs do.
Also, are they being handled properly? With the right kind of training? The right kind of reinforcement?
So, my point is that it's important to judge the quality of the places we're visiting. To research before giving them our money. Are they worthy of our time and money?
So many places do not consider the animals at all, especially abroad, where regulations are very different from America. Their only interest is in how much money they can make while spending as little as possible on the animals in their care.
Please, please, please, beware of these places. Spend your money wisely. Do not help promote or advance these places.
But, and this is a doozy: do not hate those who do it. I know that's often hard. Animals and children are big triggers for all of us. But it's important to remember that we are supposed to love and pray for our enemies, as well as our friends.
So, today I ask you to pray. Please pray for these people, and others like them. And keep in mind when you're traveling, that not all wildlife attractions are the same.
Okay! That's enough of that heavy stuff. God has been dealing with me about getting back to my blog, so I'm going to be doing my best to write up some other posts, hopefully very encouraging, and not as heavy as this one.
Love y'all! Until next time.
