TEACHING KINDNESS

Today, it warmed my heart when a group of kids came to me with a little tree frog that they wanted to help. It was in a high traffic area of a playground, and they were concerned that it might get trampled by kids at play who might overlook the tiny frog. One of the kids, whom I know to be very interested in wildlife and good at gentle capture, joined hands with me. Together we held the frog, so it would not escape. We found a suitable branch and leaf for the critter, far enough away from any crowds. The frog jumped onto the kid’s shirt, as if to show its gratitude, and then into his palm. The frog then slowly climbed up onto the tree branch. The kids all cheered and returned to the playground, happy.

This got me thinking that the key to future conservation of wildlife and habitats is in teaching young people to value, respect, and act kindly towards nature. Today, I saw it in action! Whether its tree frogs, alligators, orangutans, or dolphins, we need to consider wildlife’s well being in all that we do. Let’s not only share this message with other adults. Let’s teach the next generations, as well! ​