Caring for Wildlife
What makes some of us humans want to connect with and care for animals, particularly wild animals? Is it that they force us to try and understand in different ways? Is it that we must find new and varying ways to communicate? Is it their silent confidence or elusive mystery? Is it that they sometimes allow us to remain in their presence? Whatever it is, I am thankful that it happens to me!
Observations and encounters with animals has enriched my life. Beyond my emotions of wanting to help them, I have been motivated to learn what they need and prefer. I have learned some cool stuff, but I have been able to actually help some animals in need. I was in a debate with someone who imagines that animals prefer what they prefer, which is usually not the case. That person operated on pure emotion and their “help” actually causes potential harm to the very creatures they want to help. It’s a form of anthropomorphism that borders on obsession, and not in a good way (I have a passion for saving tigers and alligators that might border on obsession, but it’s beneficial and not harmful)! Other people sometimes want to dominate and kill wild animals—whether it’s out of fear or a desire to feel superior in some way. That is equally as harmful and destructive.
My hope and prayer is that all people learn about wildlife and learn to coexist with wildlife. My hope is that they will help animals in need, not harm them. There is constant debate over how to carry out conservation. Is it kind to hunt deer to prevent overpopulation? Where do humans fit in the food web if they choose to eat meat? I don’t have all the answers. But I know that humans can do better. We can preserve habitat. We can reduce waste, litter, pollution, and other harmful acts, if we just look outside ourselves. If we stop and think, “Is this good for wildlife”, we can make better choices. That’s a great start! And we can educate each other and encourage one another to do the right things in smart ways. We can open our minds and hearts.
When wildlife prospers, so do we!
Observations and encounters with animals has enriched my life. Beyond my emotions of wanting to help them, I have been motivated to learn what they need and prefer. I have learned some cool stuff, but I have been able to actually help some animals in need. I was in a debate with someone who imagines that animals prefer what they prefer, which is usually not the case. That person operated on pure emotion and their “help” actually causes potential harm to the very creatures they want to help. It’s a form of anthropomorphism that borders on obsession, and not in a good way (I have a passion for saving tigers and alligators that might border on obsession, but it’s beneficial and not harmful)! Other people sometimes want to dominate and kill wild animals—whether it’s out of fear or a desire to feel superior in some way. That is equally as harmful and destructive.
My hope and prayer is that all people learn about wildlife and learn to coexist with wildlife. My hope is that they will help animals in need, not harm them. There is constant debate over how to carry out conservation. Is it kind to hunt deer to prevent overpopulation? Where do humans fit in the food web if they choose to eat meat? I don’t have all the answers. But I know that humans can do better. We can preserve habitat. We can reduce waste, litter, pollution, and other harmful acts, if we just look outside ourselves. If we stop and think, “Is this good for wildlife”, we can make better choices. That’s a great start! And we can educate each other and encourage one another to do the right things in smart ways. We can open our minds and hearts.
When wildlife prospers, so do we!
In Native American culture and in the Bible, a wolf often symbolizes something ominous.
But a wolf also stands for survival, determination, wisdom and strength.
It can mean self-renewal. A black wolf can mean that the best is yet to come. That is hope!
I feel a connection to nature and my Cherokee/Blackfoot heritage.
#preservationstation - Angie
But a wolf also stands for survival, determination, wisdom and strength.
It can mean self-renewal. A black wolf can mean that the best is yet to come. That is hope!
I feel a connection to nature and my Cherokee/Blackfoot heritage.
#preservationstation - Angie
