Ignorance is not bliss...

In regards to the recent posts and questions...

About the caging of animals for instance, in a zoo or research center I would say, it all depends.  My push and the purpose of this blog is to try and increase the regulation on the captivity of all species and especially certain ones with particular needs.  For instance, a bird that has the natural desire to fly, born into this world to feel the wind beneath its wings, that is caged in a 2x2 cage with barely enough room to spread its wings, let alone fly, is not being given the chance to live in the fullness of their being. When it comes to zoos, I would like to see the regulation on the space each creature is provided.  A bear that lives in a cement cage with no reflection of the natural wild they would be found in and no companionship of other bears, most certainly puts this animal in distress.  For those animals like tigers who can live as long a twenty years, being held back from a chance to feel what grass feels like or to sun themselves, is certainly a disgrace.  Could you imagine living your entire life without any contact with other humans, good food, or even your computer? There is no doubt we would all become distant and depressed, giving up on the hope of a good life.

There is however, something to be said about zoos.  Zoos do allow us to educate ourselves, first hand.  There is no better way to learn about something than by sight and tangibility.  I believe that it is very important for the protection of these species, that there is ample education about them.  Disrespect comes from ignorance, a lack of understanding.  If you do not fully understand something, a creature perhaps, how could you posses the knowledge in order to have the respect it takes to protect them, give them the quality of life they deserve.  I do believe that if people were to really understand how remarkable each and every creature is, there truly would be a greater movement of respect for them.  My concern that comes with the caging of zoo animals is lack of proper care.  What does it teach our children to see a great animal confined in a cement cell?  NO RESPECT.  I do believe in the education that a zoo can provide to those of us who would otherwise never see a lion, tiger, or monkey.  I do however, believe that every animal that is held in captivity is cared for as if they were still living in the wild.  Many of the animals that live in the zoos are animals that are saved from human predators, who can no longer fend for themselves in the wild. With all they have been through, why not give them the feeling of being back in the wild? 

When it comes to research centers,  if we do not understand every special creature, how can we educate others about them?  It is important to remember the quality of life for these creatures.   Animal testing is wrong and I will discuss that on a later note.  For some animals, it has become quite apparent that their existence does highly depend on the research we as humans can do.  As long as we can provide each animal with their natural needs, I see no harm in educating ourselves.  This is where I say we need to just better regulate the conditions that these animals live in.  They are providing us with unremarkable knowledge,  why  not give them the respect in return?  It is only what you would ask of your fellow humans- would you not?

Ignorance;  it plagues us every day.  We are all ignorant about something.  It is not a bad thing to be ignorant. Ignorance gives a chance to grow, to learn.  Unfortunately, our ignorance can sometimes threaten the welfare of others around us.  It is important that we acknowledge our ignorance and try to grow from them.  If every person lived by their own lack of understanding, with no desire to change or to grow, we would most certainly lose everything that we have grown to love.  Like a ripple in a tide pool, the ripples grow larger, affecting everything they touch.  Even though, on the surface the water is still glassy and beautiful, with no real sign of disturbance, underneath the water lies a whole other world, perhaps tormented by the movement.  Just because we can be blinded by the ignorance that comes from the lack of sight of  immediate consequences, does not mean our ripples aren't affecting those around us.  We can go on living without any remorse or concern for the creatures around us, but when they are gone and we have no food to eat, or crops to harvest, because we killed the last bee, maybe we will feel the pain their absence left us.

A brief story of my own ignorance.

 I am an avid animal lover and yes I have had my fair share of creatures ( including the various beetles and bugs my sister and I brought home on several occasions-driving my poor mother who thought she had "girls", nuts).  I have also made my fair share of mistakes with my animal friends, not understanding the true nature of each creature and their exact requirements for healthy living.  I will admit in my own ignorance I have lost many a "pet".

"Forgive them, for they know not what they do." 

Humans are an evolving race.  We evolve within ourselves, personally and socially.  For a species to evolve, they must be first, ignorant on some level of something in particular- this is how we grow.  Sometimes even with good intentions we can overlook the fact that we are being selfish on some level.  Like with animals, or "pets" as we like to call them, sometimes we disregard what is naturally best for that particular animal, simply because we are ignorant to the way they communicate.  Animals obviously cannot speak , but they can show signs of discomfort and unhappiness.  Unfortunately, some of us humans simply have not evolved enough to relinquish our ignorance and pay attention to the needs of our pets. 

When I was a child I felt very much like every animal I came across was in need of help or rescue.  Whether it was the dog in the street that I had to practically chase down (even though it was probably just trying to get home) or the snake in my back yard that just looked hungry, I felt the need to meddle in the natural rhythms that animal was trying to live.  For instance, when I was achild I once found a beautiful snake with a yellow belly and a cool grey back in my backyard.  In my pure curiosity and much to my own ignorance I was certain that this snake needed my help, so I took him into captivity.  My sister and I named him "Greyback" and we loved him.  Over the next day we did our best to build him a home and feed him bugs we hunted for in the backyard (which was hard for me, since I still to this day won't even step on an ant).  Now, even with good intentions, my sister and I lacked the knowledge to care for such a creature and in our own ignorance, the snake met his demise in our cage we built him, shortly thereafter. My sister and I both learned a valuable lesson that day. 

Sometimes even those of us who do not wish to cause harm to our animal friends can be ignorant too.  You might fall in love with that beautiful multi-colored bird and want to have it to own it.  For those who provide the space and companionship that bird needs, congratulations.  But for the others who are just being lost in their selfishness and ignorance, love that bird enough to not lock him away and take away the one thing it loves to do.  Think of your children, or a friend you love so dear.  Would you ever hold someone you loved back from the things they loved?  Would you ever be so selfish as to hold on so tight that you smother their soul?  I think if you took a moment you would realize that you wouldn't. Would you want that for yourself? 

I do not wish to sit here and say that no one should never not know the love an animal or the experience it will provide you with to give the care to another creature.  In the right setting with ample natural care, there is always a way to form a bond or find respect for the creatures around us.  It is healthy for us to learn to expand our love outside of ourselves and our own species-it will only connect us closer to the earth.  We all just want the chance to thrive, to live freely.  Find it in you to lose some ignorance and gain some respect for the things you don't understand. Just take a small step, if you may... read this and ponder what has been written by me and the others who took the time to post their feeling as well.  YOU WILL ONLY GROW FROM IT!

Caged...

To be free.  Isn't that what we all strive for?  Every living creature is born with the undying desire to be free.  For centuries we as humans have fought to the death to just be able to live free, die free.  For some, freedom is to be able to practice your beliefs, others it is to be rid of racial slurs and hatred.  Maybe freedom is to just be rid of your own inner demons, or to just be able to feel the sun warm your skin and the wind blow through your hair.  Could you ever imagine living without freedom?  Could you live without freedom-consumed by the suffocation of being locked away from your natural desires?   Most would die to be free; almost all would fight to be free.  As humans we are strong, a powerful race, with the ability to rely on each other in numbers.  We can problem solve and convict motivation within ourselves and others.  We have the ability to fight against angst and the unjust.  We have proven for centuries that we will not be repressed, we are truly strong.  But what of those who are weak?  Our world of countries have always had allies, aiding in the time of need.  Our own country has sent and is sending aid to those countries who cannot fend for themselves; who need help, who need a guiding hand.  We give aid so effortlessly to our fellow humans; always fighting for those weaker than us. But what of our animal friends? 

Now, I know most would believe that animals are a sub-species and maybe at first glance they are.  Animals do not hold rallies and protest in numbers, appeal to Congress, have talk shows or even know how to begin to fight their unjust caging.  What most of us don't realize is that our animal community is just as important if not more important than we as humans.  Every species has its place here on earth.  The circle of life isn't just something you heard about in the "Lion King" - it is real.  Without the natural balance animals create here on earth-providing food for us and controlling the population of each other and grooming our plant-life, through consumption- we as humans would be completely lost.  We could not begin to do half the work animals provide for us.  Even today some species have scientists stumped about the natural knowledge they carry about the earths inner workings.  The circle of life, leaning on another by following our own natural desires, to increase and maintain balance for the world.  So why is it we have such disrespect for such a large working piece of our planet?

Back to freedom.  Walking into a pet shop, or someones home who owns pets-two scenarios. 

One:  A very loving family that provides all the natural essentials for their "pet", depending on breed, a happy well adjusted animal. Good! Great!  There are many of us who have high respect for their furry, scaly, feathered companions. We appreciate the energy and happiness we gain from having them in our lives and respectfully give them the freedom that allows them to fulfill their natural tendencies.  Much like letting your child become the thespian they some much want to be, even though you might want them to be a basketball star, they are happy and living true unto themselves.

Two:  The animal is caged.  A small cage only a few inches bigger than their bodies, barely to able to spread their wings, or stretch their legs.  Stuck, alone no affection, like a prison, food shoved under the door. Isolation and depression. Bitterness and sadness starting to affect the temperament of this creature.  And what was the crime? Not a murder, or a robbery, just caged for existing.  Existing for a selfish human who could not understand the beauty and importance this creature embraces.  Caged by someone who could not begin to imagine his own injustice or lack of freedom. 

What do we gain by caging the life around us?   Is it the need to feel in control, or just ignorance-probably both.  This is where most of our wars start by one race trying to cage another.  We all know is doesn't work. So why do we cage our defenceless animal brethren who only exist to live out their born rights, to provide for us, maintaining our land and giving us joy and happiness?  Perhaps, we as humans show our weakness here.  Like the big bully on the playground, who is just throwing around his size, we dominate over those who don't get the choice to fight for themselves.

In this blog I will do my best to bring forth my views and opinions on this issue of "caging".  I will also be sharing with you the science behind my testimony.  I look forward to sharing with you as well as you sharing with me your thoughts.  I hope from this you will gain understanding and I will gain some guidance as to how to turn this blog into action.  I wish only for the respect of both worlds to live in harmony in this circle of life.  I promise to bring forth a different topic every time I blog to make sure we are covering all the basis!  I also understand that this is a sensitive subject for some.  I do not wish to unwelcome criticism, but I only ask to please be respectful of what is happening here! Thanks for this opportunity, blog to you soon!