Mark (Star Mariner)
2nd December 2011, 17:08
Two Pandas named Tian Tian and Yang Guang, (meaning Sweetie and Sunshine) are set to be moved all the way to Edinburgh Zoo, Scotland, this weekend. They will be flown in a specially converted Boeing 777 from their habitat in the Ya'an reserve in China... Both animals are expected to remain as fixtures at Edinburgh zoo for a period of up to 10 years under the care of the Royal Zoological Society.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/8931483/Giant-pandas-prepare-for-journey-to-Edinburgh-Zoo.html
That’s quite a change, isn’t it, from their natural environment in China to cold, grey Scotland?
There is surely a spiritual question here in regards to the ethics of this practise. They will no doubt provide children and adults alike with a fascinating glimpse of these elusive creatures, drawing crowds from far and wide.
But at what cost to the animals? If it were possible to psychically ‘ask’ them what is their wish – and I firmly believe that some talented individuals have this ability – what would they say? What would be their choice?
Now don’t get me wrong I’m not an animal activist, or campaigner, in fact I’m not really that keen on being around animals, even the domesticated variety. Some people dedicate their entire lives to the care and preservation of animals, and they do wonderful work, but that is not my energy. That said, the suffering of animals still really disturbs me!
Perhaps I am over-reacting. I understand that particularly Pandas are a rare and protected species, so they will be treated almost as royalty, but I wholly disagree with any structure at all that is designed wholly for the containment of animals.
Domesticated pets are fine of course, or geese, chickens and goats as part of a small-holding etc. But a good friend of mine keeps tree-frogs and geckos, both kept in small, glass tanks. Here I draw a line. To my mind they serve as little more than ‘exhibits’, or biological ornaments.
And zoos are the same. Even though I visited zoos when I was a child, and greatly enjoyed the experiences, I came to understand that it was unfair to ask the animal to suffer such restriction, such imprisonment, merely for my viewing pleasure.
In my opinion it is cruel, and unethical to confine any life-form in a box, tank, or cage just so we can gawp at them.
Am I missing a bigger picture here, am I indeed over-reacting?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/8931483/Giant-pandas-prepare-for-journey-to-Edinburgh-Zoo.html
That’s quite a change, isn’t it, from their natural environment in China to cold, grey Scotland?
There is surely a spiritual question here in regards to the ethics of this practise. They will no doubt provide children and adults alike with a fascinating glimpse of these elusive creatures, drawing crowds from far and wide.
But at what cost to the animals? If it were possible to psychically ‘ask’ them what is their wish – and I firmly believe that some talented individuals have this ability – what would they say? What would be their choice?
Now don’t get me wrong I’m not an animal activist, or campaigner, in fact I’m not really that keen on being around animals, even the domesticated variety. Some people dedicate their entire lives to the care and preservation of animals, and they do wonderful work, but that is not my energy. That said, the suffering of animals still really disturbs me!
Perhaps I am over-reacting. I understand that particularly Pandas are a rare and protected species, so they will be treated almost as royalty, but I wholly disagree with any structure at all that is designed wholly for the containment of animals.
Domesticated pets are fine of course, or geese, chickens and goats as part of a small-holding etc. But a good friend of mine keeps tree-frogs and geckos, both kept in small, glass tanks. Here I draw a line. To my mind they serve as little more than ‘exhibits’, or biological ornaments.
And zoos are the same. Even though I visited zoos when I was a child, and greatly enjoyed the experiences, I came to understand that it was unfair to ask the animal to suffer such restriction, such imprisonment, merely for my viewing pleasure.
In my opinion it is cruel, and unethical to confine any life-form in a box, tank, or cage just so we can gawp at them.
Am I missing a bigger picture here, am I indeed over-reacting?