Mystery Soul
For many of us, travelling to different places in the world observing animals and birds in their natural habitat is not an option. I admit I have mixed feelings about zoos. I would say that no matter where we are from we are all better when we are free, but how many of us truly are? It is the same for the animals in some ways. How many are hunted for profit or out of fear, for dominance or for the development of a new subdivision?
It seems to me sometimes wildlife is condemned more than appreciated, threatened rather than respected, feared rather than understood. It is so much easier to judge what we do not understand and then act on that fear and hatred.
We often visited the zoo when the children were young. It was a nice outing no matter what the weather or time of year. The Calgary Zoo had created habitat enclosures that were both educational and as close as possible to the animals natural habitat. Although it wasn’t freedom, for the most part the majority of animals had a respectable home. We can ask how many of us live in less than adequate conditions based on our circumstances. Do we feel safe in our environment? Do we feel in control of our lives, making decisions in our best interest? Are we free?
The gorilla enclosure could be viewed from inside and outside the building. One day when visiting there was quite a crowd in front of the inside viewing window. The gorillas were resting, not moving around or giving us any entertainment, at least in the minds of those up front. They were pointing at the large male, laughing at him, making snide remarks, tapping on the window, anything to try to get him to react. The big male kept his back to us and it seemed he was not going to be manipulated into ‘performing.’
We were standing at the back of the crowd, the children not really able to see anything, and we were about to walk on when all of sudden with great speed and precision the male arrived at the window, hitting the glass with his fist and vocally expressing his anger towards those making fun of him. The intent behind his forceful outburst was clear and with equal speed those doing the bullying disappeared from the space they were occupying, I’m sure very relieved there was a strong barrier between them. I stood amazed at what I had just witnessed. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the people who were just a moment ago convinced they had the upper hand. I was also grateful for the clear space in which our family was given to now watch in peace.
I couldn’t help but wonder why is it we think animals have no feelings, no awareness or cannot think. Is it this same lack of understanding which makes us believe the colour of our skin or the conditions in which we live determine our level of intelligence or our sense of honour, our morality?
I could only stand in silence and admire this gorilla’s ability to be so exposed to the ignorance of man. It was a wonderful moment for me to stand there alone (family having moved on) and share a moment with this beautiful male as I quietly watched him. Satisfied with the result of his outburst, he had returned with deliberate grace to his original position, his back to the glass. I stayed a few moments longer before I too moved on, leaving him to his thoughts.
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