"Carol, even animals in captivity need our support and love." Kathleen Shelton
Going to the Zoo should be a fun and educational experience. I know that the Zoo is not an ideal or natural way for the animals to live but it is an easier way to see, photograph and connect with the animals in my neck of the world that are not naturally in my neck of the woods. I love to say hi to my animal friends and hang out with them.
Whenever I go to the Zoo, I always hope that there are not many people there and I was not disappointed.
Why do I say that? The less people, the less distraction for me and the animals. To get that one special shot, one has to wait patiently. I want to photograph the animal's essence as much as I can even though it is not in it's natural element. I also love to hang out with the animal and observe them. It fills me with a sense of wonder.
I was lucky on this particular day indeed. There were 2 Cheetahs resting by the window gazing out. I sat beside them and spent some time photographing them. 1 of the Cheetahs looked right into my eyes. The expression on the Cheetah's face reminded me of my cat Chance who always gives me this particular look.
My heart melted and it reiterated the connection that we have with the animal world. I was blessed to have these moments with these beautiful big cats.
I heard the sound of adults with their children and I knew that my time was up. I always say thank you to the animal that I was able to photograph and spend time with. I got up so the children could experience what I was so blessed to have witnessed. A little boy had his toy car and threw it against the window where the Cheetahs rested. This action and sound startled the Cheetahs which made them jump. My mouth has a mouth of it's own and told the little boy that we do not throw cars at the window of where the animals live. I must admit that I was shocked by the action of this child but I have seen teenagers do the same thing with their hands banging against the window. All I can say is that they were all lucky to have a piece of glass between them.
People need to understand that when you are at the Zoo be respectful of the animals. They did not volunteer to live there. They are not living in their natural environment. They are living in a enclosed area where they usually go around and around in circles trying to keep themselves occupied. On top of that, there are people tapping on the windows, yelling at them. Some are even calling them stupid and ugly. I have seen this time and time again. It is up to parents to teach their children Zoo etiquette. Each animal has it's place in the circle of life. How would you like that to happen in your own home?
Animals are a wonder and delight. They can teach us about ourselves. Whether they live on the farm, the zoo or out in the wild, isn't it time that we give animals the respect they deserve? They are not a commodity.
They were not created just for us. Each and every animal has it's purpose on this planet, not just
the cute and fuzzy ones but ALL animals. Let us give them ALL the love and respect that they deserve.
.
.
