Amid the sad, horrific stories coming from Africa, the Ebola crisis and others, there are a group of people doing something, and that is trying to save the African Elephant. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, is one organization. Their mission is to rescue the baby elephants that have been left motherless when their mothers are killed by poachers. They also rescue and rehabilitate rhinos, other wildlife and attempt to stop poaching by various means.
I received, as a gift, a baby elephant, ZIWA, who was adopted for me by my sister. Of course I know I am one of many adopters who are contributing to ZIWA'S care among others, but that is fine. It helps those of us who contribute to our special causes to read a story or see a picture, even though we understand that we are essentially contributing to the whole trust. Read ZIWA's story if you can. Poor baby, although quite big now was not thriving in the relocation area and had to be air lifted back to Nairobi just in time before he grew too big to be shipped back in a small plane. He is doing better, perhaps he missed "home."
And you may ask, why worry about animals when there is so much need in other areas in Africa? I see this as the big picture. If we can, we need to be concerned about all our creatures, not just the two-legged variety. And where there is cruelty in one area, it is certain that there is cruelty in another. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is worth a look. (this link should work)
I received, as a gift, a baby elephant, ZIWA, who was adopted for me by my sister. Of course I know I am one of many adopters who are contributing to ZIWA'S care among others, but that is fine. It helps those of us who contribute to our special causes to read a story or see a picture, even though we understand that we are essentially contributing to the whole trust. Read ZIWA's story if you can. Poor baby, although quite big now was not thriving in the relocation area and had to be air lifted back to Nairobi just in time before he grew too big to be shipped back in a small plane. He is doing better, perhaps he missed "home."
And you may ask, why worry about animals when there is so much need in other areas in Africa? I see this as the big picture. If we can, we need to be concerned about all our creatures, not just the two-legged variety. And where there is cruelty in one area, it is certain that there is cruelty in another. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is worth a look. (this link should work)
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| Ziwa, looking very thin |
This article explains this in detail for those who say, "What does it matter.?"
and is on the web site.
There was an excellent article recently in the Smithsonian magazine. It was enough to make one weep and then want to take on the poachers.
ReplyDeleteI'll look it up online--I think that the culture of killing wild animals except for meat and survival and I include our own hunters, Hemingway included, somehow inures the killer to violence against all creatures, humans included. Thank you for the reference, wonder if I have the courage to read it as I can imagine how the poaching is described.
ReplyDeletePoachers don't care about the species only the money gained. I wish there were more game reserves. It's good that we are aware of what goes on in other countries, when species are decimated. Sport and trophy hunting is another practice I think should be discontinued, like the helicopter wolf hunts. . .in North America.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I see an elephant, like the one in the photo, it reminds me of Kipling tales, the 'Just So' stories and 'How the Elephant got his Trunk'.
Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_So_Stories
Kipling was such a wonderful story teller---"Once Upon a Time. . ." Thank you for reminding me.
DeleteHi Nat - life revolves around all life ... everything is important to everything else ... we cannot do without those connections ... the threads break and are difficult or impossible to mend and thus chaos ensues ...
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that we can't provide all humanity with enough to keep them going, without the need to resorting to kill things to gain cash - it is most definitely not a helpful environment. Education is a priority ...
Elephants feel ... and understand .. that's proven .... while thugs and gang leaders' "form of self-help which victimizes others" and ruins lives of many, as well as treating the ecological balance with complete disrespect ...
I hope sincerely that Ziwa survives and is able to mix with his family again - extended or otherwise .. he'll know they are his ...
It's really good that you highlight these issues ... bless the beasts and the children for in this world they have no voice .. and we need to express it for them ... cheers Hilary
The Ivory Trade also helps terrorists, I read. Constant vigilance is necessary to fight injustice, even for animals.
DeleteBless the beasts and the children
ReplyDeleteGive them shelter from the storm
Keep them safe
Keep them warm
Don McLeans wonderful song Tapestry contains these lyrics:
Every fish that swims silent, every bird that flies freely,
every doe that steps softly.
Every crisp leaf that falls, all the flowers that grow
on this colourful tapestry, somehow they know.
That if man is allowed to destroy all we need.
He will soon have to pay with his life, for his greed.
Sometimes it's easier to express these things through lyrics or pictures.
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Thank you for writing all the lyrics, the last two lines are especially true.
DeleteThus is a subject I feel very strongly about. More for the beasts because they really cannot help themselves and there is insufficient support. There are many groups that do good work but they all need funding. I have supported the World Wildlife Fund for many years. I agree with what Hilary has to say and I like the lyrics quoted by Bazza. The slaughter of rhinos and elephants has reached epic proportions and before long there won't be any to be protected.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the next 20 years hold for these animals? Money is the issue as always.
DeleteI agree with you in every respect. And as for those who may ask, 'why worry about animals when there is so much need in other areas in Africa?' Shame on them. Animals are the true innocents of the brutality of man.
ReplyDeleteBut, saying that, there are some extraordinary human beings. The ones you talk about being just a few. And if I came into any money, I know exactly where it would go. And not to a human charity either.
I despair of the human race at the best of times.
Hard to know where to put your hard-earned money. Do some of the African charities really use all the money they receive for the betterment of those ladies who knit, weave and bead? I know that the David Sheldrick Fund is there, check out my sister's comments. As for the others, I don't know. Education is the key, but it takes a long time to change.
DeleteI love the work that this organization does! We were fortunate enough to visit the elephant orphanage when we were in Kenya. The people there are so dedicated and caring! And more awareness of the problems of poaching will certainly help keep animals in Africa so that our children and grandchildren can experience them too! Love that one can "adopt" an elephant for $50 US a year! The trust then keeps you up to date on their progress. Great gift for a child too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, CQ and thanks for Ziwa!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and liked all the comments too. Thanks for sharing about the plight of the animals,
ReplyDeleteAlways look forward to the comments which are always thoughtful and add to the post. Thank you for yours.
ReplyDeleteThe work this organization is doing is great. Also those who are helping are actually carrying something we call "SAWAB E JARIA" ie a good dead in continuum.
ReplyDeleteAnd oh how this world needs good deeds, Munir!
ReplyDelete