Comments on: OPINION: Animal Conservation or Cruelty?

By: Ashley Hiemenz

Ashley Hiemenz — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:31:28 +0000

Interesting point. However, no matter which way you look at it, we are in a day in age that conservation efforts like these are imperative to the future existence of many animals. It’s true that it is a sad factor that some governments support of conservation efforts are money-driven, however, I also believe that in many cases it was the pressure of passionate people that resulted in the positive protection of animals. Education essentially is the most powerful means of spreading awareness and I believe that the more people know, the better the decisions people will make for animals in the future. I believe choosing a wildlife park that was created to protect animals, not harm them, is one of those better alternatives.

By: Luke

Luke — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:51:39 +0000

I think the real tradgedy here is that thanks to the population growth of mankind we are forced to create wildlife parks to educate the public on what is happening to many species and by doing so we only encourage more people to get out there and chase dolphins and whales and tigers etc so they can get a glimpse when really they should just be left alone but that wont bring in tourist dollars to poor countries so conservation would not be nearly so important to those governments. Its a hideous catch 22 in which the animals, as always, lose. Progress is being made in granting rights to animals and we can only hope mankind will continue to become more enlightened in this area.

By: Lorien

Lorien — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:18:17 +0000

Thank you for posting such an important topic. I just went to a discussion last week regarding this exact subject. I’m a member of the Born Free Foundation and I feel that they carry out invaluable work throughout the world. I think its tragic that animals in this day and age are still locked up in tiny cages. It breaks my heart to see such magnificent beasts as Rhino and Elephant in small concrete enclosures. I understand that in some circumstances, when an animal is on the verge of extinction it is important to protect them but surely breed from these animals and release their offspring into the wild. Human beings seem to be way too busy playing “god” with animals when they really should just let them be or at least conserve them in a way that is not detrimental to the animals wellbeing. I’m really glad that there are so many projects around the world, set up by passionate and hard working individuals that carry out important and as far as I’m concerned essential work with these endangered creatures. We need to respect the animals and help them in a world that seems to be very much against their survival. Long may conservation continue and hats off to everyone involed!

By: Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:40:52 +0000

This opinion piece is very well done. Thank you Ashley for giving us examples of real conservation efforts – I would love to check out those places one day.

By: Shaun

Shaun — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 06:33:39 +0000

An important topic. There was also recently an interview on BBC with the Prime Minister of the Maldives, who along with heading towards being a carbon neutral destination, also sees the importance of restricting what he called mass whale shark watching…where it literally looks like a school of human fish swimming what is much too close to these endangered creatures.

Real wildlife and nature experiences are great…but the people running them need to have this passion for conservation, otherwise not only does it pose a danger to wildlife, but also their livelihood.

By: Luke Ford

Luke Ford — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:54:46 +0000

Well said Ashley. It’s so true. Growing up on the Gold Coast, Australia, a trip to Sea World was a regular occurrence growing up.

What completely baffles me is the giant Polar Bears they have living in a small enclosure, in a place that is better known for sun, surf and sand. I appreciate the efforts of Sea World when they help dolphins, whales and turtles caught up in fishing and shark nets off the coast, though they drop the ball seriously when it comes to the rest of their business.

The Polar Bears at Sea World (Australia)are, and this if from their own website, fed a combination of Kangaroo, Horse, Caramel, with treats such as marshmallows and ice cream. How is this conserving a species for future generations? Or trying to at least replicate an environment what they’d naturally be used to? Kangaroos… really?! It’s such a shame.

Its’ great to know though that there are people in Brazil, Estonia and other countries around the world taking a more active approach to conservation – whilst at the same time building a responsible tourism product.

By: Maureen

Maureen — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:28:37 +0000

Great article Ashley! I agree wholeheartedly. Considering that I majored in Animal Science in my university…I clearly love animals and I have never understood the appeal of gawking at them behind bars.