A little reluctant
I used to love going to zoos. That was one of the things my husband and I had in common--a love of animals. However, once I had the sense of them as sad places, I couldn't do it anymore. Everything in its time.
I also don't feel very good about eating meat. I never choose it or buy it for myself. But if my husband is eating it, I steal a piece, guiltily.
We are not perfect. We try to live conscientiously in a cruel world, but it's not a straight path. One thing I know for sure, lecturing people won't change minds, so I try stuff like this. Cute collages and gentle arguments.
Certainly, the culture has come a long way from my childhood (back in the 50s!!) when all my aunts competed to have the biggest and the best fur stoles. We are making progress. Now we have the Nonhuman Rights Project, which has litigated the rights of confined animals in court.
I hope you enjoy your trip. It won't help the animals if you feel miserable :))
Thank so much for stopping by. I very much appreciated your description of 'running round Whipsnade'. I'm a country girl myself. My playground was a forest, a stream and mountain :)
That sounds just divine. WHere was that, then?
Yes, it's more complex than simple yes/no arguments, that's for sure. Gentle and open is the way to be.
Historically, zoos have been places of abuse, but I think much has changed, especially in the west, where there's more regulation and accountabiliy, and, perhaps, much more funding. I guess we can ethically justify anything, right? I WILL enjoy Sunday - it'll be nice to spend time with family for a change. Covid's been constantly keeping us apart.
I guess we can ethically justify anything, right?
😇
Hudson River Valley, in the foothills of an Appalachian range, the Shawangunk mountains. It was 'divine'. So close to nature it became a part of me. And yet, it was brutal. Very difficult circumstances. My only comforts were the forest, the stream and the mountain :))
For me, nothing is more important. Enjoy every moment.
Oh gosh. I hear so much about that area. The biodiversity there sounds extraordinary. I've heard so much about the medicinal plants in the area, the folk lore, the music, the mountain folk. I have never been to America but boy would I like to visit there.
I am sorry about your hardship. I find it so incredible how often nature holds space for us, gives us peace, calms our fraught nervous system, teaches and raises us. It certainly seems like it was family for you - a solace when life's brutality was too much.
You have a heart my friend. And yes, you would love it. Appalachians are one of the oldest ranges in the world. Quite primitive, and beautiful.