What is your favorite animal?

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The article reflects on the beauty and diversity of the Animal Kingdom, encompassing both wild and domesticated animals. It emphasises the importance of respecting wildlife and the role of zoos in education and conservation. Animals, zoos, and nature are integral parts of these discussions. It also critiques the trend of owning pets simply as a status symbol. Connection to nature is vital for sustainability.

Introduction

One fine morning, while wandering in a local park, a big green caterpillar attracted attention. Clinging onto a twig, it was eating leaves. It looked beautiful, and the way it was cutting leaves like a lukewarm knife cuts a cube of butter. On a slight disturbance, it curved its thoracic region, displaying a large, rounded spot that looked like a staring eye. It reminded me of the grumpy caterpillar of the iconic book “Alice in Wonderland”.

Living World

The vivid and vibrant living world is fascinating and stunningly beautiful. The caterpillar friend described above is a tiny part of the vast and diverse world. It is a vibrant place where everyone is performing their ordained duty.

(a) Vivacious Nature

A mere three-hundred-sixty-degree scanning of a verdurous, serene place reveals the vivacious nature around. Birds are hopping and happily chirping. Large birds of prey soar high. A kaleidoscope of butterflies flutters by, and colourful flowers bloom; everything is beautiful and complements each other. It is, thus becomes very difficult to tag any organism as the most favourite one.

(b) Rich and diverse

The Animal Kingdom is rich and diverse. From lower groups without vertebral columns to advanced vertebrates, they are all captivatingly beautiful. Some have large, speaking eyes while some are adorned with beautiful skin and attractive patterns. The small, innocent faces of otters attract attention. Their agile bodies and beautiful eyes enhance their sheer innocent look. The Mongoose, with its slim body, bushy tail, small snout, and vigilant eyes, is lovely. Look at any animal. They are cute and beautiful. Sometimes, they are regal and serious, like tigers, leopards, lions, and other members of the cat family.

Zoo

The zoo allows watching wild animals in their near-natural surroundings from a safe distance. Some people argue about the relevance of a zoo. Yet, it is an appropriate place to educate children. It also provides entertainment to people with animals zoo amidst Nature. It is, nevertheless, equally important to properly keep a zoo with open enclosures so that animals do not feel caged. (Why are zoos bad?)

(a) Animals from close quarters

Watching the vivid and diverse wild animals from close quarters is easy in a menagerie. One can do this while wandering and enjoying nature. From deer to hyenas, from leopards to tigers to rhinoceroses and many more. Each animal looks beautiful, and their cute activities attract attention and amuse.

(b) Wild animals

Wild animals are vital for forests and ecosystems to keep them balanced. Organisms are diverse and so are wild animals. They are distributed according to the habitat and behaviour of the animal. The varieties of animals thrive in the area that suits their behaviour. Rhinoceros, for example, are found in the marshy area of Assam. Similarly, tigers are found in the northern part of the country. Elephants are located in the forests of southern India.

(c) Education centre

The zoo is more than a centre of attraction and amusement. It educates children and adults about the importance of animals in zoos and nature. It also teaches about interaction and interdependence vis-à-vis wild animals. Wild animals are not merely organisms. Forests and wildlife are the country’s assets. In a zoo, they lead confined lives. They deserve respect and care. While visiting the zoo, visitors should refrain from teasing or harming animals. It is necessary to follow the protocol strictly while visiting a zoo. Animals do need space and privacy. As humans, we must strictly adhere to the guidelines set by zoo authorities and treat animals with respect.

(d) Cute and gentle Giraffe

A large animal with a long neck roams the zoo. It has a plated mosaic skin pattern that attracts visitors’ attention. It is a Giraffe, which is common in the African savanna. They look cute and beautiful with large eyes, bushy eyelashes, drooping lips, and large, padded tongues. Their size fascinates children and adults alike. Children happily squeal and clap watching them. Not native to India, yet the animal is seen in a zoo in the thick of Nature.

Domestic vs Wild

Domestic animals, feral animals and wild animals are distinguishable based on their habitat and mode of living. Since the dawn of civilisation, humans have learned to tame animals for their advantage. Cattle farming is one such job which involves domestication and extracting their product for commercial purposes and human consumption. Cattle like cows, buffalo, pigs, goats and sheep are domestic animals. They look lovely as another animal would, but have a tag of domesticated animals.

(a) Feral animals

Feral animals are those that, after escaping domestication, lead the life of wild animals. Taming animals is also a tedious job and requires a lot of care and patience. It sounds harsh, but it is a fact that humans’ selfish motives have created chaotic situations.

(b) Taming animals

Humans like to get possessions of every object that allures or amuses them. They like to keep animals, even at the cost of their freedom. Catching and “taming” birds in congested cages, especially parrots, Myna, and Bulbul, are examples. With the growing awareness, such activities stopped. Procurement, transportation and selling of mute creatures banned under the law.

Adopting animals as pets

People like and love domesticated animals. Animals like dogs, cats and cattle get love and protection from human beings. Ironically, it has become a status symbol to have several varieties of pet dogs, including hunting varieties. Dogs are loyal and easily befriended. They have been human companions since ancient times. Yet, some love cats. Cats are cute and silent, but need their space.

(a) Vogue

It seems that taming animals and keeping them as pets has become a vogue. Generally, it is considered a symbol of elevated status. Taming an animal, especially a dog, is not mostly out of love for animals. It has become a ludicrous flaunting of “Status Symbol”. The trend of having several pets and calling oneself an animal lover has perceptibly increased. Neo-rich and elite used to tame animals, especially dogs, that too of a dangerous breed.

(b) Rules must be followed

While on “morning walks” with their pet, they disregard social ethics. They allow the animal to defecate in the open. This happens on pavements and sometimes around houses. Such repulsive activities need to be discouraged.

Animal love and dietary preferences

Loving animals need not be linked with dietary habits. Some argue that those who are animal lovers should necessarily be vegetarian, if not vegan. It sounds sophistry. Feeding habits and loving an organism or animal can’t be equated. Can one say that he won’t eat food because he loves plants?

Care for Nature

Discussion about dietary habits is not in the purview of this piece right now. Loving animals and plants are loving Nature in toto. We care about the things, objects, and organisms that we love. It should be taken in the right spirit. To have a sustainable life, a clean environment and a salubrious atmosphere, we need to care for Nature. It is empirical and, hence, needs to be followed.

Related readings:

• Understanding Human-Wildlife Conflict in India
• Envisioning a Better Society: Insights and Changes
• The Illusion of Immortality: Lessons from a King
• The Vital Link Between Wildlife and Ecosystems
• The Domestication of Animals and Human Civilization: A Historical Perspective

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