I don’t believe so. For me certainly it goes much deeper than just a simple reply.
I am definitely a Bunny Hugger and extremely proud of the fact that I love animals. In actual fact – “I am nuts about animals” They bring a dimension to my life I did not believe possible. I have looked for a purpose to my life personally in many spheres of life and believe me I have bumped my head a million times and will continue to do so, however I have by the grace of God managed to remain an optimist – how I don’t know.
However in recent times I have been saddened about what is happening in our beautiful country. A country, which the world has come to respect in many ways as a result of our rainbow nation policy. All around me I hear cries of jubilation in support of the astronomical growth in our tourism industries. The natural beauty and wild animals of our country can generate millions of rands in foreign exchange to help the people of South Africa.
Then why is it that wild animals have to suffer so terribly in this country? When have we as South Africans become to darn arrogant that we place ourselves so much above the wild animals that is helping to promote this country in the best interest of all our people. Why are the good people allowing a handful of self centred, inhumane and cruel people to totally destroy the good conservation record that exceptional people built up 30-40 years ago? Why are we failing the wildlife on the glossy promotional tourism brochures?
Why have we not the right to ask questions relating to the exploitation of our natural resources. Why should one be ashamed if you have managed to retain compassion and respect for this planet and her children? Damn you – I am proud to be a bunny hugger and if need be I will continue to fight for animals rights. If it means that I am to be riddled and insulted, then so be it. If it means that I have to live in poverty and loose my friends – so be it again, but I am proud. Proud that I have the courage of conviction to speak out in a country where most animal welfare organisations and conservation bodies need a spinal transplant.
In South Africa we have lost our perspective and compassion and along with it common decency, but most of all we have lost the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. We have allowed terrible exploitation to continue in the name of “Sustainable Use”. When God handed this planet and its animals in our care He meant for us to be their custodians – not their exploiters and abusers. Utilise animals if you have to, but be kind, be caring and never loose you perspective of what is right and wrong. Silence the little voice called “conscience” often enough and it will stop speaking to you.
Please help us regain our perspective and appreciation for nature. Don’t just believe in the glossy tourism brochures, the beautiful pictures and happy animals all living peacefully on the African plains. We have a crisis under Capricorn, our wild animals are being exploited in their thousands and as a simple and humble human being, my heart is breaking in a million pieces because in my own country, I have no where to go to ask for help for the creatures that have given new meaning to my life.
If South Africans don’t hear the call for help from our wild friends, shortly we will have lost another specie – be it the cheetah or the wild dog or be it the African lion. We cannot continue on this road of destruction and exploitation because in the process we will loose the essence of our souls that make us human. Sometimes I look up at the sky and almost feel as if I had just seen God wiping a tear from His cheek. When last did you take the time to look up at the sky?