- Call it a quirk of nature or term it as a superior power bestowed on humankind among all species, human beings are at the top of the hierarchy, exercising undue authority over others. Note that the evolution of humankind has been no less than revolutionary since time immemorial. As such, humans have established an unassailable superiority over other species in all walks of life. Little wonder that animals are submissively subjugated to satisfy the whims and fancies of humankind, asserting supremacy without much consideration for extending harmonious courtesies. The moot point to ponder over here is why we can’t be more considerate, humane, and sensitive towards other beings without availing of the undue advantages of our superiority.
PC: Undark Magazine
- Unfortunately, despite concerned stakeholders raising the issue of handling other species like animals with love, care, and affection, we continue to treat these creatures with utmost condescension and disrespect. Take, for instance, how captive animals are treated in zoos, promising animals good care in exchange for being caged. But what if what they dish out is insensitive torture? Of course, our relationship with animals is complicated. We understand them no more than they understand us, and they may think we are beasts just as we think of them, pointed out Montaigne all the way back in the 16th century. Jackals who escaped their Delhi Zoo enclosure last November certainly have reason to think us absolute brutes.
PC: Voiceless India
- As a complaint before the environment ministry says, one of them, who hid in a bear’s burrow, was chased with chilli powder and fire, cruel death followed by a clandestine disposal of the body. How can we be so cruel? The question is whether this time Zoo authorities will be investigated with more seriousness than in the past, because this is not the first complaint of unscientific and unlawful practices. And every such episode vitiates the social contract that gives Zoos their moral veneer, thin as it is. Mind you, Zoos jail healthy animals. None of us seriously believes that these animals would choose captivity over walking, running, flying, and swimming in the wild. That’s their inherent nature. So, how do we justify even patronaging Zoos?
PC: NDTV
- A recent Central Zoo Authority evaluation underlines that this is ex-situ conservation, integral to offset the loss of biodiversity and spread awareness about it. This does not mean that there won’t be a lot of suffering, including widely documented Zoochosis, where animals show signs of mental anguish, in addition to physical tribulation. But we will provide the best possible standard of care. Common. Amid clear signs that this is far from the case, the environment ministry must properly audit the country’s Zoos, beginning with the 155 recognized by the Central Zoo Authority, and then take the strongest possible remedial actions. We can barely justify taking away animals’ freedom, but no one should get away with indulging in torturing them. Let’s be human, please.
