Tyger, Tyger, Burning Bright

tigertiger

Yesterday, Dan and I went to London Zoo – I haven’t been for a while, and despite my confused feelings about them (I dislike seeing animals caged, no matter how elaborate their environment), I think London Zoo is one of the better ones in terms of conservation and education projects. Dan was excited about seeing the new tiger cubs – but we were a little disappointed to find out we hadn’t read the small print (Mother Tiger and cubs were enjoying seclusion together, just as it should be really!). We had a lovely time though, and even if it raises questions about the ambivalence of zoos in general, I think for the most part London Zoo has got the balance right.

otters

I’ve always felt that we have a duty of care towards the creatures we share the planet with – humans encroaching on environments, poaching and ignorance have led to the extinction of some beautiful creatures. Tigers in particular have already become extinct in some parts of the world and conservation projects like this are important. I did find I wasn’t sure how some of the animals coped with the stress of having humans, particularly loud, disrespectful humans, making a lot of noise and not being aware of (or not caring) how they were behaving in front of these animals. It does sometimes make me wonder how we can move back from the precipice as a race – when will we wake up to the effect we’re having on the planet and other animals? When will corporations and governments actually do something about it?

lemur

There are many charities and organisations trying to do something – but they do need our support and interest. For example, lobbying your MP does occasionally help, and writing about these issues to raise awareness. I remember being curious and intrigued by animals when I was a child – I used to watch animal documentaries (still do), and collect the Wildlife Factfile. I still feel joy when I see another creature, and feel that future generations need to know that joy and feel that curiosity. I’ve observed that some of us don’t have enough of a connection to nature, or the outside world – which is to be expected when we’re living in the digital age. It can be as simple as putting a birdhouse outside or just being more observant, teaching yourself about the ecosystem.

The truth is – the more disconnected we are from our environment and the animals that populate the world, the more they will suffer. Not necessarily through things we do directly, but from the indirect things – the corporations we buy things from, the way we consume energy, how we recycle (not just everyday recycling but also electrical things like mobiles and old computers, clothing). I’m just as guilty and need to be more mindful of what I do and how it has an effect on the world. Life is more than just humans; humanity at its best cares about other creatures. Even when we are fighting for our rights, we need to see that what we do affects everything.

‘Tyger Tyger, burning bright,

In the forests of the night;

What immortal hand or eye,

Could frame thy fearful symmetry?’

– William Blake.

3 thoughts on “Tyger, Tyger, Burning Bright”

twitchthethread March 17, 2014 — 7:32 pm

So true – we need to be more aware of how the things we do affect our beautiful planet. Really lovely post 🙂

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Bepine March 22, 2014 — 2:44 pm

Wow so exited!! And that’s very fasciate. I love to go to to the zoo but in my country….. the zoo are so small and all animal are in the cage; —; .so i read your blog and i really love this and enjoy about this.So i will just say Thanks for sharing: )

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