We’re pretty lucky here at Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute. Our headquarters are located in sun-drenched California — a state that offers near perfect weather and is home to some of the most beautiful places in the world. But living in California is not without its drawbacks — we have more than our share of natural disasters — earthquakes, floods, and fires.
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Summer has yet to officially begin here in California but fire season started off with a vengeance, and we’ve already experienced an alarming number of wildfires. It’s terrible when peoples’ homes are destroyed and thousands of acres of land are charred. Thankfully, people are warned to evacuate when fires threaten their homes, but what happens to the wild creatures? Animals have only their instincts to protect them and their ability to flee or find cover from danger. People can (and should!) take their companion animals with them, but where do the wild creatures go? Where’s the “safe haven” for them? Of course I’m thankful when no human lives are lost, but my heart aches for all those animals who couldn’t escape the flames and smoke. What becomes of the creatures who do survive? Frequently, they, too, return to complete devastation.
Unlike people, animals don’t have the benefit of insurance to rebuild their devastated homes and surroundings. We breathe a sigh of relief when no human lives are lost, but it doesn’t necessarily mean — no lives lost.
Contrary to earthquakes and floods, wildfires are often the result of human activity — whether accidental or intentional. Perhaps it might sound strange, but I’m perplexed at the media’s frequent omission of the impact fires have on wildlife. It’s almost as if animals are inconsequential, although I know that’s not true.
I do wonder how a reporter can point out the charred skeletons of cars, chimneys, and other inanimate objects and fail to note that these were not the only casualties. No one wants to see images of injured or dead animals, but just because it’s too disturbing to view doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be mentioned. Are we to assume that loss of wildlife isn’t reported because wild animals aren’t someone’s property? Perhaps we need to consider the devastation to animal life. It might make us more concerned, cautious, and aware as we go about our lives. Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath graphically displayed what pain and suffering look like. Animals suffer and die, too, and frequently the media fail to acknowledge it.
One of Born Free USA united with API’s campaigns focuses on teaching people to live peacefully with wildlife. With so much devastation occurring to animals’ habitat everywhere, it is crucial that we value and respect our wild creatures. To learn more, click here.
Till next time …
Susan