My husband I took our three kids school clothes shopping about four weeks ago. The kids wanted to do something fun. One of our fun stops included a visit to the Great Cats World Park in Cave Junction, OR (http://greatcatsworldpark.com/cmsj/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 ). I have never much been a fan of animals in captivity but we thought it would be a great opportunity to for the kids to learning about other animals. This park features exotic cats from around the world with 39 cats and 18 different species. We probably only seen close to half of that number. All of our kids were so very excited to see these exotic cats. While we were waiting to pay, we did briefly discuss our feelings about animals being locked up.
As we viewed the huge Bangle Tiger we listened to the guide explain that there are nine species of tigers but three are already extinct and the rest are endangered. To see these creatures up close is truly amazing but so very sad. I thought about how we as humans have wiped out so many species with our over populating, polluting, and consuming. Our world is so out of balance. I also thought about the spirit of these cats. They were so well trained and domesticated. I wondered what would be left in my grandchildren’s world and what challenges they will face in holding this world together.
We continued on to view the cats. We checked out the Yukon Lynx and the cougar. Although they were more at home than the other cats they appeared to be sad and out of place. It was eerie feeling when looking at the cougar. I thought about the connectedness of every part of our world. Everything has a purpose and is related. We have modified our world so much. The health of our environment effects the health of our people; mental, physical and spiritual health. I was taught that we as humans have a direct connection with animals and a responsibility to them as well. Indigenous communities struggle with so many mental, physical, and spiritual health issues.
On a more humorous note, I thought about how easily it could have been indigenous human beings inside of the cage. Our people are often portrayed as extinct people in museums. Seeing these animals also reminded me of many of animals that we rarely or no longer see here at home and their role in our ecosystem. The porcupine is an example of this. As a child I remember seeing and hearing of numerous porcupine stories. Almost every dog had a battle with a porcupine. I hardly hear of porcupines and I haven’t seen one in years. Porcupines are an important part of our world
