A section of a Sunday morning news show highlighted the plight of the Baghdad Zoo and the man who initiated help, South African environmentalist, Lawrence Anthony. I found this link relating to it. http://www.wpr.org/hereonearth/archive_070319k.cfm
The zoo had been caught in the crossfire of the war. The zoo had been looted. People killed zoo animals for food. The only animals left were the ones too large or with large teeth and claws. The only water in a bear's cage had such a bad odor you could smell it for meters. The lion's cage had no water. When the rescurer's arrived they gave them water, but their tounges were so dry they couldn't even lap it up. They submerged their faces to get their tongues wet enough.
The on-site vet was so thrilled to get help and supplies, he cried. Troops came to help after the exausting days they already had to endure. The zoo was repaired and animals were nursed back to health. Many more animals from all over the country were brought in. The zoo has re-opened.
When asked why he thought it was important to rescue animals when there were so many people living in deplorable conditions, Lawrence Anthony replied (not a direct quote) that he is not comparing humans to animals, but once humans decide to cage animals, we are responsible for their welfare. I imagine we all agree. He wrote a book about the zoo called Babylon's Ark. I will probably buy a copy.
The zoo had been caught in the crossfire of the war. The zoo had been looted. People killed zoo animals for food. The only animals left were the ones too large or with large teeth and claws. The only water in a bear's cage had such a bad odor you could smell it for meters. The lion's cage had no water. When the rescurer's arrived they gave them water, but their tounges were so dry they couldn't even lap it up. They submerged their faces to get their tongues wet enough.
The on-site vet was so thrilled to get help and supplies, he cried. Troops came to help after the exausting days they already had to endure. The zoo was repaired and animals were nursed back to health. Many more animals from all over the country were brought in. The zoo has re-opened.
When asked why he thought it was important to rescue animals when there were so many people living in deplorable conditions, Lawrence Anthony replied (not a direct quote) that he is not comparing humans to animals, but once humans decide to cage animals, we are responsible for their welfare. I imagine we all agree. He wrote a book about the zoo called Babylon's Ark. I will probably buy a copy.
I was amazed at all the troops who volunteered to help when they were obviously already worn out. There was a segment about transporting a sick camel. He rode in the back seat with his head between the 2 soldiers.
Beautiful post!
