Harambe.

Harambe.  A name that two weeks ago, most people never knew.  Now - many people have heard the name.  But in case you haven't, Harambe was a gorilla in the Cincinnati zoo.  Who was minding his own business, in his own "home" when an "intruder" invaded his abode.  It was a 4 year old boy who managed to get into Harambe's enclosure.  Long story short, Harambe ended up losing his life because of the child.  Which of course, incited rage around the world.   Rage against zoos.  Rage against the shooting of Harambe.  Rage against the parents of the child. 

Primate experts supported the sad decision to shoot Harambe.  They say it is likely he could have injured the child - perhaps not intentionally.  But still, the large animal posed a real threat.  Animal rights people advocates use this sad event as a chance to argue against zoos.  They don't seem to realize that many zoos have changed a lot over the years - and they are not just a place to go and see animals in captivity - but a place where necessary breeding programs are in place for endangered species - like Harambe's.  It is likely that if some of these programs did not exist, some species would disappear in the wild due to human poaching.   While the idea of captive animals may be sad, I wonder if it is more sad if those species disappear completely...

Many people are unhappy with the child's parents.  And really....that does seem to be at the heart of this whole sad story.  Mind you - I wasn't there - so I don't know what the parents were doing.  And while I cannot compare a dog to a  child...I cannot help but wonder if a human was walking a dog in the zoo and it got into the enclosure...who would be responsible?  Just saying.

Gorillas and primates in general are pretty darn smart.  Maybe almost as smart as a PON.  I still think if I has opposable thumbs, I would be better able to demonstrate just how smart I am....

And speaking of intelligent primates, allow me to end my blog on a happier note.  This video gave my human a chuckle - although she is not sure about the commentary, because she doesn't speak Japanese.   But you don't need the explanation.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An2xqYke1Yg   This dog is a bit more cooperative than I would be - mind you he DID show a HINT of  stubbornness.  My human says it reminds her of walking Frodo in the rain...

Now I am thinking we should get a chimpanzee...  Nah.  I think I'll stick with my quest for a puppy...

Have a great day!

©  Linda Wozniak