ANIMALS AND HUMAN

ANIMALS AND HUMAN


On Wednesday afternoon, I was attending my first Biology module lecture. The contents were intriguing, and the professor is most certainly fascinating.

As the lesson plan for that week is Ecology, Prof showed us loads of pictures of animals. Interesting pictures. Of animals and reptiles and amphibians and whatnots. Being a biologist by training himself, expertise is certainly not lacking. The pictures are all just so amazingly beautiful. Mother Nature is always pretty.

There were photos of a snake giving birth. Another of a huge monitor lizard (EEEKK!!!). Yet another shows a Gastric Brooding Frog. Yes, with a little froglet peeking out of the mother frog's mouth. Prof shared with us the mode of reproduction of these frogs. It's just so simply amazing. He further shared with us the sacrificial, noble love story of salmons. It's so tragic, but yes, beautiful at the same time.

Suddenly, just sitting there listening to the prof, something unexpectedly just flowed out of my heart. I don't know. Love, maybe? Don't be mistaken; I don't like ALL animals. I still loathe cats as fervently as ever, and am still terrified of lizards as horribly as ever. But, right there and then, for a moment, there was just this unexpected weird gush of feeling. The eyes of my mind conjured up this image of a man scuffling playfully with his big, hairy dog. A picture of laid-back happiness; of swaying trees, green grassland, giant paws, wind-blown hair, easy smiles, and ringing laughter.

I realize, human beings actually have loads of love to give. There is, undeniably, this innate need in humans to love, and be loved. But it's kind of sad, really; because if the picture in my mind is not that of a lovable dog, but a HIV carrier, or a prison inmate, or a youth delinquent, or a blotchy-looking patient inflicted by skin disease, would the man in the picture still laugh as heartily, without giving any thoughts to selfish boundaries?

Admittedly, human love is kind of subjective and conditional. Of course, no one is ever perfect. But still, it is saddening to know that sometimes, people can carry more affection, care, concern, and love for animals than fellow humans. It seems amiss that human can, at times, be more comfortable with - and care more for - animals than they do with their own kind.