We as humans hold an interesting role as a species compared to other organisms on this planet. It is true that we are highly advanced in how we organize society and behave as animals. However, I sense a common sentiment that we are a superior species—a human concept in itself. Where I see this idea manifest is in our treatment of other living beings. In an ideal reality, we are meant to live in unity with other organisms. This is an alien concept for some, which may be reflected in our attitudes and actions concerning animal treatment in general.

Recently, a petting zoo event was hosted for students in KSL Oval. The event featured an opportunity to interact with animals as a way to reduce stress and introduce a calming environment. While it may be true that interacting with animals can lower blood pressure and harness therapeutic effects, something about bringing animals away from their habitat and keeping them in cages for an unnecessary reason seems a bit cruel. If someone wishes to interact with animals that are not traditionally domesticated, they should do so according to principle by going out into nature and spending time with these animals in their habitat, whether it is a farm or in the forest. Somewhat decent examples I can think of are the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and zoos that offer sanctuaries for animals. These spaces provide proper amounts of enrichment, space and wildlife-adjacent nature. To enjoy the horses, cattle, sheep and rabbits at the Rodeo, someone has to go into their holding areas, which admittedly can smell strong and unpleasant, to understand their habitat. Ranchers and cowboys are sure to provide the proper care and supplies when they bring their animals to new spaces. Many zoos provide rehabilitation and similar programs for animals. After visiting the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo last summer, I was happy to learn about the measures that are taken to ensure the animals are not depressed and are properly stimulated. One bear exhibit was closed because keepers of the area realized that the bear was showing signs of repetitive behavior, which often is anxiety related.

Some viral examples should also be mentioned when discussing animal treatment. A monkey known as Punch at a Japanese zoo is an example of how some zoos fail to account for the needs of certain animals. The monkeys in Punch’s enclosure were captured shunning him and pushing him away. Besides the behavior of Punch’s peers, which can be attributed to nature, their enclosure features little to no replications of the natural habitats they live in. As highly adaptable animals, some might say that it is not a significant problem, but their natural habitats can range from snowy, cold areas to highly forested and temperate regions. It is concerning that these monkeys do not have these elements where they live.

Animal testing also comes into play when discussing the role of humans as a species. Not too long ago, activists stormed into a Wisconsin testing center, known to experiment on beagles, often without anesthesia. Due to the public outrage, Ridglan Farms will be closing its research operations by July due to an investigation into animal welfare on the facility. While this is a step in the right direction, it is disheartening to learn that many companies still test products on animals inhumanely and face no repercussions. If a product requires that it be injected or tested on an animal to understand its full effect, then it is not a product that likely needs to be made in the first place. Companies instead should focus on how to make products without needing to include several destructive chemicals but, of course, this is not profitable.

I think it is fair to say that we as a species need to re-evaluate how we see ourselves on a planet that is not meant for a hierarchical emphasis of one species over another. Our impact on this planet, whether it be on wildlife or plants, has been nothing short of destruction and damage. If we wish to continue calling this planet our home, we must treat it and the lives on it as such.