Endangered animals must be protected for their good and our own
When you were younger, did you go to the zoo and look in amazement at the animals you would otherwise never have the opportunity to see in real life? Can you imagine a time when seeing big cats, elephants, and other wild animals are just a story people tell their children and grandchildren?
My favorite wild animal is the iconic African elephant. Sadly, my grandchildren or great-grandchildren may never see one, since one species is critically endangered and the other is endangered.
Wildlife all across the globe from Antarctica to the island of Sumatra are disappearing, and we humans are the cause. From poaching to encroaching on wildlife habitats to the pollution we make that impacts the climate, people will be the reason wildlife becomes folklore.
Animals are like us in many ways, such as having family bonds; wolves have their packs, lions have their prides, etc. Some people believe animals have souls, but even if you don’t, you can’t deny animals have thoughts and feelings.
A quick Google search will show you petitions, such as those found on support.wildlife.org, opportunities to peacefully protest, groups such as the National Wildlife Federation, and other avenues to help this cause.
Let’s make sure future generations have more than pictures and stuffed animals of wildlife.
Jayden Pullen, Columbus