Wildlife Week: Born wild, born free

Wildlife Week: Born Wild, Born Free

“It’s not whether animals will survive, it’s whether man has the will to save them.” — Anthony D. Williams

A week in October is dedicated to celebrating the life of the wilder beasts. With their dwindling numbers and the extinction of several species, a celebration is essential. One cannot be assured that future generations will be able to see a Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Penguin, or even regular bird species.

How Humans Use Wild Animals

• Entertainment: Every child loves a good circus show — but the majestic animals in those shows and aquariums have been taken away from their natural habitat

• Medicinal purpose: A rhino’s horn (worth $300,000) is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Alligator meat is promoted as a way to cure the common cold. In Myanmar, small pieces of elephant foot are turned into a paste to treat hernias

• Hunting and decor: Hunting has been a hobby since many ages. Palaces, houses, and living rooms are adorned with tiger rugs, rhino heads, and bear skins

• Bags and belts: That pretty little bag was made from animal skin. Bags, belts, shoes, coats, and scarves use leather and fur — they are most certainly not cheap, but they did cost a life

We scream and run in havoc when a lion comes to town, when alligators are found on our roads. But we have invaded their territory too and left them with little alternative. Don’t they deserve protection from predators like humans now?

All Hope Is Not Lost

Organisations such as WWF and many more are making a huge amount of effort to promote animal awareness. Across the globe, weeks like these are being used as a platform to teach children and elders about poachers, the importance of animal safety, and survival. Ignorance is truly the worst mistake of all.

At MapmyGenome, we are inspired by the incredible diversity of life on Earth — and by the science of genetics that connects all living things. We share 98% of our DNA with chimpanzees, 92% with mice, and about 50% with bananas. Every species is a chapter in the story of life on this planet.