Given the proliferation of Mining, given the proliferation of Logging, given the proliferation of Human Breeding, where are our critters going to live?
In Zoos as breeding colonies?
I visited Redz Zoo and Conservation Park in Pinjarra several months ago.
It was very depressing seeing all the Native Animals cooped up in zones which did not allow for their natural yearnings.
A dozen Kangaroos with Joeys in pouches in an area no larger than 2500sq meters. No chance of them to go bounding along at top speed. They looked incredibly bored, lazing about on dirt/mud. Not a blade of grass to be seen.
A lone Wombat, walking up and down the fence line, a sniff here, a sniff there. Bored out of it’s mind.
Two Emus, separated by a fence with non see through netting, pining for each others company.
Snakes, Goannas, Retiles of numerous breeds all in glass aquariums.
Large Birds all in cages allowing no more than a flight of 8 or 10 wing beats.
I was so depressed that I spoke to one of the Rangers to relate my feelings and although that person was sympathetic, they could offer no hope of things being done differently at Redz Zoo.
The continued survival of our native animals depends on Humans willingness to ensure that natural habitats are preserved and also how well the Fauna adapts to the introduced species that have been brought here for the most part, as a sporting conquest by the landed gentry.
Our critters have evolved over millions of years and many of them are found no where else on this one and only Earth.
Man has been in Australia for a mere 236 years and has failed miserably to revere and protect the true owners of this smallest and second driest continent.
We can not turn back the clock, but we can look to the future with hope that there will be a concerted movement from todays children to take control so our beautiful Critters have somewhere safe to rear their offspring.
This Tree Kangaroo and Joey pleads with humanity to preserve their homeland.
