Animal Lives Matter!
I believe animals should be respected as citizens of this earth. They should have the right to their own freedom, their own families, and their own life. — John Feldmann
Animals should not require our permission to live on earth. Animals were given the right to be here long before we arrived. – Anthony Douglas Williams
On Ice Flow
Not only do artists of Wildlife Beyond Borders love wildlife. We know that wildlife lives matter, because we share so much of own lives with them, observing them, and learning from them.
How can you not have your heart touched by a two young gorillas in the arms of their mother? Feel for a young helpless snowy white harp seal pup alone on the ice waiting for its mother and her milk? In the field, to see and feel their lives is to see and feel a connection with your own.
As the threatened polar bear struggles to survive with less and less winter sea ice, and as other endangered species come closer to the brink of extinction. In Africa as ninety-six elephants are killed each and every day; we inherently know that their loss of life is our loss and that individual animals do matter.
Animals and man are bound together on earth, mere strands in the web of life, on this incredible blue planet whirling through the great infinity of space. Our place isn’t to dominate; it is not to be lords of the planet. It is to live in harmony with animals, respecting all life, with a revenant attitude, a set of ethics, and a belief in equality.
In essence, our lives and their lives are entwined; the future of life on earth depends on this mutual respect. Without them, there is no hope for a joyful future for our children, our children’s children, and all those who come after us.
Don’t miss Wildlife Beyond Borders exhibit at Keeble & Shuchat Gallery (April 13 – May 11). You’ll discover how six photographers are going beyond beauty, to artistically capturing the mysterious expressions of life.
Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved. — Jane Goodall
This is only the 5th reported set of twins in Mountain Gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Nikon D7000, Nikon 70-200 f2.8 lens@70mm, f5, 1/160 sec, ISO 1600, -0.3 EXP compensation, handheld
After a particularly arduous hike through dense forest, up and down the side of a slippery,steep ravine, in the rain, the mountain gorillas finally settled down to eat nettles. As I was photographing this mother with her twins, the silverback chased her off so that he could eat from the nettles she had chosen. She vocalized loudly but moved on to a new spot. In this photo, you can feel her tension as she glances sideways at the silverback. The twins appear blissfully unaware of the conflict.