The World is Their Home Too: A Call for Compassionate *Coexistence on World Animal Day
(On the eve of World Animal Day on 4th October)
As the sun rises on October 4, World Animal Day, we are reminded of the profound connection that binds us to the creatures sharing our planet. This poignant occasion serves as a powerful catalyst, urging us to reexamine our relationship with the animal kingdom and acknowledge the intrinsic value of these incredible beings. The natural world is a tapestry woven from diverse threads, with each species playing a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystem.
World Animal Day has its roots in the 19th-century animal welfare movement. Initially observed on March 24, 1925, in Berlin, Germany, by Heinrich Zimmermann, a German animal welfare advocate, the day commemorated the birthday of Henry Stephens Salt, an English animal rights activist. However, in 1931, the International Animal Protection Congress moved World Animal Day to 4th October, aligning it with the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
As the world observes World Animal Day, the “Blessing of the Animals” ceremony, traditionally tied to St. Francis of Assisi’s feast day on 4th October, serves as a heartwarming reminder of the special bond between humans and animals. This interfaith service celebrates the emotional support and companionship animals provide, promotes animal welfare and compassion, and fosters a sense of community among animal lovers.
By recognizing the importance of animals in our lives, the “Blessing of the Animals” encourages gratitude, advocacy, and responsible care for all creatures, inspiring a deeper connection between humans and animals. St. Francis, an Italian Catholic friar renowned for his compassion and love for all living creatures, inspires us to cherish and protect the animal kingdom.
In our rich cultural heritage, the interconnectedness of humans and animals is eloquently reflected in our mythology. The Bhagavat Purana narrates a poignant conversation between Mother Earth, embodied as a cow, and the Bull, an incarnation of Dharma Dev. This ancient dialogue occurs during the reign of Emperor Pareekshit, following Lord Sri Krishna’s departure from the Dwapar Yuga. This sacred text underscores the intricate relationship between humans and animals, emphasizing their mutual dependence and sacred coexistence.
World Animal Day is celebrated in over 100 countries, with events, campaigns, and initiatives promoting animal welfare, conservation, and compassion. Animals are the unsung heroes of our world, contributing significantly to human well-being through their various roles. Bees pollinate crops, sustaining us, while dogs provide companionship and assistance. Elephants maintain forest ecosystem harmony, and horses aid in search and rescue operations.
Regrettably, human actions have devastating consequences on the animal kingdom. Climate change alters habitats, threatening extinction, as seen in polar bears’ and coral reefs’ struggles. Deforestation destroys ecosystems, displacing countless species, exemplified by the Amazon rainforest. Pollution chokes our oceans, entangling sea creatures in deadly debris, as witnessed in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Recent heart-wrenching incidents include the culling of drought-stricken elephants for human consumption in Zimbabwe, dolphin hunting for food and entertainment in Japan, and merciless street dog culling in India. Closer to home, in Odisha, we’ve seen wild animals venturing into human habitats due to shrinking natural habitats. This encroachment reminds us that animals have the right to coexist with us, and their displacement is a consequence of our actions.
The alarming rate of species extinction, habitat destruction, and animal exploitation demands immediate attention. Human actions have consequences; it’s time we acknowledge the intrinsic value of animal life. Rampant rhino poaching has pushed these majestic creatures to the brink of extinction, underscoring the urgent need for collective action.
Yet, amidst these heartbreaking stories, beacons of hope shine bright. The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, USA, provides rescued elephants with spacious habitats to roam, socialize, and heal. Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya safeguards endangered species through innovative conservation methods and community engagement. Wildlife SOS in India rescues and rehabilitates bears, elephants, and other animals from cruel exploitation.
To spark transformative change, we must adopt sustainable practices reducing our ecological footprint. Conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration and species reintroduction, protect vulnerable species. Education inspires empathy and compassion, empowering individuals to make conscious choices.
Inspiring examples of coexistence include eco-tourism supporting conservation and local communities, sustainable agriculture promoting biodiversity, and animal-assisted therapy improving human mental health.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by stark statistics. Over 75% of emerging diseases are zoonotic, according to the World Health Organization. Each year, 20,000-30,000 animal species are exploited, reports the International Union for Conservation of Natu CTre. Most alarmingly, an estimated 150-200 species go extinct daily, as estimated by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform
As UN Secretary-General António Guterres aptly stated, “The great challenge of our time is to reconcile our growth and development with the preservation of the world’s biodiversity.”
This World Animal Day, let us pledge to support organizations working for animal welfare. We must advocate for policy changes protecting animal rights and embody compassion and empathy.
By acknowledging animals’ rights to coexist, we ensure a harmonious future – one where humans and animals thrive side by side, in a perfect symphony.
Together, we can create a world where elephants roam free, unthreatened by human greed, dolphins swim safely, untouched by hunting nets, and street dogs find loving homes, not cruel fate.
Dr SIMANT KUMAR NANDA
