Experiences, thoughts, feelings that aren't human-like are often undervalued. Every creature that nurtures its offspring and all the offspring who need their moms ... that's love! All creatures who live in any form of 'society' ... species that feel hunger, thirst, fear, home, weather, sleep, threat ... their lives are different from ours yet they are of equal value. The planet earth belongs as much to them as it does to us. Now we're learning that trees may have a form of community and communication. And fungus (thanks Shanley for fungus facts awhile back) has a whole life going on that is far, far more than we gave it credit for. Bees and ants have social structures. This essay from Shanley brought tears to my eyes. David's words above are perfect.
Thank you for the subject and your thoughtful treatment of it. I needed to read this today to think about something outside of my life and troubles, and remind myself that there is good in the world.
We can only hope, that the Orangutans already in the forest that they have been relocated to are accepting of the newcomers. Not all such animal relocations are successful because of this little factor, or the relocated animals are stressed by having to adapt to the new environment. It ain't always easey-peasey!
I love my Sunday good news posts. They remind me that there is still humanity in this world. It is not often highlighted as it should be. Maybe we need more than Sunday good news. It inspires me to look for the good in the world. I was on the beach this week with my “bag for garbage” and was so happy to meet kindred souls who had their bags in tow. We can do even the smallest of actions and think it is not enough but if we watch what others try to do and follow, it can make a big difference.
The title of your piece triggered a memory of a fairly recent example here in Seattle. One of our local zoo gorillas was about to give birth, and the vets knew that the baby was mispositioned.
In a human birth, a caesarean procedure would have been the answer, but in a gorilla, such procedures were extremely rare and none of our vets had ever done one. The zoo vets called our local Swedish hospital and enlisted the help of the folks who deliver human babies on a daily basis.
There were plenty of volunteers.
There was a lot of discussion and coordination between the groups, and the decision was made to work together, so there were two teams present for the birth with, for example, anesthesia given by a zoo vet who knew how much to give a gorilla, and a surgeon who knew how to do a caesarean on a human patient. The baby was safely delivered and both teams were amazed at how similar their procedures were, despite working on different species.
One of the senior nurses assisting the surgeon made an observation as she was looking at the inner workings of a gorilla having a baby that has stuck with me. "Hmmm" she said. "Not all that different." We would do well to remember that.
This is inspired & inspiring writing. The web of Life includes all of Us; there is no Other. Thank you for reminding us to be care-full.
Experiences, thoughts, feelings that aren't human-like are often undervalued. Every creature that nurtures its offspring and all the offspring who need their moms ... that's love! All creatures who live in any form of 'society' ... species that feel hunger, thirst, fear, home, weather, sleep, threat ... their lives are different from ours yet they are of equal value. The planet earth belongs as much to them as it does to us. Now we're learning that trees may have a form of community and communication. And fungus (thanks Shanley for fungus facts awhile back) has a whole life going on that is far, far more than we gave it credit for. Bees and ants have social structures. This essay from Shanley brought tears to my eyes. David's words above are perfect.
Such a thoughtful article, one that touched me deeply. Thank you!
Thank you so much. Your thoughts and your sweet way with words is just what I needed this morning.
Thank you for the subject and your thoughtful treatment of it. I needed to read this today to think about something outside of my life and troubles, and remind myself that there is good in the world.
We can only hope, that the Orangutans already in the forest that they have been relocated to are accepting of the newcomers. Not all such animal relocations are successful because of this little factor, or the relocated animals are stressed by having to adapt to the new environment. It ain't always easey-peasey!
I love my Sunday good news posts. They remind me that there is still humanity in this world. It is not often highlighted as it should be. Maybe we need more than Sunday good news. It inspires me to look for the good in the world. I was on the beach this week with my “bag for garbage” and was so happy to meet kindred souls who had their bags in tow. We can do even the smallest of actions and think it is not enough but if we watch what others try to do and follow, it can make a big difference.
Beautifully written; it gives me hope for the human race. Thank you, Shanley!
Somewhere I read that the word orangutan means "forest people".
A lovely reminder that there is life and light beyond the darkness that seems to be all around at present.
Thank You💝
The title of your piece triggered a memory of a fairly recent example here in Seattle. One of our local zoo gorillas was about to give birth, and the vets knew that the baby was mispositioned.
In a human birth, a caesarean procedure would have been the answer, but in a gorilla, such procedures were extremely rare and none of our vets had ever done one. The zoo vets called our local Swedish hospital and enlisted the help of the folks who deliver human babies on a daily basis.
There were plenty of volunteers.
There was a lot of discussion and coordination between the groups, and the decision was made to work together, so there were two teams present for the birth with, for example, anesthesia given by a zoo vet who knew how much to give a gorilla, and a surgeon who knew how to do a caesarean on a human patient. The baby was safely delivered and both teams were amazed at how similar their procedures were, despite working on different species.
One of the senior nurses assisting the surgeon made an observation as she was looking at the inner workings of a gorilla having a baby that has stuck with me. "Hmmm" she said. "Not all that different." We would do well to remember that.
Mother and baby are doing just fine.