With everything going on with the world, and humans being quarantined, the Netflix documentary, “Tiger King” has become a national fad. The documentary follows men and woman across the United States that own exotic animals. Some own them as personal pets, while others own them as a form of living; owning zoos/sanctuaries. The men in the documentary constantly gloat about how it brings them power, status, financial gain, and many partners sexually. Yet, the antagonist, Carole Baskin, is the only one that takes an emotional outlook on why she owns the animals. I believe that it was looked at as if, as a woman, she should stay in her own “lane”. She was targeted throughout the series and had made enemies with a variety of men. Yet, the men were up to shady things.
Many of the men had used these animals for enticing woman and men to sleep with them. They felt they were entitled to species that belonged in the wild/were extinct. They put these animals in cages, while also breeding them, all for personal gain. These men were interested in domesticating wild animals in order to make money off entrance/interaction fees, selling these animals to other owners, and donations made to their facilities. The well being of these animals were not prioritized. Countless times throughout the documentary animals abuse, neglect, and termination were brought up.
If I learned anything in this class, it is that with power comes responsibility. We are on this Earth to protect the wildlife. We should not be caging these animals nor domesticating them for personal gain. These animals become depressed and are forced to fulfill our means as humans. This documentary really made me realize, more than ever, that the laws in the United States (no matter how mighty we feel in the world) are horrendous. We need to speak on behalf of the animals that do not have rights/a say and men (majority of people doing this) that are implementing their selfish ways.
AND if the documentary hadn’t moved you yet, maybe being quarantined in your house (your “cage”) will. This is the feeling that these WILD animals have throughout their entire lives while held in captivity… without even mentioning big zoos and aquariums in the US.
What can little ole me do with such a big task? I plan to stop eating meat, seafood, and poultry throughout this whole quarantine. I plan to educate people about choices they make when selecting foods; things like eat the meat on your plate FIRST. I want to share more information on my social media outlets to friends and family about animal abuse across the world and to adopt, adopt, ADOPT pets! I already do not wear any animal furs and I will continue that. I will not waste food by throwing it in the trash, when I can put in the backyard for animals (healthy food). And most importantly, I vow (as I’ve been doing) to consistently be the voice and protector of animals until I die. This topic is so important to me. I learned as a female, I am one with the planet and I will always do my part to make sure all of its inhabitants are protected.
P.S. That photo with the zebra was from a lady’s house in Florida. I got to see a handful of exotic animals and it was incredible. BUT I truly feel horrible about it now.
P.S.S. Carole Baskin, killed her husband. That is all.
From the comfort of my throne (the sofa),
Joelle