Does all animals have a character, a personality? I know they say that dogs almost have human-like feelings. But so detached I am from wildlife, that little do i know about the lives of the majestic creatures that inhabit our forests.
The veterinarian at the zoo had told me that the lion was becoming weaker by the day. He hardly ate all the meat that was provided for him and the 1000 sq ft (or less) space provided by the authorities was not enough for the king who would otherwise have been roaming freely in his kingdom. In the first few hair raising roars, he made it clear that prisoner he might be, but he still detested my presence. A few rude, inconsiderate tourists and 45 minutes later, I think he decided that I'm not as bad as he thought i was. An hour later, he didn't mind the bony creature with the shiny single eye stuck through the bars. Another good half hour later, he completely ignored my existence. Perhaps he thought that i was the rat in his trap.
It was fascinating to watch the noble creature in a state which was at once alert and resigned. As if he knew that the iron bars were too strong for him. As if he would be ready when the opportunity came. As if, he would rather die than surrender...
Does all animals have a character, a personality? I know they say that dogs almost have human-like feelings. But so detached I am from wildlife, that little do i know about the lives of the majestic creatures that inhabit our forests.
The veterinarian at the zoo had told me that the lion was becoming weaker by the day. He hardly ate all the meat that was provided for him and the 1000 sq ft (or less) space provided by the authorities was not enough for the king who would otherwise have been roaming freely in his kingdom. In the first few hair raising roars, he made it clear that prisoner he might be, but he still detested my presence. A few rude, inconsiderate tourists and 45 minutes later, I think he decided that I'm not as bad as he thought i was. An hour later, he didn't mind the bony creature with the shiny single eye stuck through the bars. Another good half hour later, he completely ignored my existence. Perhaps he thought that i was the rat in his trap.
It was fascinating to watch the noble creature in a state which was at once alert and resigned. As if he knew that the iron bars were too strong for him. As if he would be ready when the opportunity came. As if, he would rather die than surrender...
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oh, my.
ReplyDeleteThis is why I detest zoos. Evocatively captured, Jyothy - the second picture just breaks my heart.
ReplyDeleteHave to agree with Flaneurbanite that zoos are not ideal. Then again, if you have small children and a small budget, going on a safari to Africa and then to South America and then to Asia to catch sight of the Mongolian snow lizard, or some equally improbably named creature, is not an option. But some zoos are certainly better than others. The zoo at Bannerghatta is terrible and if these photos were taken there, I can well understand why the lion looks so depressed.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pics, Karat. Really great portraits.
ReplyDeletesuperb! the first one looks like the king was posing for you...
ReplyDelete