I have no pictures I took myself of majestic creatures like the elephant, giraffe, lion or tiger.  I have not had the opportunity to travel to such locations…yet.  All I have is this picture of a cardinal I caught taking a bath.  He was simply doing what birds do.

The theory that’s being touted lately is that killing endangered animals by allowing people to pay to hunt them for sport actually provides money to help conserve the species.   Perhaps 200 years ago when certain species ran abundant, such as the buffalo, elephants, and whales, a certain amount of “take” was permissible without significant impact on the population.  Okay, understanding that 200 years ago we were less educated on animals, their habitats, cognitive abilities, and emotional capabilities, we did what we thought we could with no ill intent involved.

Today, it is a different story.  We are living with the effects of the failed experiment conducted long ago.  We are no longer ignorant on the value of protecting the rights of animals and their importance to the ecosystem…unless we choose to be.

The cardinal, with its simple brain, knows enough to follow water and food, build a home, perpetuate its species, avoid peril, and EVOLVE.

Too bad the same cannot be said for our administration.

photo credit: K.K.
Experimental