Walk for wildlife to save captive animals
The 'Walk for Wildlife', hosted by the Lawrence Anthony Earth Organisation, takes place this Sunday, 29 September at the uShaka Marine World from 8am.
IN 2003, Zululand conservationist Dr Lawrence Anthony stood in the blistering heat of the Arabian desert, looking at the pitiful lion that could barely open its mouth to quench the thirst that had been tormenting it for more than a week.
It had to submerge its mouth in the newly filled water bowl so that its tongue could loosen up enough to drink. The animal was trapped in a cage, neglected, while man waged war around him.
This atrocity at the time prompted the international conservationist, environmentalist, explorer and best selling author to lobby for legislation that would today protect captive animals during times of war.
When Anthony got to the Baghdad Zoo, the animal population went from 650 to 35 animals.
In 2009, the Gaza Zoo had 10 of their 400 animals remaining and in World War 2 the Berlin Zoo went from an animal population of 3 715 to 91.
In the Iraqi conflict of 2003, as in every other war in history, the lives of animals became inconsequential.
Anthony realised that unless it was made law, humans would never take responsibility for the animals they had put into captivity, and thus was born the draft resolution to the United Nations.
The Wildlife in War Zones draft resolution was written with the aim of protecting captive animals and marine reserves in times of war, making the wilful destruction of captive animals and their keepers a war crime.
Many facilities with captive wildlife have endangered or threatened species in their care, and their protection is often vital to the survival of that species.
And the legacy of Anthony (17 September 1950 – 2 March 2012) lives on with the Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization planning to finalise the passing of this resolution into international law.
The organisation has already submitted the resolution to the United Nations and now has to carry out the remaining steps, as well as lobbying the UN and negotiating with the International Criminal Court.
Walk
In an attempt to raise awareness and funding for this project, a fun walk is being held this Sunday.
The ‘Walk for Wildlife’ starts at 8am at uShaka Marine World and follows the promenade, ending at Suncoast Casino.
The walk is just less than 5km and is aimed at families who wish to support this ground-breaking initiative. Tickets are on sale from Computicket for R60, with children under 10 free.
