I think animals are conscious, and if they are, then I think that means we don’t have to worry for them quite so much.

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About Today’s Show

It was raining a lot today so we made this show at home, and added footage we collected this summer of a honu (turtle) and a manō (shark). Both had died of strangulation from tangled fish wire and fishing nets and were washed ashore.

I felt very sad for them when I encountered each of them (on separate days) yet I couldn’t quite bring myself to rant and rail against the fishermen. One, I figure I am on the soapbox enough, and two, a lot of this I believe is inadvertent. I am not talking about the bill gill nets as I am strongly opposed to those methods of fishing. Too many animals die in the process of collecting some fish. But lines do break and get left behind sometimes.

It also occurs to me that it is somewhat condescending to think of animals as “less than” or needing our pity. (Note I did not say sympathy.) I want them to learn that we humans leave all sorts of stuff behind and to watch out for it. Those of us who believe animals have incredible powers can understand that this is possible!

I do believe there is a difference between animals in the wild and those who have come to live with us, like Lexi or the goldfish in our pond. It is my job to protect them. And I do happily.

In any case, I wanted to show this footage as it is not often we get to have up close encounters with creatures from the sea. And I choose not to worry myself sick that this was all for nothing but rather there is some sense to life, even the painful parts when spirits die, even if we can’t always see it. Certainly the shark was a treat for the school children, who may have a greater appreciation for them as a result.

Hawaiian words
Manō: shark
Honu: turtle
Make: dead

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