GORILLAS I INSIST!

I photograph animals in zoos and occasionally, I  will have people ask me why I do it: that if I respect animals and are against hunting, recreationally, how can I even go to a zoo  That question was asked recently after I posted some images on my blog. When I was asked, a story came to my mind. When the notorious bank robber, Willie Sutton was asked why he robbed banks he replied, "Because that's where the money is." The reason I photograph in a zoo is " because that's where the animals are."  I love animals and enjoy photographing them. I, unfortunately, will never get to see all the animal species in the wild that I saw in just one day when I visited Disney. I know the concerns some people have with zoos: that animals have rights and should not be caged: (they say as they eat a ham sandwich and wear leather shoes).  I also know the arguments for zoos: some animals are in danger of becoming extinct. I will not argue either case here and now. I am a photographer, I photograph things. Are there zoos I will not go to? Without question, there are. If I go to a zoo and see animals in environments that are too small or dirty, I would leave and not return. I would also take images to document the conditions. But there are zoos that provide clean, large areas for the animals and have a medical team to assist the animals. Two that come to mind are the San Diego Zoo, (although I have not been there for over 6 years) and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

When I do go to a zoo, I always insist on spending the most time with the gorillas. There is something about them that fascinates me (and countless others). Gorillas are the closest relative of humans, after the two chimpanzee species. Their DNA is highly close to humans, around 95%. Gorillas' natural habitat covers tropical and sub tropical forests in Africa and they are highly intelligent animals. Many know the story of Koko, who was taught a form of sign language and appeared on 60 Minutes. Like other great apes, gorillas can laugh, grieve, have a rich emotional life, develop family bonds and make and use tools. They can also think about the past and the future. Some researchers believe that gorillas have spiritual feelings or religious sentiments. It has been shown that gorillas have different cultures where they prepare the same food differently and they have color preferences. They are truly amazing animals!

Now, the bad news. Both species are endangered, they have been and continue to be poached. Habitat destruction and the bush meat trade are two big threats to this species living. The Ebola virus has also killed an estimated 5000 or more gorillas since 2004. The Silverback gorilla, (one of the ones shown here) is an adult male usually over 12 years old and make strong group leaders.

When I watched them the other day, I admit to feeling sad: that these magnificent animals are in this environment. It's no matter that they are living in a very large outside area, not caged, but rather with a moat around the area, it still saddens me. But maybe if people all over the world can see images taken by photographers, they will be educated about them. Then maybe the people of the world will fight this practice of poaching. Maybe then gorillas can live in peace in their natural environment. I hope so. Meanwhile, please view my attempt at showing them in a respectful manner.