I read this article about the rescue of 2000 turtles in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. While I am very happy about the fact that the poor animals were rescued, I am also very disappointed to note that people snatch the freedom from these helpless creatures for the sake of making money. But I am also forced to think about the root cause of these illegal actions.

Why do you think these turtles were being smuggled? Is it not because many people keep turtles as pets or because we visit the zoos to see wild animals. Most likely these animals were being taken to be sold off to zoos, pet shops, pet shows, circuses etc. So, are we not all in some way responsible for the smuggling of these animals? We may treat a turtle very well if we get one as a pet at our home, but is it fair to the animal? Even if we are kind to it, it is cruel to separate it from its habitat and keep it confined in our home. As long as we continue to keep turtles or any other wild animals as pets, poachers will keep trying to smuggle them for easy money.

I have visited many zoos. In fact a visit to the zoo is always on the agenda, whenever we visit a new city or a new country. Does that not mean that I too in some way have contributed to someone capturing these animals and selling it to the zoo? As I think this, I am not sure if I would like to visit a zoo again. While I see some zoos and wild life centres where the animals are kept in almost natural surroundings, some others are cramped and shabby. Even if their quarters are well maintained, they are still prisons for them. I feel that it is not right to bring animals from the wild and keep them in zoos for our amusement and education.

We must ensure that we avoid engaging in sale and purchase of animals from the wild. Only then the poachers will be discouraged to catch them for profits.