Dear Life,
Three months ago Cecil the lion became a global name when he was lured out of a national park in Zimbabwe and killed by an American trophy hunter. The outrage, the sorrow, and the questions that arose had people speaking up, out and across many different platforms. Trophy hunting became the topic of politicians, conservationists, celebrities and concerned animal activists. I recently stumbled upon a documentary that MSNBC has been working on that will air on October 7, 2015. The one-hour long show will give a glimpse into the world of trophy hunting.
Jimmy Kimmel said it best when he asked, “The big question is why are you shooting a lion in the first place? I am honestly curious to know why a human being feels compelled to do that. How is that fun?” When the Blood Lions documentary crossed my path, and I watched the trailer my heart sunk to my belly and I immediately slapped my hand on my mouth. A gag pulse ran through every fiber of my body. I thought, how am I going to watch this? Then I thought, I have to for Cecil. I need to open my eyes to the things happening beyond our nation’s borders.
Cecil may have died a tragic death, but his name is bringing to light something the world and Africa had no idea was taking place in their backyard. Jimmy called the act against Cecil, VOMITOUS!!! Like Jimmy and many others, I am not opposed to hunting, but when you are breeding animals for the sole purpose of killing them as a game, it is downright nauseating.
There is a spiritual disconnect between people, the environment (to include animals), and the power and need to control. Something is missing. Until that “something” is fixed these types of unnecessary activities will continue to occur. For that reason alone I am going to watch Blood Lions and hopefully gain some added insight and understanding into a world I cannot w
rap my brain around. I hope you can. Let’s learn about this sport and maybe together we can build a stronger unity to influence a compassionate change.
In Compassion,
Jessie
