The really important moments in my life are usually accompanied by tears or, at the very least, a glazing of my eyeballs. These trigger events don’t necessarily have to be dramatic, seismic, or signal loss and tragedy. My bouts of significant self-reflection are often partnered with the most ordinary events, like a trip to the zoo.
This recent incidence, which I’m guessing was totally hidden from those around me since I didn’t detect any scrutiny, was wholly unexpected, and yet it immediately connected with the most precious of human traits making me wonder if others are as sensitive to the nuances surrounding us? And that in itself belied the contradictions of my life as very often I’m oblivious to the things that affect those around me. Nonetheless, I am not devoid of intense reflection which some may categorise as spiritualism.
Loro Parque, Tenerife is like any other centre of wildlife entertainment, where animals are paraded in synthesised habitats. I have often struggled with the captivity of wild creatures versus the education afforded about the species that share our dot of blue in the universe, and of course the incredible research that is undertaken to better protect mother nature. But on this occasion one animal’s story captivated my immediate focus causing me to experience extreme hope, yet at the very same time despair – a juxtaposition that provided the perfect storm for tears.
Morgan the Orca (or Killer Whale) possessed the same star quality of her peers, but for me she represented much more than that. Found alone, underweight, with severe skin burns, dehydrated, and malnourished, she was rescued off the north-western coast of Holland in June 2010. Without such an intervention she would no doubt have perished. Nursed back to health, what followed is another astonishing story, and if you are inclined to research this period of her life there are several reliable sources at your fingertips, but suffice to say several international scientists debated and agonised over her immediate future with the ultimate decision being to relocate Morgan to Loro Parque. A return to the wild would likely have led to her early demise. Latterly it was discovered that Morgan was partially deaf, a handicap that would have dramatically reduced her chances of survival in the wild.
The trainers developed an ingenious way to communicate with and therefore care for Morgan, eventually supporting her transition into motherhood, arguably an impossible outcome within her natural habitat.
I watched in awe through my naturally formed glaze, however the jumps, pirouettes and acrobatics of Morgan and her clan were not the reasons for my emotion. As I reflected upon the kindness of humanity, often when it came to the care of animals, I questioned why there still exists an arrogant, dangerous, and toxic posture in some of my fellow human beings who routinely choose hate over hope, discrimination over decency and loathing over love when dealing with one of their own?
Of all those in the auditorium that whooped and cheered during the show how many would celebrate the downfall of another human being solely based on the colour of their skin, ethnicity, or religion? Humans are both brilliant and barbaric.
When you hear of, think of, or vote for the latter please remember Morgan. After all, we are all made of the same star stuff and collaboration, care and kindness should always motivate us more than the cesspit of cynicism.
© Ian Kirke 2021 & all photographs