#compassionateconservation

[ericnyquist]

New art for @theatlantic Huge thanks to AD @emilyjan When Conservationists Kill Lots (and Lots) of Animals Invasive species are sometimes trapped, poisoned, and shot in large numbers to save native species from extinction. Some scientists say the bloodshed isn’t worth it. By: @emma_marris #compassionateconservation #emu #kangaroo #dingo #australia #drawing #illustration #theatlantic #ericnyquist https://www.instagram.com/p/BoMw5RnhOjD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=5qdkdhuo9bw0

[ericnyquist]

Another drawing for @theatlantic Thanks to AD @emilyjan When Conservationists Kill Lots (and Lots) of Animals Invasive species are sometimes trapped, poisoned, and shot in large numbers to save native species from extinction. Some scientists say the bloodshed isn’t worth it. By: @emma_marris #dingo #rockwallaby #malleefowl #bilby #woylie #drawing #illustration #compassionateconservation https://www.instagram.com/p/BoMxxIYhVuX/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=h3n2zhwcetpo

[alexasark]

Compassionate Conservation

Compassionate Conservation differs from conservation biology in that it changes our valuing system. If we view animals with compassion, we value their individual experience rather than seeing them as a collective. It allows us to empathize more and respect animals intrinsically.

In veterinary medicine, we can use compassionate conservation as a tool for respecting and treating each animal’s life. Sharing the experience of healing wildlife can allow a greater population to connect to wildlife and empathize with their experience. At this point, conservation and veterinary fields have been confined to very traditional and limiting binaries of health, and only extended to animals that we eat, keep in our homes, or deem rare or limited and therefore more valuable.

Through The Zoobiquity Project, I want to extend an ethic of compassion beyond domesticated or endangered animals, to (all) wildlife! In an era where humans have manipulated almost every aspect of the Earth’s landscape, it is essential to value all creatures as individuals with independent, intrinsic worth. In working to make space for these wildlife in our communities, we can attempt to eliminate their labels as pest or nuisance species, and instead appreciate their hardiness.

Working with wildlife veterinarians and animal welfare scientists this year, I am attempting to extend compassionate values to all animals, especially those previously devalued by a nuisance label. In treating all animals with respect, valuing their right to exist and be healthy, we can combat species divides to create a nonviolent and accepting space for all beings.