How can we make people aware that when it comes to wild animals this isn't Disney land?

Question

I was at work the other day and I found a photo that was submitted to a local magizine of a girl riding a young Beluga whale. People thought this was cute but I was just in shock that someone would do this to a disorientate wild animal. The whale had become separated from the group and strayed inshore.

Last year there was a call about a beached sperm whale, and someone let their child go play in the shallows next to it. Common sense should tell you that's a bad idea.

How can we educate the public to make them more aware that these are wild animals? Movies and media have portrayed some animals as friendly and playful. People see these animals in amusement parks and circuses and for some reason think all animals are trained show animals.

But what can be done to combat this?

Answer 1

Let Darwins theory take care of them and their kids.

Answer 2

Nature is already taking care of the problem.  Every year we hear of someone studying bears or fooling with sharks.  They get eaten and that reduces the proportion of stupid people.  The only way to deter those who pick on or abuse animals that can not defend themselves is to make sure they know what we think of their behavior whenever we see it.

Answer 3

I agree people today have no respect for wildlife and their physical limits. We humans we put animals aside like if they were useless. We treat them like slaves. We force them to do hard labor, we make them become entertainment to us, and we poison them by our testing. We should teach people that animals have their personalities and that they have their own lives to live. We humans we believe they are toys, tools, pets, and test subjects. Well i beg to differ. Animals should be left alone to live life to the fullest. Many animals have died because of the torture we have made them endure, this is not what children should learn to do. They should learn to love and respect wildlife. They are no different than what we are.

Answer 4

I agree that wild animals are not to be played with. Wild animals don't like us, really. A beautiful white swan would rather bite your hands off than have you pet it. Need I say more? People need to be taught at a young age this fact. How cute indeed! Teddy bears, Tony the tiger, Bambi. etc.

Answer 5

About riding the whale is has a huge layer of blubber it probably never knew she was on it. If it stayed inshore it had a brain brain defect where its internal sonar stopped working or sent wrong messages to the brain.

Answer 6

HSUS is constantly encouraging summer vacationers to avoid marine parks: taming whales and dolphins is only an illusion

With proper and careful rehabilitation, many wild-caught captive whales and dolphins could undoubtedly relearn the survival skills they were taught as calves, no matter how long they have been held in captivity. Captivity dulls their independence but does not necessarily destroy it

We should shed the mantle of the exploitative and greedy sideshow barker and recognize that teaching whales and dolphins to perform tricks does not showcase their abilities—it exploits them. These circus acts are not educational—they are entertainment. And out-dated entertainment at that. Dolphins do not belong in captivity in the new century. They belong where they have lived for millennia, in the ocean, where their continued presence will motivate us to protect them.

Answer 7

so you dont care about the Canadian seal hunt but yet you care about this?

your a hypocrite!