The Trials Of Life - Human Interference.

[Jennykenny]

Watching a re-run of this where giant tortoises are mating. The rival male is turned over onto his back and may not be able to right itself.
Should we, humans, interfere and help it or allow nature to follow its course despite the fact the animal may die?

[woofgang]

Yup, we as humans should interfere. Its not like the circs where someone chases the leopard away from the cuddly deer and the leopard risks starvation.

[wildwood]

Giant tortoises have already suffered from human interference and are on a downward slide in population numbers, so helping them is the least we can do.

In passing.... many notable so-called wildlife events are captured in a cleverly decorated studio with temporarily caught animals, or with permanently captive animals.

[Quizmonster]

Once, on a very remote Indian Ocean island, I watched giant turtles laying their eggs. Later, I happened to be alone on the same beach when the tiny newborns began clambering from the sand.
Of course, the skua-type birds of the area were in wait, as were the large fish near the shore, all taking advantage of the food-supply. Now, I am of course perfectly well aware that skuas and fish require food; however, I had no hesitation in picking up and piling the littluns into my tee-shirt and then swimming as far from the shore as seemed sensible before releasing them to whatever fate awaited them.
I like to think that even now, nearly forty years later, some of the females amongst them still return to that beach to start the next generation.

[Jennykenny]

Interesting answers. Thank you.

[chaptazbru2]

Well done Quiz, well done xx

[Quizmonster]

Thanks, Chap. I told of this incident years ago on AnswerBank and was roundly condemned for it by many, as best I recall! I'd still do it again were the opportunity to arise, however. Cheers