Gorilla killings

[tiggerblue10]

I was shocked and devastated to see the pictures of the dead gorillas. I know that the Democratic Republic iof Congo has been in a state of civil war for some time and millions have needlessly lost their lives, but why execute a creature that has no bearing on the political state of a country.

There are apparently only 600 Silverback Gorillas left in the world.

[jno]

sometimes it's for food (or to sell for food to make money), but this seems to be political - to try to scare rangers off. Pretty repellent.

[Gromit]

Sorry tiggerblue10,

I'm afraid I do have a lot of problems with your type of post.

Since 1998, the Democratic Republic iof Congo has suffered greatly from the devastating Second Congo War (sometimes referred to as the African World War), possibly the world's deadliest conflict since World War II.

As you state in your post, a very great lot of people have lost their lives. A week ago, a train was deliberately derailed and killed 100 civilians. Yet, you are only moved to write here when four Gorillas die.

Don't get me wrong, I do not like to see animals senselessly killed, but your pity and regret seemed to be misplaced. To put it bluntly, it appears you care more about the Gorillas, than the innocent people slaughted.

I hope you are now over your devastation.

[Smurf Queen]

gromit - im sure the motivation for this post is largely informative and therefore based on some personal value judgement but to suggest tiggerblue10 cares more about one problem or the other is inductive reasoning

heres a link to the story
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/aug2007/2007-0 8-10-01.asp

[Gromit]

Smurf Queen

You may be right, please supply a link to an AB question saddened by the senseless killing of hundreds of thousands of people in Democratic Republic iof Congo.

[stewey]

In warfare, any war, throughout history people unfortunately have been the major currency: we will kill more of your people than you can kill of ours. Animals should not be part of the battle-plan; but, because of 'man's' inhumanity they are....just an opinion!.............But don't endeavor to suggest I'm wrong!!

[China Doll]

I agree with Gromit to an extent. I don't like to see animals suffering needlessly but there is a another issue here which I see as far more pressing.

However, that said, tiggerblue does makes the point that these gorillas numbers have fallen to critical level and I can't stand the way species are driven to extinction by humanity.

But then, as has been pointed out to me when I had a minor rant about extinction you've got to look at the bigger picture. And in this case, much as it angers me about the gorillas. I'd much rather see an end to the suffering of the people. Then maybe the end of the gorilla suffering can follow closely after.

[Gromit]

I must hold my hands up and say I was a bit harsh on tiggerblue10. It isn't her fault that the civil war in DR Congo has been under reported. And this story has hit the news this week so it was fair enough asking the question.

[anotheoldgit]

Yes I too thought the Gromit was rather harsh on tiggerblue10. Perhaps it was the way she or he phrased their question. Perhaps they would have been better not to have mentioned the civil war, and then they would not have upset the African carers.

Fighting between various factions in Africa has been going on for years and it will continue for years and years to come. When will wars, and famine cease in Africa is a question that can never be answered.

But in the meantime if we try the easier task of stopping the wholesale slaughter of near to extinct animals in Africa, we will have achieved at least something in that problematic continent which is Africa.

[tiggerblue10]

I would like a chance to defend myself here.

It was supposed to be about extinction, but I felt I had to mention the human aspect in the DRC as I am NOT ignorant of it existance. I watched the Zaire/Rwandan conflict on the news in 1996 and remember being emotionally affected by it.

I am sickened by a lot of things that go on in the third world. The suffering that some people go through is horrific. And YES, I do care about innocent humans. I was just pointing out that these creatures have for some inane reason been executed. And it appears that it is not for their meat. There probably won't be any Silverbacks left in 5 years time. Look what has happened to the Yangze dolphin!

I am a "she" by the way and very caring one at that.

Rant over!

[Shadow Man]

I think the simple answer to your question is Africans are simply uncivilised. Both human and animal life are worthless.

[tigerlily11]

For humans and animals alike it is always those who are not doing anything wrong that are always in the line of fire and the first to go.
It bugs me that there is no one with any real power that is willing to do a thing for the people and anmals of DRofC or anywhere else in places like this.
The Congo is a beautiful place. It will be a shame to see all that is wonderful about killed and distroyed. And that inclides the people.

[tigerlily11]

Boy is my spelling off today:(

[feebee]

I too felt very sad for the gorillas, how can people be so evil.



Regarding the answers from Gromit, the post is about the gorillas, not the people.

He should stick to the subject or don't bother to post!