tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post4890962904163119565..comments2024-02-18T03:39:19.390+03:00Comments on Notes From Kenya: MSU Hyena Research: To the MomsMSU CNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997499077027854416noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-37009435487815388782017-05-15T23:09:20.380+03:002017-05-15T23:09:20.380+03:00Thank you, Rebecca LaFleur and all MSU Hyena Resea...Thank you, Rebecca LaFleur and all MSU Hyena Research team for all the work you do and for sharing your findings. <br /><br />When I was first introduced (albeit virtually) to free-living Spotted Hyenas, something about their beings just inexplicably grabbed my mind and some not small portion of my heart as well.<br /><br />Somehow I see Spotted Hyenas especially as quite strong “bridge” Animals. These Animal(Kin) demonstrate quite a lot of behaviors and characteristics that a large number of humans opine belong more or less exclusively to the human animal.<br /><br />Here, as in many other facets of their beings, Spotted Hyenas Mothers show that each individual is indeed individual. There’s no one size fits all. And this is basically true of most Animal(Kin). Each being has some bit of characteristic that is basically their own.<br /><br />Countless times I’ve heard Safari Guides make statements that Hyenas either never do something or always do some other behavior. And, sure enough, Hyenas will at some point conduct themselves in some extraordinary, unexpected way and prove the humans’ judgements incorrect.<br /><br />I wonder sometimes if humans that level such judgements do so in order to exert some kind of control and distance between themselves and Animal(Kin). That probably from some instinctive place there is a feeling that to allow an Animal(Kin) too close is too dangerous. Which certainly can be true. The human as an Animal is basically weak in its physical characteristics in comparison to other Animal(Kin). <br /><br />As we learn more about Spotted Hyenas and realize that they are not so very dissimilar to humans and thereby bridging that gap between the species, where does anthropomorphism come into the picture? <br /><br />As one who has had to cope with hurtful prejudices from others, anthropomorphism is one of the things I worry about quite a lot actually. It’s worrisome that some number of people may start leveling even more expectations and judgements on Animal(Kin) than they already do and punish them when they do not act in the ways the human animals decide they should act.<br /><br />But, on the other edge of the sword, if we do not build some kind of relationship of understanding and appreciation with these beautiful Animal(Kin) and all Animal(Kin) for that matter, then what will their fate be? <br /><br />The human as a species is most often for me a quite scary creature. On one of the broadcasted Safari Drives the question was put, ‘Which Animal would you be most frightened to see out here [in the bush]?’ My answer – the human animal, in this case in the form of poachers.<br /><br />With unfortunately over 7.5 billion human animals on the planet, if Animal(Kin) are to survive, the humans will have to be an active part of Animal(Kin) survival. I do wonder how might humans be made to appreciate and care for the/”our” Animal(Kin) and the/”our” Earth overall and yet keep harmful expectations out of the equation? <br />I believe the answers rest with you and all the researchers out there, to guide all of the rest of us out there. <br /><br />So again, I thank you for all you are doing for the amazing and beautiful Spotted Hyenas.<br /><br />Blessings and OhWhooop!<br />Toni… Pennsylvania, USA<br />p.s I hope what I've written here makes some kind of sense? Often what makes sense in my head, doesn't always work out the same way in writing/speaking. :) <br />ToniAyniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15382785672758008823noreply@blogger.com