ways to #LiveKinder for wild animals
What if we started living a little kinder?
This year we are encouraging everyone to #LiveKinder and tread a little lighter – especially when it comes to our relationship with animals. With a few small changes we can all #LiveKinder - let’s be kinder in what we eat, kinder in what we do and kinder in how we treat animals and the planet. Every little action can have a huge impact, and collectively we have the power to protect animals and the planet. Whilst we all are still living with the fallout of COVID-19 we are becoming increasingly aware of the link between the way we treat animals and the planet, and the subsequent emergence of global pandemics. Over 75% of pandemics have come from animals, including wildlife and farmed animals. The message is clear - we need to change the way we live. Are you prepared to #LiveKinder?
These changes do not need to be big to make a significant impact. Even a few small steps in the right direction can, and will, make a big difference.
Click here if you would like to know more about the link between animal welfare and pandemics.
#LiveKinder for Wild animals
Help stop the exploitation of wild animals
Remember, if you can hug, ride, touch or take a photo up close with a wild animal, they will have suffered from cruelty and exploitation to make this possible
Baboon proof your bin
When baboons become familiar with the taste of human food, and where to find it, they are more likely to raid dustbins and even homes. Baboons are opportunistic so we need to protect them by not feeding them and not making food easily available for them. If you live in an area frequented by baboons, ensure your bins are baboon-proof, by making sure you keep bins out of sight (for example in your garage) until collection day and never leave food or litter outside. You could go one step further by attaching a padlock or bin locks to both sides of the bin – a single lock in the middle of the bin is insufficient to keep out crafty baboons!
Don’t feed wild animals like baboons, vervet monkeys and others
Once wild animals are fed food by humans, they will associate people with food, become dangerous or a threat to human safety and may have to be put down.
Support the animal life in your own backyard
Many of us have small wildlife like squirrels, birds, bees, insects and other animals living in our back and front yards. Do your research and plant indigenous and animal-friendly plants to help support the small ecosystems, animals and insects that call the areas around your house, their home. Don’t think of these little guys as trespassers or intruders, but rather think of them as tiny, wild ‘roommates’ – after all, they were living there before we came along!
Say no to pesticides and poisons
There are many non-lethal ways to ‘get rid’ of wildlife and insects that might have moved into your house or yard. Never put out poison for rats, moles, squirrels, or other animals – there are non-toxic, cruelty-free alternatives. Poisoning rats and other animals can have a far reaching consequences on the natural food chain. Birds of prey like owls and hawks love eating mice and rats; as do snakes, foxes, wild cats and even your own dog or cat. If any one of these predators eats a poisoned rat or mouse, they too will be at risk of poisoning. If you must take action, do research non-toxic and cruelty-free alternatives.
