Animals
I've been reading a number of books by and about Joy and George Adamson recently. For those who may not know, they raised Elsa, the lioness from "Born Free". George then went on to raise more lions, and Joy raised Pippa, a cheetah, and Penny, a leopard. All these stories are just so beautiful. I love hearing about the trust the animals give the humans. Anyone reading the story can tell there's love and a real bond there. That's not to say the stories were always happy. The book made me laugh and cry. I felt love, anger, worry, happiness, and sadness. The saddest parts were when the animals died. When Pippa died, and when she lost a couple litters of cubs I was very upset. When Elsa died, even though I knew it was coming, I burst into tears. Maybe some people are wondering why I would cry over a lioness I never met who died over 50 years ago. To those people I say, "Why not?" I had heard of Elsa before I the read the books, but I didn't really get to know her until I read the books. I felt like, vicariously through Joy's and George's books, I also lived with Elsa, Pippa, and Penny. I felt like I really knew them. So why not cry when they died? Animals being hurt or in pain have always bothered me a lot. It's one reason I could never be a vet, even though I love animals. I know I wouldn't be able to handle the ones beyond help.
A little side note: after reading the books I found out my dad had been Meru National Park, where Elsa and Pippa were raised, in 1974. Mom and dad were both there in 1978. I now have a goal of getting there myself someday. If I'm lucky I'll get to see Elsa's grave and pay my respects.
A little side note: after reading the books I found out my dad had been Meru National Park, where Elsa and Pippa were raised, in 1974. Mom and dad were both there in 1978. I now have a goal of getting there myself someday. If I'm lucky I'll get to see Elsa's grave and pay my respects.