Wild animals from chimpanzees to elephants are being hunted and killed in Africa. This is commonly referred to as the “Bush Meat” trade or the commercial, often illegal, hunting and selling of wild animals for food. The attitude towards this issue has been apathetic because people tend to ignore issues that are not immediately surroundings them, but we are in fact interconnected with these animals in many ways. Firstly we share 99% of our DNA with the chimpanzee, making it our closest relatives. Secondly this trade is an international issue as the meat is exported from Africa to various parts of the world.
It is a despondent reality that we often turn a blind eye to issues because we feel they are too far from our reach. Through writing about animal welfare I have come back to the same conclusion surrounding many issues, we are connected not only to each other but to the animals that inhabit our world. It is time that we take a stand for all living things, the diversity of wildlife in Africa is under threat and this crisis must be confronted.
The Bush meat trade is now a commercial business that is both senseless and unsustainable. If action is not taken many large animals in the hunting areas could become extinct including elephants, gorillas, and chimps. This could also affect humanity in terms of their natural resources they depend on in the area because the environment is being disturbed. Over one million tons of animal meat is sold each year originating from the tropical forests of Africa. This trade will be difficult, if not impossible to stop but simple actions can be taken to help. The trade should not be supported in any way, we can raise awareness and support the organizations that are trying to help. This is an injustice to the wild animals of our world, and to ourselves.
“If we kill off the wild, then we are killing a part of our souls.” ―Jane Goodall
