Written by Today we’re celebrating Wildlife Day and all of those creatures great and small in the world who share our little green planet with us. My entry for the day is a quick and loose little sketch of a lion cub, because I think they’re super cute. Actually, the younger version of about every animal on the planet is pretty adorable. Which is not to say, of course, that we older human animals aren’t also capable of being cute. I like to think I still have my days when that occurs. Wildlife Day is so important that it actually occurs again in February and World Wildlife Day takes place on March 3rd. It’s also Macadamia Nut day, but that seemed a bit less important than our fellow living creatures in the world, many of which are now endangered. I’ve always been a huge animal lover and used to get little collector cards in the mail each week where I could learn more about each and every one of them when I was a kid. At one point, I think I wanted to be a veterinarian, but since I get squeamish and sometimes faint at the sight of my own blood, this was quickly changed to just about anything else as I grew up. But, I’m a huge fan and supporter of those people in the world who fight and care for our animal friends.
Philippe and I recently became “Friends” of our local zoo, which means donating a bit each year to help the non-profit institution succeed. While not at all ideal, in many cases, we humans are the last resort for some animals, even though we were the cause of the problem in the first place. I would definitely prefer they were able to roam free in their natural habitat, but any effort that educates people about them and tries to help them is a good one to me. Philippe doesn’t share my squeamishness for medical procedures and does, after all, have a Ph.D in Biology, so he still has dreams of working at the zoo. Watching him with our own little basenji dog, Phineas, I know that he would be an excellent caretaker that any animal would be thrilled to have. For the record, yes, he’s also an excellent human caretaker and I’m rather lucky to have him as well. We both share a deep love of animals and it’s sometimes impossible to describe those feelings exactly. But each little squirrel or bunny we see frolicking outside our kitchen window requires us both to stop and observe the wonder together.
When I first started sketching and painting I spent an entire month sketching animals from A-Z and even made a poster of the event. In the following month, I explored all of the stranger, uncommon creatures that are often less celebrated and much more rarely ever drawn. Though I may lack the ability to treat medical conditions, I still like to do my part in raising awareness for these animals. For example, did you know that it’s entirely possible that our future generations would live in a world without lions? Or even rhinos, elephants, and gorillas? This seems like science fiction to me and my little self can’t imagine that something like this could ever happen. But my adult self knows that what we take for granted now is often the very thing we’ll miss most in the future. There’s much about this world that seems like it’s spinning out of control, but we can always do something to make a difference. For me, it’s as simple as wanting the future children of this world to have the same glorious childhood that I remember. One filled with wonderful and exotic creatures from all over the world, who certainly deserve to be celebrated on this fantastic Wildlife Day.
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Your sketch is really adorable. They are quite cute when small for sure. My husband and I were members of the zoo for many years. We couldn’t go as often as we liked but always liked the idea that we were helping to keep the animals well and fed. I actually just received my new membership card last week. Just in time to have my guest, who arrives on Sunday, join me. I am sure you and Philippe will enjoy your membership as well.
Thanks so much, June! 😃💕Yay to being friends of the zoo! Yeah, we love it, but don’t go as much as we think we would. But it’s nice to help anyway and know that we could go whenever we like! 😉
Ah, your lion cub brings back so many memories! It’s true that zoos are not the best solution, but unfortunately unless the human population wants to give up expanding into previously wild territory, it seems to be about the only solution. Many species would already be extinct if they weren’t living in zoos.
Thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 Yeah, I know, we’re totally the problem and the solution. So I’m happy to support zoos that are trying to help make things right!
Well that was kind of a mixed happy depressing post! 😁 I tear up watching those animal rescue commercials. I’m not a good one to tell that there might well be no lions in the future. I guess I always figured we’d kill ourselves off before that happened, but looks like my calculations were off. Darn!
Yeah, it’s a mixed bag when it comes to wildlife. So wonderful, yet still so many problems they face. And yeah, I rather thought we’d become extinct first, but seems the other is what’s really happening. 😉
He/she is so cute! Kudos to you for becoming zoo members. We were members when my son was younger and it was easier to go. Unfortunately, life sometimes gets in the way now.
Thanks so much! 😃💕 Yeah, we only get to get 2 or 3 times a year, so it’s mostly just about supporting the zoo. hehe Always fun when we do go though!
U r lion cub is adorable definitely. I loved the line when i wanted to become vet.Dr.hahaha n fainted.remind me as my hubby is a human Dr. Once i went to see by pass surgery and fainted.haha
Thanks so much cos..
Thanks so much, Snehlata! 😃💕haha! So happy to know I’m not alone my friend! lol Yeah, the sight of blood is not my thing at all! I totally faint! 😊
Nice one Charlie. Let’s hope we don’t get another invasion of the Little Mermaid today! Interesting how when we mention wildlife we think of animals not trees or seaweed!
Thanks, Rod! 😃💕 So true! We should think of trees and seaweed as well! hehe… but I like to sketch things with eyes more, so I always end up with animals!
I worry about the loss of wild animals that will be part of my grandchildren’s world, animals they might see only next to the image of the dinosaur. Your lion cub is adorable – hope she senses how important her life is.
So true, Sharon! There are so many animals that might be bits of fiction in the future. I hope that’s not the case for many though. I couldn’t imagine a world without lions! 😃💕
Thanks for writing in celebration of wildlife and our need for to preserve them for future generations. I love the colors around your cub – he looks very special.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 yeah, I’m a totally animal lover… hope we can figure out how to help them stay with us into the future!
I’m disappointed in your sketch Charlie as I expected you’d paint Phillipe and you doing a night on the town eating dessert.
Lol… you should know my now, I rarely sketch people! 😉 And Philippe never likes to leave the house at night. hehe
Charlie,, Needless to say, I love the little lion. He is beyond precious…so real I could hug him.
The article is extra special too. Cute and smart. Sowwy, just couldn’t resist!
Thanks so much, Sarah! 😃💕I’m so thrilled you liked this one! He wasn’t quite as loved as my other sketches. hehe But I think he turned out pretty cute!
He sure did! He is genuinely lovable.
Nicely composed! Check out my article on survival tips in the wildlife! Unplugged Creations https://unpluggedcreations.com/survive-in-the-wild/
Thanks! So glad you liked this! 😃💕