Why not visit the animals?

Hi there, my fellow wildlife preservers! Welcome to another post related to the protection of endangered wildlife in Canada. I will be keeping this post short and sweet, but I just wanted to further highlight the importance of protecting your local species and the immense value perspective can offer.

At the very end of 2019 and coming into 2020 I was fortunate enough to arrive on Canadian soil for the first time. Immediately I fell in love with the country and all it had to offer. Arriving in Canada, I knew one of its assets was the beautiful wildlife throughout the country, hence I just had to see some.

My first stop was in the amazing, quaint little town of Banff where numerous forms of wildlife greeted my arrival. On a small hike my friends and I encountered our first lot of wildlife with the consistent packs of Elk following the trail. Further along the trail we also witnessed a Woody Woodpecker demonstrating where he got his name from. As my trip throughout this scenic country progressed I was able to see other species including countless white rabbits, squirrels and the odd deer now and then. Yes I come from Australia where wildlife is also heavily present throughout day to day life but I’ve never experienced anything like Canada’s beautiful wildlife.

However, not long after my first trip to Banff I soon learnt of the Canadian species that are under threat. Through being in the country itself and witnessing their wildlife first hand, I felt a form of connection and somewhat responsibility to help out in any way I could. Without even realising it, I had gained all this first hand perspective and wanted to do something about it.

I’m not saying to those that do not live in Canada to jump on a plane and see the animals yourself to gain some perspective, but I think it is important to educate yourselves. Just you alone reading this post has given some perspective and educated you in a sense. Being aware of the issue is the first step to movement and even telling your family and friends about it is creating that talk that can lead to change.  

If you are fortunate enough to be a citizen of Canada and experience the beauty that surrounds you, then I encourage you to go out exploring. Go for a short or even long drive if you desire to educate yourselves in the local species that are under threat in your area. Just witnessing the wildlife near you alone can allow you to gain so much perspective and realise it is your duty as a Canadian to give a helping hand. Seeing these animals up close also creates that connection that enables you to be aware and sympathise for the species that are at risk.

Despite being sent back home to Australia as a result of Covid-19, Canada still holds a special place in my heart being a country that withholds so much beauty. It would be a shame to see its wildlife diminish, but if we all unite together and first hand realise what is under threat, we can make that change. Why not educate yourselves? Why not become aware of the issues close to home? Why not visit the animals?