Think of paradise. What's the first thing that pops into your head? Well, I'll tell you what I see. Palm trees, crisp warm beaches, breathing taking blue oceans with soft waves crashing on the shore line. But, what's underneath the water's surface? What goes on under the top layer of beauty that are eyes are unable to see and our bodies unable to experience naturally?
One creature (more specifically) that I'm sure crosses everyone's mind when thinking of the deep dark spaces of the ocean is, the great white shark. With 17 feet of robustness, rows of teeth each 4 inches wide and a bite force of over 800 pounds...what's not to be mesmerized about? Without opposable thumbs or fingers in general, it leaves the mouth for feeling. From warning bites to full on attacks, what a magnificent creature indeed.
With so much power and a lack of understanding behavior, it makes sense to fear a creature of this magnitude. Let's not forget the most famous great white of all, Bruce! Our lovable character from the cinematic masterpiece we all know as the film Jaws has made a particularly large impact on the shark community.
Wait, did she just say "lovable"?
You all can close your jaws now (pun intended), I did indeed say lovable. Let's not forget that without the great white our water ecosystems would be running a muck. Everything needs a natural order to keep the balance. Just like the lions must eat the antelope on land, sharks must do their thing and survive in the ocean.
When we cross those borders and take those steps from land to sea, we are ultimately taking our first steps onto another world. When you accept this concept, you'll learn to respect how incredible aquatic life is, from its cute little sea lions to its odd looking flounders all the way to the majestic great white. Unfortunately, attacks do occur and some are undeniably horrifically tragic. My heart goes out to all those who lost their loved ones due to this circumstance. I do hope this does not leave your hearts with hatred for these creatures, but instead with respect and more understanding as to how precious life truly is.
Even though it's only March, I'd like to begin preparation of the best week in summer, Shark Week! A week dedicated to the education and further acknowledgement of the glorious species known as the shark. I'd also like to take this moment to express my hatred of shark finning. The shark is a severely misunderstood animal but every day we get closer and closer to knowing their behavior and overall survival mechanisms. No animal deserves to have their limbs and body parts cut off for a leisurely dining experience. I believe this is inhumane and needs to be stopped. Would you cut off your dog's ear to make soup? ... I didn't think so.
To learn more about these amazing animals, check out these sites
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/great-white-shark/
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/vertebrates/Doug/shark.html
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/sharks/species/Greatwhite.shtml
Enjoy and open your horizons to understanding what you fear most, whether it be sharks or even the dark. The best way to beat your fear is to know your fear. If you're like me, your level of respect will result in someday hopefully having the opportunity to experience a one on one encounter with a great white (from the safety of a cage of course). ;-) Once I do, I will be sure to share my findings and experience overall.
No comments:
Post a Comment