We only protect what we love, we only love what we understand, and we only understand what we are taught.
Jacques Cousteau
Front row in a cozy 50-seat auditorium at Atlanta’s Fernbank Museum of Natural History, my family and I had the wonderful opportunity to witness a live animal encounter presentation that left a lasting impression.
The presenter, Brent Fannin, knelt down on the stage with a certain grace, cradling a fox snake with his hands. As he gently allowed the 15-person audience to give a two-fingered bellow stroke to it, a sense of connection with nature enveloped us.
At the show’s completion, my family loitered. Curiosity getting the best of us, we asked if he traveled with this exhibit. With a shake of his head, he replied, “I’m actually from the area and work at a preserve.” With a smile, he returned the snake to its enclosure, and then, with a quick glance around, posed a question that sparked excitement, “Are you all ready to meet Wanda the red-footed tortoise?”
It was an unexpected treat for our family, and as the tortoise very slowly stalked the stage, Brent continued to engage us. He casually inquired, “Have you ever heard of the gopher tortoise? No? Well, I’m in the process of completing a documentary centered around them.” (Here’s a trailer: Link)
Intrigued, I took a moment to ask his name, Googled him, and discovered the top search result was a GoFundMe page. Clicking into it, I saw that he had not only met but exceeded his $5,000 donation goal. Pointing to my screen, I congratulated him, and his grin widened. “Yes, it’s made a significant difference,” he replied with genuine appreciation.
Amidst the fading echoes of our other family members who had drifted away, Brent’s passion held Dave’s and my attention. “Without proper protection and conservation efforts, gopher turtles could face extinction within the next five decades. Shockingly, a critical protection measure was recently denied. Would you believe that Florida’s Conservation Committee is comprised of five developers and two entrepreneurs?” His words hung heavily in the air, a stark reminder of the complex challenges facing our environment.
The drive home was accompanied by a somber silence with a lingering “what’s wrong with people” sentiment that I just couldn’t shake off. In those contemplative moments, I found myself reflecting on Dr. Seuss’s wisdom: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, it’s not going to get better, it’s not.”
The truth is, we can’t escape the undeniable impact of human actions on the natural world. There’s a painful realization that we might witness the loss of even more species due to our collective negligence. Anger and sadness welled up within me, at times even translating into a physical ache.
Yet, amidst these feelings, I’ve chosen to channel my emotions into action. I recall a time when a dear friend absentmindedly swatted at a gentle mason bee, one of nature’s most endearing creatures. At that moment, I recognized the importance of these small beings in our ecosystem, a web that sustains us all. It was then that I realized the significance of giving them a voice. Our reliance on nature’s intricate systems goes beyond mere survival; it’s about thriving in harmony.
Certainly, I can’t singlehandedly save the world, and neither can you. However, what we can do is spread knowledge, nurture empathy, and share our profound love for all the gifts that Mother Nature bestows upon us. By doing so, we inspire others to join in this crucial endeavor, one that holds the potential to make a difference, one small act of care at a time.
Sending lots of love your way. Jaclynn
Going On 40 