Lesson of Kandu

The tragic death of a killer whale in the confined arena at Sea World typifies the arrogant and exploitative attitude we humans force upon the wild creatures of planet Earth.

Land and sea creatures are dying by the millions all over the planet. Precious habitat is being wiped out at a tremendous rate. So what do we do? We cage animals in zoos and parks, take our kids there and pretend we’re “into nature.”

For the amusement of the masses, which translates into riches for the few, we are callously abusing creatures from whom we could learn lessons far more revealing than the fact that whales and dolphins can jump through hoops while we sit on our duffs feeding our faces with popcorn and candy. Part of the lesson we could learn is that we are but a part of an ecological whole and we have no right to abuse, cage or exploit animals in the name of “having fun.”

Perhaps Kandu’s death at Sea World will turn a few more people into environmentalists who will in turn join others to defend the planet against greed and resulting violence and destruction that threatens to leave us all alone on a sterile, empty planet.

Don’t let Kandu’s death fade away in vain.

PETE DUSTRUD

San Diego