Animal trainers

[peter]

LIONS, TIGERS, FIGHTS AND TRAINERS - I


a - Introduction

Some days ago, a new poster allegedly interested in " ... anatomical differences between lions and tigers ... ", but waiting for a chance to start a debate on fights, apparently felt insulted by a post in which I wrote I had seen a mock fight between a captive male lion and a captive male Amur tiger in a big cat facility. As a result of the difference in size, it was over before it started. I didn't add it to state I favour a tiger in a fight with a lion. It was done to inform you about the tremendous energy I saw. I mean, how many of us will have the chance to witness something like that from three feet? 

Although I wrote the outcome could have been different when the male lion would have been larger, he decided to start posting about lion victories. One account after the other was posted and all were backed by newspaper articles. As it was a repetition of the old versus debates on other forums, it resulted in animosity. Majingilane immediately told him. He was ignored. This was the reason I stepped in. Most unfortunately, the new poster just continued. In the end, he was banned.

End of story? Not quite.

I decided for one more post on lions, tigers, fights and trainers. The intention is to tell you a bit more about the trainers I interviewed. They will be compared to a very well-known American trainer who wrote a few books about his experiences. This trainer, as a result of his fame, is held in high regard by some, although others have a very different opinion. Although I know some of you will feel insulted by this post, I feel a comment on Beatty is needed.

Before I start on him and those he inspired (trainers included), I want to underline two things. One is this post is not intended to inform you on the superiority of one of the two in a one-on-one. Two is I want you to know that I respect Beatty. He was a very experienced trainer who had something to offer, no matter what you think of him. The reason I feel strongly about him will be explained in this post.


b - A photograph to remember

This post will appear in parts. The reason is I yesterday lost a long post as a result of problems with the internet. Don't respond to what you see until I finished, I mean. It will be a long post. Sorry about that.

The introduction is concluded with a photograph I found today. What you see is a police officer lying on the street next to his horse. The horse was hit by a truck and badly wounded (the driver apparently was not to blame). My guess is the police-officer most probably knew her time was up. He never left her until she was euthanized by a vet.

The photograph moved many. The main reason is the officer really cared. They were connected for sure. 

Same for trainers and big cats. Those I interviewed cared about their animals. If you, when reading the post, feel the urge to respond to something you may not like, my advice is to go back to the picture. Have a good look. When you work with animals, the bond often is strong. Animals trust you, meaning you are responsable. If you lose an animal, you will get hurt. If you conclude it could have been prevented, you will act.

This (to act when you lose an animal) is the thing to remember. If you don't and lose another, it means you are not fit to work with animals. If you lose 3, you are accountable for the consequences. If you lose 10 in 10 seperate incidents, I can only get to criminal intent. Not animal abuse.            
  

*This image is copyright of its original author

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