I prefer nature in nature and not in a place other than it, I am not a friend of circuses that work with animals nor of zoological parks with small fences. This time I bring for you a small collection of 7 photos of a model that you did not choose to model because you simply never wanted to be where you are, this is this beautiful Jaguar.
The collection is titled Wishing Freedom because really every creature confined to a small space in the world wants to get out of that space and explore the vast vastness (those who have been isolated for months at home know very well that what I am talking about ). It should be said that this Jaugar was rescued and therefore it was brought to this place, however it is quite small for an animal that walks at least 20 km a day.
Although I would prefer that he be in the jungle enjoying his freedom, at the same time I admit that having the possibility of seeing him so closely is wonderful. As I have said previously in other posts on this blog it seems to me that observation is the basis of understanding and I insist that by observing other species we can learn a lot from ourselves.
This Jaugar knows that he is observed in 360º and he certainly does not feel very comfortable (that can be seen in his face), however as his life has passed in captivity and under the gaze of thousands of curious eyes, he has certainly got used to it (because he had no other choice).
I had a teacher who constantly told me that cats are capable of creating a story where they choose to be, and that if you take a photo of them you will always find a good composition. Behind his gaze there is always a story and behind his pose there is always an intention; you just have to know how to watch and wait for the right moment to release the shutter.
The sequence of images that I present here is in order and approximately they were taken with an interval of 5 to 15 minutes from each other. I stayed in front of the fencing of the Jaguar for about 45 minutes to achieve the 7 photos that I now share with you, I really did about 10 but after making my selection I have kept these 7.
In a way, these photos capture the daily life of this feline, who basically spends time lying down on the rock, grooming with his own tongue, observing strangers who see him from outside and walking on the grass, I just failed to photograph him eating and drinking water. If we think about it, his life is quite repetitive, much more than our sedentary existences.
Although I think I did a good job with this image and I think it is beautiful, I have to tell you that it really announces the saddest part of this post. Because from here a stormy and terrible cycle is repeated for this Jaguar.
That cycle begins by walking through the grass, which does not last long because the space is really small for this Great Cat, on the other hand its fencing lacks large trees and can be very hot compared to the Cloud Forest which is the ecosystem where this species usually inhabits.
Emphasizing what I had already mentioned before, that they are animals that walk at least one 20 km a day; therefore, this space would be the equivalent for a human being of being locked up all day in a 36 m² apartment.
Finally, this Jaguar spends a good part of its time in this small corridor where it prowls around these gates; behind them is their sleeping and feeding area. I suppose that it seeks to take refuge either from the heat or from the gazes of thousands of beings that it does not know, and that although they are harmless they turn out to be the dominant species on the planet and also the one that has caused the most damage.
A reflection with which I will insist until the day I dies: we do not see these creatures as an attraction but we value the opportunity to observe them in a safe environment for us, at the same time we understand the situation in which they find themselves when seeing their significantly reduced freedom and let's do something to make your life as pleasant as possible.
For my part, I have shared what I saw with the authorities of this zoo and if this does not change, I plan to take it to the next level; organized citizen action and make enough noise if necessary so that we are taken into account and we can guarantee this majestic creature many more meters of land and a better habitat.
Thanks for reading me.
