There were some amazing speakers during the opening session. One of my favorites was Nigel Barker - yes, of 'America's Next Top Model' fame. He spoke of the Canadian seal hunt. It was pretty hard to hear some things that he said, not that I didn't already know what was going on, but when someone who's actually seen it says it again, it just makes you so upset. He actually went up there to film the seals and the seal hunt. At times, I did lose focus as cute little fluffy white seals appeared on the screens onstage, eliciting impromptu "Awwwwww's" from me during his speech. But Nigel was serious. Nigel meant business. I really admire all of the work he has done. It is so refreshing to see celebrities genuinely care about something, and you could tell that Nigel really cared about this seal hunt. He said something that I won't forget. Being a fashion photographer, Nigel really enjoyed being able to use his skills to photograph wildlife. He said that he could not always take a beautiful picture of a person, even if they were all glammed up and looked beautiful on the outside. However, he could always take a beautiful picture of an animal. I couldn't agree more. He took some great pictures and had them available in the exhibit hall for signing and a meet and greet. He signed one of the pictures for me and.....I got a picture with this beautiful person!
Most of the sessions I chose to attend involved animal cruelty and laws/prosecution. There are a lot of issues out there concerning animals (horse slaughter, farm animal welfare, animals in labs, etc.) Most of the issues I am most passionate about are ones concerning companion animals/pets. I'm very interested in the legal aspect of it all and making these animal abusers pay for the heinous crimes they have committed. If someone abuses or neglects an animal, how do you think they are going to treat their children or their spouse? It is all a cycle of violence and there is a solid connection between violence to animals and violence to humans. All of the presentations were excellent, including the one where a panel of animal lawyers spoke about different cases and laws concerning different species. I also attended a dogfighting and urban outreach workshop, which was just pure awesomeness. What these people are doing to stop this horrible practice is truly inspiring. However, I am really excited to start learning more in depth about all of the issues and I will be using this blog to post information.
I would be lying if I said I didn't feel a bit out of place at the conference. One of the biggest causes of my anxiety was that I am neither a vegan or a vegetarian. I love animals, but I do eat meat. Most of the people that I told this to were very understanding and were very kind and open to giving me suggestions on small steps I can take. I am definitely willing to participate in "Meat Out Mondays" but I honestly know (or at least I don't think so) will ever be able to stop eating meat. This doesn't make me any less of an animal lover. I am against factory farming and inhumane treatment of farm animals. I do want chickens to be able to spread their wings and be free of cages. I want cows to be free and eat green grass. I don't want pigs stuck in a pen where they can't move. But there is such a thing as humane slaughter. I know there are some that would disagree with this statement, but I believe it to be true. Temple Grandin is an autistic woman who has done some amazing work in slaughterhouses, identifying things that can be done to make cows more comfortable and less afraid. We should not subject them to needless suffereing and cruelty. There are things that can be done to make the process better and more humane. Temple's book, "Animals in Translation" is amazing. The information she has gathered about animals and how they experience and perceive things around them blew me away. And guess what I learned at the conference? Temple Grandin loves cattle yet she still eats meat, beef included.
Now I'm not saying that I don't agree with vegetarianism or veganism. I just think it is hard for some people to make that transition. I would love to try out some vegan and vegetarian recipes because all of the food served at the conference was vegan and I was never disappointed. It all was quite tasty. Small steps need to be taken and I fully intend to start buying more organic and free-range items. I actually look forward to blogging about new recipes I will try, ala Julie and Julia. But if someone tried to tell me that I don't truly care about animal welfare if I eat meat, I just might completely lose my composure.
Like I said, I am really interested in learning as much as I can about everything so that I can make others aware. It felt so good to be a part of a conference where people shared some of my similar views. It was also pretty awesome meeting other people who also became very excited when a random dog was being walked on the street. Ah yes, these are my kindred spirits.
I also went to the National Zoo. My main concern was getting to two exhibits: the pandas and the gorillas. The pandas were asleep when I first sauntered my way over, so I left and went to see the goriallas. There was supposed to be a baby gorilla but I only saw the adult searching for insects in the grass. Too bad I didn't get to the see the baby. As I rounded my way back, I went to the pandas again and this time one was awake and walking around. I got several pictures and left the zoo feeling quite happy, especially since I had also gotten the chance to see red pandas, which look like a combination of fox, bear, and raccoon. They are super cute.
All in all, it was a wonderful experience. No matter what, I will always be a voice to animals that cannot speak for themselves.
