When You Visit a Sanctuary
Rescued residents of the Boo Boo Zoo.
Most people view animals as sources of food, clothing, pets, prey, entertainment and sometimes threats requiring extermination. Little thought is given to the lives of animals outside of narrow, human-defined roles. Too often, empathy is just not a thing. Maui is no exception.
Large feral pig, cat and deer populations, criminally neglectful pet owners, cruel farmers, macho hunters, a meat-heavy culture, and ordinary residents with virtually no evidence-based understanding of nutrition contribute to widespread cruelty and abuse.
No wonder activist Carlos Garcia asked, “Where’s the aloha for the animals?”
Photo from Leilani Farm Sanctuary.
A couple of under-resourced, multi-species animal sanctuaries and a few rescue groups and “micro-sanctuaries” have answered the call.
For example, the East Maui Animal Refuge, known by the unfortunate nickname, the “Boo Boo Zoo,” — it is not a zoo — and Leilani Farm Sanctuary do the best they can. Every Maui resident and visitor could benefit from a trip to a local refuge. Sanctuaries, shelters and rescue groups deserve your financial and volunteer support.
Here’s a suggestion: when you visit, don’t focus on finding momentary pets.
To be sure, it’s wonderful to be liked by a goat, cat, pig or turkey, and you will encounter dozens of friendly animals at Maui sanctuaries. Experiencing positive interactions with animals is especially important for children, who are still open to the world.
“Delight in the all-too-rare pleasure of watching animals enjoying freedom — freedom from cages, abuse and slaughter, freedom to roam, freedom to create daily routines, freedom to engage with other animals and humans, and freedom to enjoy life.”
But try letting the animals, not yourself, be the center of attention. Delight in the all-too-rare pleasure of watching animals enjoying freedom — freedom from cages, abuse and slaughter, freedom to roam, freedom to create daily routines, freedom to engage with other animals and humans, and freedom to enjoy life.
After your visit, consider removing animals from your diet and opposing the beliefs and practices responsible for their suffering.
Photo from Leilani Farm Sanctuary.