Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Pink Mauritius Pigeon in Houston Zoo
Many products and surgical techniques we use have required both research and safety
testing, and will continue to require animal use. If rats did not have such a public relations
problem and instead had an appearance of more charismatic brethren animals such as squirrels
or chipmunks, they would likely also have been banned from animal research. Part of the
problem is also that rats and mice are very different to humans in their reaction to disease and
hence drug testing in them maybe questionable. There are very few products and medicines that
have not been extensively tested on animals and thus to argue all animal testing should be
stopped would imply that we are prepared to not be treated by modern medicine techniques or
devices, as much as an enigma as it is. Clearly, using animals for research is dependent on
how they are viewed in the pantheon of human relationships of “us” versus “them” apart from
benefit to mankind. If an animal is seen as a threat or behaving badly towards humans, like
attacking humans or spreading disease, it is an easier issue to deal with.
In terms of “us” versus “them” for Zulus it is quite clear what baboons are, as has been
touched on. Furthermore, baboons can be extremely violent and dangerous. In the Kruger Park,
one attacked my younger brother, snapped a binocular strap around his neck and snatched a
biscuit out of his hand. Another time my youngest brother was in the Kruger Park with his
family when one jumped through the window into the back of his car and threatened his family
and snarled with its teeth bared but fortunately jumped out again without biting his 2 year old
daughter who was asleep in the back seat. Their teeth are longer than those of a lion and they
sharpen each canine tooth by rubbing the surface edges between the upper and lower jaw teeth.
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