Category: Animals

There’s an animal that’s been kicking up controversy, and that is the wild horses of America, we call them mustangs. Although their origins are unknown, their overpopulation has been a long-standing issue in the US. With large herds of these wild horses overrunning lands and resources, the controversy lies within our government BLM to control them.

Today’s wild horses are not truly native. The early forerunner to the mustang is said to have first appeared millions of years ago but eventually were hunted to extinction by the first inhabitants of the land. Despite some longevity, these animals were never considered native to America: “Although scientists differ on where today’s horse, Equus caballus, arose, it is agreed that early members of the genus Equus appeared in North America some five million years ago…But these horses disappeared from their North American cradle about 12,000 years ago” (Alexandra Fuller, National Geographic, February 2009).

Some mustangs eventually evolved to become a precious resource to the American Indians, early settlers, and later on ranchers and farmers due to their rugged, hearty nature. These mustangs had century-old instincts that other, domesticated horses didn’t have that could stand up to the harshest storms and most dire of circumstances. These wild animals knew the land and the environment better than their keepers.

Unfortunately, this prime source of transport that has aided many as our untamed frontier was being developed is in trouble. These horses are no longer as useful as they once were, and in fact they’re getting in the way of ranchers and farmers who struggle for the same land these mustangs have roamed freely for hundreds of years.

What is causing this gradual eviction of wild horses is a combination of cattle ranches, farms, and oil fields amongst other developments, such as cities, towns and highways: “Wild horses are right in the middle of a culture that wants nothing to do with them, said Jay Kirkpatrick, director of science and conservation biology at ZooMontana, in Billings, a center for the development of contraceptives for wildlife” (Alexandra Fuller, National Geographic, February 2009).

While mustangs were free to roam America back then, it’s a different story in this modern age. For hundreds of years mustangs have been free to roam the western states as they pleased, but with pressure from all sides the range is getting really crowded. The BLM (Bureau of Land Management) manages millions of acres of public lands and has leased a good chunk of that land for oil and gas, and some of that land is set apart for wild horses. As the already massive horse and burro population mushrooms, from 40,000 back in 2013 to over 80,000 in 2018, help for these animals has wobbled. President Trump’s has called for the killing and sale of these animals, and it’s only going to get worse as the status quo could result in almost a million horses by 2030 (Brulliard, Karin, The Washington Post, September 2019).

In 1971, the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act was passed, preventing the capture, branding, harassment or killing of horses or burros. This restricted the way that the BLM dealt with this enormous population to rounding them up and stuffing them in large holding corrals: “…the BLM, which is charged with managing most of the animals, periodically rounds up horses and now has nearly 50,000 in holding” (Karin Brulliard, The Washington Post, September 2019).

Using fertility control such as PZP, that is administered periodically by dart, killing where allowed by law, granting permission to the interior secretary to euthanize sickly, unadopted or older wild horses and burros, and adoption: annually, dozens of gathers remove thousands of wild horses off the range. Hundreds of horses were trucked to Canon City, Colorado to a prison to be branded, gelded and organized by gender and age. Some would be trained for auction later on, and others would be put up for adoption (Alexandra Fuller, National Geographic, February 2009).

And these solutions have managed to work to some degree throughout the past, but the problem still remains. If that wasn’t enough, the AML (Appropriate Management Level) for horses and burros is supposed to be about 27,000, whereas the current population of wild horses alone – as of March 1st, 2019 – is 71,892 (U.S. Department of the Interior, 2019).

Another, though controversial solution that some propose is to license slaughterhouses in order to help owners who can no longer afford to care for their animals. Back in 2007 the inspection of horse meat was obstructed by Congress which ended sales between states. But that doesn’t stop the sale of horse meat within the state which is legal (Coppins, Mckay, Newsweek, November 2010).

As you can see, there are many who would like these horses to be gone, and they all have good reasons for it. From economic standpoint, it would be entirely beneficial for these horses to just ‘disappear’. And while rounding up these poor horses seems to work for now with killing being a great secondary option, it is not only inhumane, it is also very expensive. The BLM keeps around 30,000 horses in permanent captivity, costing on average $2 for each horse per day (which amounts to $60,000 per day, which is around $22 million per year). Which soaks up most of the BLM’s budget, and only provides a temporary solution for a fast-breeding problem.

Animals can contribute to society in many ways. They can be used in combat because of their unique, strong and lethal abilities. People believed that they would be able to train animals and embrace their abilities to help people who had to deal with fighting, the needs of people with disabilities and other customs.

An example would be in the First World War. They trained horses and donkeys to carry medical supplies and food for soldiers, and carry around carriages to be filled with fallen soldiers, who lost their lives at war. The soldiers would mount onto the horses, to attack groups of armies on the battlefield. Dogs and pigeons had a role where they carried messages to other troops and other enforcements, to alert that war was afoot, in their area.

It also appeared back in the First World War, that when they dug tunnels under the battlegrounds to get easier access to their barracks, they had trained simple small canaries, to detect poisonous gases that the Germans used to fill the tunnels and kill the soldiers with. It was a hard job for the bird, but it would help the soldiers a lot in a way, and gave the bird credit. By the end of this war, it had been found out that 16 million animals had served in just the first war.

Back then, they also used insects during the wars too. Glowworms were used because of the light that could emit from their bodies, called ‘bioluminescence’. The troops would set them into dark trenches, dark parts of their barracks, and use them in offices where they could study battle maps of sorts, or read comforting letters from their loved ones back at home. They would collect thousands, put them in glass jars, and place them anywhere they needed light.

Nowadays, animals have taken a big step in our communities in not just war, but in services. Their abilities provide local citizens help with their disabilities such as seeing eye dogs. As it seems, people still use animals to fight crime. The police unit, have a team of dogs which is known as the K-9 unit. They help their cities by sniffing out bombs, catching criminals, and detecting Illegal drugs in airports.

There are many reasons why it is possible that animals could be used in more ways than one in reality itself. Who would have known that a puppy dog could be trained to track a time-bomb from just meters away or to be eyes for someone. In war or during peace, animals can contribute to society.

“To save a man’s life against his will is the same as killing him” (Horrace, n.d). Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck, tells the story of a man, Lennie, who is very dependent on his friend George, which is essential in order for Lennie to behave well because of his mental disability. Even though Lennie’s mental disability causes everyone at the ranch to be against him and to possibly give him a worse punishment than George. Steinbeck characterize Lennie a danger in society by foreshadowing the death of Curley’s wife through his comparison to animals, lack of independence and his inability to control communicating George did the right thing shooting Lennie ensuring happiness and peace to his death rather than the unknown.

Steinbeck uses imagery to compare Lennie with big and dangerous animals to communicate his true capability. In the first chapter, as Lennie and George walk through the woods, Lennie walked “heavily, dragging his feet” and was compared to how a “bear drags his paws” (Steinbeck 2). Right away, by comparing Lennie to a bear, we can visually describe Lennie to be big and strong. A bear can seem to be innocent but is truly capable of being dangerous and hurting someone, foreshadowing that even if Lennie seems to be sweet or not at all a danger, he is more than capable of using his own strength to hurt someone even if it’s intentionally. Steinbeck also describes Lennie’s hands as a “big paw” when Lennie runs his hands through the water when him and George are on their way to the ranch (Steinbeck 63). This is another example of Steinbeck using imagery to describe how big and strong Lennie is portrayed. Comparing Lennie’s hands to paws foreshadows that Lennie will act like an animal later in the book. Behaving like an animal usually indicates being disrespectful, and seeing unusual and concerning behaviour from a human. An animal is more than capable of killing someone with their paws, foreshadowing that Lennie uses only his own bare hands and strength to strangle Curley’s wife. In conclusion, Steinbeck compares Lennie figure and strength foreshadowing the death of Curley’s wife through the use of imagery.

Lennie’s lack of independence causes him to behave in a concercing way putting his surroundings in danger. Without George guiding Lennis every step of the way, Lennie starts hallucinating about Aunt Clara, who has been dead for awhile. After Lennie kills Curley’s wife, he runs away into the brush to wait for George, he starts telling Aunt Clara that he “tried” and “tried” and “tried” to be good for George (Steinbeck 101). As Lennie is alone and has felt that he had disappointed George, he starts to hallucinate. By hallucinating he is not aware or paying attention to his surroundings or what is happening in real life, which can result in hurting someone around you or even yourself. By repeating that he “tried” and “tried” to do good for George indicates that he is clearly upset, and in a very fragile state. When in a fragile state, you are too weak to control your behavior, and might do something you regret. In conclusion, George assures that Lennie is safe and in control by watching out for him and without George, Lennie’s concerning behaviour can put his surroundings in danger.

Steinbeck characterizes Lennie’s inability to control to be inappropriate towards women and was foreshadowed by the death of his dog that he is a danger to society. While in Weed, Lennie saw a girl in a red dress and automatically wants to touch it, the woman starts to “squawk” and “squawk” when he doesn’t let go causing him to get scared that “all he can think to do is jus’ hold”, resulting the women to feel like she was “raped” (Steinbeck 41). When Lennie hears the women “squawk” and “squawk” rather than understanding that she is clearly uncomfortable, afraid and wishes for him to get off, Lennie decides to not let go. Since Lennie’s first instinct when getting “scared” is to hold on, indicates that it is only a coping mechanism for Lennie and it is uncontrollable, and that it is related with his mental disability. Although by deciding to not let go, tells us he does not respect women and their wishes to feel comfortable or safe. Yet because his mental disability causes it to be uncontrollable only communicates he is a danger to women in society. Furthermore, the death of Lennie’s dog foreshadows that his inability to control has only gotten worse when he accidentally kills Curley’s wife. Lennie accidentally kills his dog after being so rough with it, comparing that it isn’t “so little as mice” (Steinbeck 85). By comparing a dog to mice indicates that Lennie doesn’t understand how strong he truly is, causing the dog to die after being so rough with him, communicates he is a danger to animals. The death of his own dog informs that Lennie is fully capable of killing something or someone, which foreshadows the death of Curley’s wife. When Lennie strokes Curley’s wife’s hair a little too rough, she asks for him to “let go” yet he decides to cover her mouth and nose and she struggles “violently”. (Steinbeck 91). Related to what happened with the dog, Lennis has no control over his strength and what he is truly capable of, and it showed how capable he is of truly hurting someone when he kills Curley’s wife. In conclusion, unfortunately, Lennie is not capable of understanding his own strength, resulting many uncontrollable tragedies and a danger in society.

In conclusion, by Lennies concerning behaviour, being compared to animals and having no control over his own strength foreshadows his true capability of being able to kill someone. Steinbeck characterizes Lennie to be a danger and would have only gotten worse for Lennie if George did not kill him. It is clear that Lennie was so dependent on George since they were best friends, therefore George knew what was best for Lennie. Lennie’s mental disability causes him to hallucinate and to not be aware of reality, not allowing Lennie to understand what he did. George knew that if he did not kill Lennie himself, the rest of the men would have torturtered or punished him far worse, knowing how hatred Lennie was by the other men. Lennie’s disability would not only cause Lennie to not understand but without George it would make him behave more anxiously, and overall would have had the worst time. The only way of saving Lennie from being punished worse, held against his will, was to kill him.By killing Lennie not only assured happiness to his death but George understood it was the only way to protect his best friend.

Although many species have behaved as if they have a ‘theory of mind’ in various behavioral tasks, it is still an extensive debate as to whether they can attribute mental states to others. This essay’s main aim is to explain the concept of theory of mind and describe the methods used to assess mind-reading abilities of non-human animals.

Theory of mind is referred to as the human ability to mindread. This term has been used in developmental psychology to explain that humans have theory of mind, which is when humans understand others and oneself as having mental states. Premack and Woodruff explained this term as “an individual has a theory of mind if he imputes mental states to himself and others” (Premack and Woodruff, 1978, p.515).

David Premack and Guy Woodruff (1978) made a study to find out whether chimpanzees would show evidence of understanding human beings’ goals and intentions. They believed that if chimpanzees showed any evidence of this, it would mean that animals have a theory of mind. They used videos as a method of study by showing adult chimpanzees some videotapes of a human facing a variety of problems, mainly involving inaccessible food, and struggling. The videos included complex problems and some simple to solve. The clips were 30 seconds long and were paused 5 seconds before the end so that the chimpanzees would not see the solution to the problem. After the clip, chimpanzees were presented with 2 photographs, one of which showed the solution. At the end of the study, the chimpanzees were able to choose the correct photograph for almost all the problems. Therefore, Premack and Woodruff concluded that chimpanzees have a theory of mind because of the ability to make mental state attributions by understanding the goals and intentions of humans.

The ‘begging paradigm’ (Povinelli and Eddy, 1996) was a series of study carried out on chimpanzees’ understanding of visual perception. Chimpanzees were given the opportunity to beg from experimenters who could or could not see them. It was found that chimpanzees would gesture to the experimenter that could see them when he was turned towards them. However, they did not differentiate between experimenters with buckets on their shoulders over their heads, or with blindfolds over their eyes. Furthermore, subjects failed to differentiate between experimenters with their open or closed eyes. Povinelli and Eddy concluded that there is a little evidence that shows chimpanzees’ understanding of visual perception. Their studies showed that chimpanzees can respond to a few behavioral cues, such as whether someone can see them and is likely to feed them, but they do not understand ‘seeing’ as a mental state.

The ‘competitive paradigm’ (Hare et al., 2000) produced positive results for understanding of visual perception of chimpanzees. For this study, there were two conditions: in one, both subjects were presented the food, and on the other condition, the food was visible only to the subordinate of the two. The study’s aim was to find out whether the subordinate chimpanzee would consider if the dominant one could see the food. They concluded that the subordinate understood what the dominant saw and what it knew. Therefore, chimpanzees can understand perception.

False-belief tasks separate an individual’s belief from those of another person who has false knowledge of a situation, and are considered one of the most important indicators for assessing theory of mind. The ‘competitive paradigm’ was adapted to test if chimpanzees understand false beliefs. The subordinate chimpanzee approached the food more often if the dominant had not witnessed the baiting than if it had. However, the subordinate approached less often when the food was moved after the dominant saw the baiting than if the food was not moved, suggesting that the chimpanzee did not understand the dominant’s false belief of where the food was.

There are many methods which can be used for studies, and this has not been different with theory of mind on non-humans. There is a debate on whether it should be laboratory-based or natural settings. Nissani (2004) argued there are aspects to the study carried out by Povinelli and Eddy that made it artificial and unnatural. Such unnatural procedures are said to lack ecological validity. Nissani carried out a natural setting study on elephants and argued that the begging gesture was natural for the elephants, but not for the chimpanzees. Also, the chimpanzees were of young age which can influence on result, since earlier studies on children showed that the development of theory of mind ability emerges gradually. However, the competitive paradigm took place in a controlled laboratory setting, but was in a naturalistic context. This shows that it is not wrong to have a laboratory-based study as long as it has a natural aspect in order to maximize ecological validity.

In conclusion, there are many examples of studies, arguments and theories about animal minds and animals’ mental capabilities, and some of these have been pointed out in this essay. Some conclusions of these studies can be equivocal because it is a matter of the experimenters’ interpretation of the results. The studies mentioned above indicate that animals share similar experiences to those of humans, also indicate that hon-humans, including chimpanzees and elephants, experience a range of emotions. David Premack and Guy Woodruff showed evidence of problem-solving abilities in animals. Finally, there are studies which shows that animals may have some ability to understand others’ mental states, such as intentions, goals and perceptions.

References

1. Hewson, C., Ramsden, P., and Turner, J. (2015). ‘Animal Minds’. In Turner, J., Hewson, C., Mahendran, K., and Stevens, P. (eds). Living Psychology: From the Everyday to the Extraordinary, Milton Keynes. The Open University.
2. The Open University (2020). ‘Do Animals Have a Theory of Mind?’. DD210 Week 3 Study Guide: Animal Minds [Online].

The evolutionary biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky once said, ‘All species are unique, but humans are unique.’ What makes man unique from other animals? Are there special characteristics that are unique to us humans that separate us from other animals or their animal ancestors? We, humans, consider ourselves highly intelligent, innovative, and progressive. Are we really as unique as we think? Human origins began with primates, over a period of time humans underwent biological evolution and cultural development.

Traits such as bipedalism, larger brain size, tool usage, self-awareness, and symbolic behavior abstract thinking are said to set us apart from other non-human primates. In this essay, we will discuss two of these traits, bipedalism and abstract thought that make us humans unique. There are skeptics who disagree that only humans can walk bipedally, the chimpanzee can occasionally walk upright, and penguins and kangaroos are able to use two feet. Abstract thinking has been observed in our close relatives the chimpanzee, even dogs respond to commands and have an excellent memory. Hence do these traits set us apart from other animals? however, through evolution we Humans are said to have several unique biological, social, behavioral, and emotional traits such as bipedalism, using tools to make other tools, a large brain, and dexterous and abstract thinking. In order to understand the difference, we have to look at how we got here.

Early human fossils and archeological remains suggest that there were many different species of humans several million years ago. These species called hominins migrated into Asia around 2mya, then into Europe, and much later to the rest of the world. Although different branches of hominins died out, the branch leading to modern humans, Homo sapiens continued to evolve. We left trees started walking, and started living in groups, and our brains increased in size. We started producing superior cultural and technological artifacts, like tools that over a period of time became more intricate. We used symbols to communicate such as cave art, designing ornaments, and burying our dead. We eventually developed language to communicate and represent the world around us. Though Chimpanzees along with bonobos are the closest to humans genetically, the greatest difference that sets humans apart is the ability to make conscious intelligent decisions and create change in the world. Anthropologist Herman Ponzter claimed that “Walking upright on two legs is a defining feature that makes us human, It distinguishes our entire lineage from all other apes.” Bipedalism is the most pivotal primary physical and biological adaptation that distinguishes us, humans, from other animals.

Bipedalism, according to evidence from Africa was our first step on the road to becoming human. Bipedalism began several million years ago before the use of tools, or an increase in brain size, reinstating its importance for our survival. Climate change is the reason for this transition, as Africa became drier, huge rainforests were replaced by drier open Savannahs. This reasoning has been collaborated by paleoanthropologist Mary Leakey and her colleagues. Thus, walking upright with powerful strides would be advantageous for moving long distances for food and to escape from predators. An upright position would free the hands to carry offspring, food, and tools. Bipedalism was instrumental in the concept called male provisioning which enables males to carry food to females, thus increasing the birthrate as females could focus their attention on childbearing and rearing. Animals like chimpanzees and gorillas show facultative bipedalism, meaning they can occasionally walk upright, however, their stance is different with bent knees and hips, and they tend to look awkward. This is because their skeletons are not adapted for regular walking on two legs, unlike humans. According to Herman Ponzter’s theory walking upright saves energy and enabled our ancestors to efficiently forage for food. He proved this by conducting an experiment with chimpanzees who were trained to walk upright on a treadmill, which testified to the fact that humans were 75% more efficient than chimpanzees.

Abstract thought has formed the basis of innovation and creativity throughout human existence. Human beings think abstractly while other animals do not. Humans can think about God, death, the afterlife, literature, art, language, and numerous other abstract things. Animals do not have the ability to reason about intangible things they cannot see, touch or taste. Animals are adept at surviving at the moment, unlike humans who are able to think beyond the present. Humans have the extraordinary ability to anticipate the future and be prepared for all the things that will happen next. Humans have imagination and insight, the insight to figure out what others are thinking and their intentions, and the imagination to create from what nature gives us, not only for us but our future generations. Abstract thinking is the reason man has been able to develop intricate tools, language, art, culture, and unique social behavior. Abstract thinking is what helped in the invention and modification of tools. The invention of the hand axe which is an improvement on the basic pebble tools about 1.7 m.y.a is a good example. The handaxe is a multipurpose tool used for butchering and slicing of meat and plants for easy consumption.

Eventually, new tools, made of sticks, stones, and bones replaced the handaxe. However, extensive research by many scientists and researchers has identified the usage of tools by animals. The otter uses a rock to break open the shell of the abalone, and chimpanzees use a variety of tools selecting twigs and stripping its bark to probe the nests of termites and attract them to stick in order to eat them. Hence using tools are not unique to humans but using tools to make other tools is what distinguishes humans from animals. Animals use tools to adapt to their environment while Humans who have a curious questioning minds are constantly trying to adapt their environment to suit their needs. It is this curiosity of humans that has led to the development of advanced tools, technology, and science. Abstract thinking is the ability to think of ideas and objects and principles, not physically present. This gives us the ability to complex languages, supported by lowered larynx and brain structures. abstract thinking has a crucial role to play in allowing us as individuals—and as a species—to be imaginative and solve complex problems.

The human intellect is responsible for advancement in science and technology. Our constant technological innovations are the reason we fly in the air, communicate across the globe, and cure diseases. Humans have the ability to express themselves using symbols, colors, words, art, and artifacts. Our ancestors buried their dead as early as 100,000 years ago, showing the belief in the afterlife, used ornaments to reflect their identity, the created highly imaginative works of art. Humans while still considered animals are distinctly different from other animals. what is it that makes us humans? The study of human evolution has shown that humans have undergone both biological and cultural adaptations distinct from humans. humans are unique as they exhibit bipedalism, have a larger brain, smaller teeth, and lesser body hair, show a complex language structure, and abstract thinking, live in communities and engage in symbolic behavior. We exhibit distinct characteristics which separate us from other animals.

The author of Maus, Art Spiegelman, shows different ethnicities and nationalities utilizing animals as allegorical symbols or categories. The creatures in Maus are useful for two main purposes for us as readers: showing us the racist themes in the book in a humorous way and still maintaining the seriousness that it deserves.

The frog is extremely symbolic of France and this community has some hostility to Great Britain as a country. It would logically make sense to depict the British community, and individuals within England, as fish. When Americans talk about British, it is common to say “fish and chips.” Also, there is a vast display of lakes, oceans, and swamps where fishing is dominant among the Brits. It is not only a culinary reference to depict Brits with fish, however, their geographical location and demographics play a major role as well. Great Britain is an island, and fishing is one of the major sources of income for the economy of Great Britain. Without having fishermen and searching for aquatic sources of revenue, ones that are only based on water activities, the economy of Great Britain is in danger of collapsing. The country of England, needless to say, lacks a tremendous amount of natural resources and manpower that most nations across the world possess, making England a poorer nation compared to its counterparts. Therefore, relying on fishing and water-based means of income may be the best method to sustain the British economy, even though, the country must unify and search for different sustenance methods. Perhaps, they may require land-based monetary methods, increasing their country’s national wealth and preventing any deficit spending on their part. There are many more income sources on land compared to water, and depending on both avenues of wealth scatters the resources and diversifies the risks associated with investing at a federal level. Therefore, the fish are a logical and sensible animal allegory to portray the British population as a whole.

The Gypsy community can best be defined as nomadic individuals who do not have a permanent dwelling, or residence to call their home. Their sense of belonging, self-worth, and value of the community originates from their sense of friendship and unity among their group. Regardless of the type of historical roots that individual Gypsies may carry and personal life experiences and subtle cultural differences, they all belong to the same category and can best be classified as Gypsies, or nomads. Art Spiegelman depicts Gypsies as moths because their clothing often consists of moths and insects. They need a source of revenue for their community, which is best done by selling clothes with the help of local street vendors, and small-scale businesses, and fostering communal support and cooperation. There is no national government or central ruling power to dictate, set boundaries, or even offer the slightest assistance during times of hardships and crises within this population. Therefore, as a community, they rely on selling their clothes, used and refurbished, and are often associated with Gypsy moths for this particular rationale.

Spiegelman shows the various countries and members within the nation differently with interesting animals. These are constant themes that are in the whole text of Persepolis and make the way the Holocaust is portrayed more intriguing for us readers to listen to Art and Vladek’s anecdotes in Maus. The humor is liked a lot and the grim reality and seriousness of the genocide is not valued less at all. This unusual way to convince people across the whole wide world makes everyone more interested in learning about the cultural roots of a nation regarding the Holocaust.

Emotions, reasons, and beliefs are three important tools of the human mind. They all operate in the human mind but in different ways. Mohandas Gandhi once said, “Faith must be enforced by reason, when faith becomes blind it dies,” (Seshagiri 59). This quote shows that reason is more important than belief. Without reason, humans will never have faith and belief. The novel Life of Pi written by Yann Martel portrays how reason helps the main character, Pi to survive in struggle. Pi is the only survivor of a shipwreck, he stays with a Bengal tiger, Richard Parker in a lifeboat for 227 days. Although Pi uses both belief and reason to help him survive, reason plays a more important role in his struggle. Firstly, reason helps Pi to think rationally before taking action. Secondly, the limitations of Pi will be revealed through reasonable thinking. Thirdly, with the help of reason, Pi is able to make a wise decision when he is in a struggling situation. Thus, reason helps Pi to get through the struggle and makes him survive.

First and foremost, reason helps Pi to think rationally and logically. The reason is “the power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgements logically,” (“reason”). Reason helps people to think about the effects and make a logical judgment before taking any action. In order to survive in a struggling situation, correct judgment is very important. This can be seen in the novel Life of Pi, Pi lives on a lifeboat with Richard Parker for many days. However, Pi feels that Richard Parker is a dangerous animal that tries to attack and harm him. When Pi discovers the presence of a tiger, he says: “There was a tiger in the lifeboat. I could hardly believe it, yet I knew I had to. And I had to save myself,”(Martel 195). Thus, Pi decided to build a raft by using the life jackets in the boat and also the ropes from the locker. So that he can stay away from the tiger, the raft is floating away at a safe distance from the lifeboat. Pi builds the raft because he is able to think rationally according to reason. The reason he wants to build the raft is to ensure his personal safety. This can be seen when Pi says: “I had fled the lifeboat to save my life,”(Martel 206). He knows that if he lives with a tiger, the tiger may harm him. Nevertheless, Pi and Richard Parker stop at the algae island for a time. Pi is very excited when he reaches the island, he says: “Richard Parker! Land! Land! We are saved!”(Martel 347). They wanted to eat the vegetation and drink the fresh water found on the island which is covered entirely with algae. This can be seen when Pi said: “I passed the day eating, resting, attempting to stand and, in a general way, bathing in bliss,”(Martel 350). Pi can think rationally before he takes action. He is thinking according to reason, reason helps him to think about the importance of nursing themselves back to health. Thus, Pi and Richard Parker spend their time on the algae island in order to survive. In addition, man was considered to be moral then because of his possession of reason: “A human act which we term a moral act, has its specific character from an objective which is in relation to the source of human acts namely the reason,”(Donnelly 71). According to Donnelly, people are required to have reasonable thinking before taking action, “For all human beings there is a requirement to act according to reason, the quality which defines humanity,” (Donnelly 71). This shows that people are required to act according to reason. This is because reason makes people have rational and logical thinking which can lead people to the pathway of survival. Reason makes Pi think rationally and hence he is able to survive in his struggle.

Secondly, Pi’s limitation is discovered by reason when Pi is in the struggle. His limitation is helping him to survive in critical condition. When people are suffering in a struggle, reason will help them to discover their own limitations. Struggle is “making forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction,”(“struggle”). People tend to make any effort in order to get rid of their struggling situation. The limitation of people is able to help people to go through the struggle and hence survive. This is because people are able to cope with the things that they cannot do it usually. In Life of Pi, the main character, Pi portrays that reason is able to discover human limitations. Before the shipwreck tragedy happened, Pi was a vegetarian. He doesn’t eat meat and he was unable to kill animals. However, during the process of survival, Pi transfers from being a vegetarian to eating meat. When Pi finds some survival supplies in the lifeboat, he immediately drinks some canned water and eats animal fat-enhanced biscuits. At that time, Pi had to eat the biscuits that contained animal fat, Pi said: “Pity about the fat, but given the exceptional circumstances the vegetarian part of me would simply pinch its nose and bear it,”(Martel 191). Reason makes Pi realize that he will need to get rid of his vegetarian diet in order to survive. Furthermore, Pi is able to kill a fish as bait to catch Dorado. As a lifelong vegetarian, he cries during his first time killing a fish on the boat, because he never kills a fish before. This can be seen when “tears flowing down my cheeks, I egged myself on until I heard a cracking sound and I no longer felt any life-fighting in my hands.”(Martel 245). Before this, he thought that killing animals was a cruel action. Reason has discovered his limitation and makes Pi kill the fish in order to survive, “Killing it was no problem,”(Martel 247) said Pi. Pi even slaughters the sea turtle by cutting the turtle’s neck and he drains the blood into a beaker, “bright red blood shot out. I grabbed the beaker and collected about three hundred milliliters,”(Martel 270). Pi drinks the turtle’s blood, he said: “I drank the blood to the last drop,”(Martel 270). He is able to drink the turtle’s blood and shell off the turtle’s shell with a knife. This can be seen when Pi says: “As confidently as if I had done it a thousand times, I jammed the knife just to the right of the turtle’s head, at an angle. I pushed the blade deep into the folds of skin and twisted it.”(Martel 269). This shows that Pi kills and eats animals in order to survive. Reason discovers his limitations and makes him do the things that he was unable to do in the past. Blaise Pascal once said that “Reason’s last step is the recognition that there are an infinite number of things which are beyond it,” (O’Hear 20). Actually, people can do anything beyond their own expectations. However, there are not many motivations that can help to discover it. People’s limitations can be revealed by reason and people are able to cope with it. In order to survive, people will need the help of reason. Reason helps to discover and recognize their limitation. Reason helps Pi to discover his own limitations when he is in struggle and the limitation makes Pi to survive.

Lastly, reason helps Pi to make a wise decision when he is in a struggling situation. People are unable to make a correct judgment or a wise decision without reason. It is very important for people to make wise decisions when they are in critical condition. A decision can determine whether they can survive or not. This can be seen in the Pi’s character in Life of Pi. Pi decides to leave the algae island after he finds out that the island is a carnivorous island, “This island is carnivorous. This explained the disappearance of the fish in the pond,”(Martel 378). Pi discovered a tree that holds a human tooth. After that, he tests this by dropping a meerkat onto the algae. At night, he watches the meerkat scurry back up the tree. Thus, he decides to leave the island which he thinks has some kind of acid that can digest whatever is on it at night. This can be seen when Pi says: “My grim decision was taken. I preferred to set off and perish in search of my own kind than to live a lonely half-live of physical comfort and spiritual death on this murderous island.”(Martel 380). He brings a plentiful of water, meerkats, and fish when he leaves. The lifeboat finally comes ashore in Mexico and Pi is rescued. In addition, Pi decides to tame the Richard Parker. Pi said that: “I had to tame him. It was at that moment that I realized this necessity,”(Martel 218). During his struggle on the sea, Pi discovers that it is important for both Richard and him to survive. The only way to accomplish this task is to tame the tiger. Pi uses a whistle to tame Richard Parker. “We were, literally and figuratively, in the same boat. We would live – or we would die – together.”(Martel 219). Pi knows that the reason to keep the tamed Richard Parker alive is that Richard Parker acts as a companion. The decision is very important in people’s life and it can make changes to people’s life easily. For instance, “decision was the source of John F. Kennedy’s power as he faced off Nikita Khrushchev during the tense Cuban Missile Crisis and averted World War III,”(Robbins 36). Kennedy made a decision to have a secret agreement with Khrushchev which stated that the Soviets would withdraw their nuclear missiles from Cuba and the United States would withdraw their nuclear missiles from Turkey. This decision had successfully prevented World War III from happening. This incident shows that making a correct decision is very important, while reason plays a very important role in helping people make their decisions. The correct decision will help people to survive in the struggle. Pi has made the correct decision that helps to survive when he stays in the lifeboat for 227 days.

In a nutshell, reason is very important to help Pi survive in his struggle. The existence of reason helps people to think rationally whenever people are in a struggling situation. Besides that, Pi’s limitation is discovered and revealed with the help of reason. Pi is willing to do anything that can help him to survive, including those that he was unable to make it in the past. Apart from that, reason also helps Pi to make some correct judgments and decisions that make him survive. In the process of survival, reason plays a more important role compared to belief.

My fascination with animals, their biology, and their welfare has always been my main passion. With all the experience I have gained as a veterinary nurse, I am committed to now progressing to study veterinary medicine and achieving my long-term goal of becoming a small animal veterinary surgeon. Having given it careful consideration, I know I have more to offer the profession and now feel ready to develop my knowledge and understanding. Despite my love for veterinary nursing, I am convinced I have not reached my full potential in this field. My recent experience of my own dog being unwell is what’s driven me to make the decision to progress into medicine. I worked closely with the vets in researching her condition and consequently working on a treatment plan. This experience allowed me to deepen my understanding of physiology and pathology, and has only increased my desire to understand the scientific principles that relate to the health and disease of animals.

This course will offer me the opportunity to hone my study skills in preparation for my veterinary medicine degree and build on my knowledge of the intrinsic relationship between biology and chemistry. I was excited to discover that Liverpool offered this course as it gives me the opportunity to demonstrate both my academic and practical abilities. I am confident in my academic capability, as demonstrated by completing my veterinary nursing qualification whilst working full-time in practice. Throughout my GCSEs and veterinary nursing diploma, my affinity for biology has shone through. My performance through my studies so far, I believe shows my positivity and commitment to excel in any subject.

Having worked in small animal veterinary practice for over ten years, I feel I have a wealth of knowledge and practical experience I can draw on, which only increases my enthusiasm for this area of study. I thrive on the intellectual and emotional challenges I face every day, and the variety of skills I get to use with my patients and clients. I understand the day-to-day challenges associated with working as a veterinary professional and the skills which are required to be successful. I am aware of the diversity of roles in veterinary medicine, but my passion lies in hands-on clinical practice. I take pleasure in using the interpersonal skills I have honed with owners and applying the sensitivity which is required for different cases and situations.

Away from veterinary medicine, I am a keen horsewoman and a pilates enthusiast. These interests allow me the time to practice mindfulness and improve my well-being. I have always found it essential to have a focus aside from studying to give balance.

I am committed to making a positive contribution to veterinary medicine, and I am enthusiastic to demonstrate my determination and drive to succeed.

In April 2019, I spent 5 days gaining work experience at a local equine veterinary practice; I gained invaluable insight into the day-to-day running of a veterinary practice. Whilst there I witnessed a wide range of procedures ranging from taking blood, x-rays, ultra-sounds, laser surgery, nerve blocks, and kissing spine surgery. Witnessing these operations and procedures fascinated and intrigued me and only heightened my desire to one day carry out similar procedures myself and gain more experience and volunteer in the profession in the future. In April 2020, I have 1 week of work experience at a small animal practice.

Whether I was helping to take care of my animals or helping out at the local stables; I have been surrounded by animals from when I was little. However, it was not until a cat of mine became extremely ill, that I realized the effect that veterinary nurses can have on the lives of both animals and people, by monitoring his health to giving me support. I too wanted the chance to be able to help the lives of not only animals but the people who love them.

My voluntary work (in 2013) at World Horse Welfare, kick-started my passion to help animals in need due to seeing the team care and sick nurse the horses back to good health and seeing them get re-homed happy and healthy. Knowing that I helped contribute to that, made me want to help more. Having been invited back, I was able to undertake more responsibility, including close monitoring of horse’s health whilst keeping records which is a vital skill towards working as a veterinary nurse; also, the regression and sometimes progression of the disease is followed along with the impact on the affected animal. Throughout all placements, I excelled in my communication skills with the rest of the team and got involved in all tasks.

In addition, in 2017, I started volunteering at my local riding school during weekends after finishing my GCSEs. This progressed to a part-time job where tasks involved general management of a working livery yard and riding school; through this I gained valuable communication skills whilst dealing with clients, being able to make myself clear and understood. This job highlighted to me how the day-to-day management of animals can have a profound effect on individual animals’ welfare. This also led to the occasional work with small animals. I have honest care for animals but, I do not get attached to them, which is a key skill in this area due to seeing and taking care of so many animals.

Veterinary nursing is a crucial role in the veterinary team by providing professional nursing care for sick animals. They help to educate owners on maintaining the health of their pets during and after treatment; carry out skilled technical work and undertake a range of; minor surgical procedures, and diagnostic tests, whilst continuing to have a working dialogue with the rest of the practice. Furthermore, providing support to their owners before and after operations; providing knowledge on nutrition and preventative care and behavioral advice. Finally, veterinary nursing is a great career pathway for anyone passionate about animal health and welfare. There is a demand for veterinary nurses around the world, as more medical research and development increases.

I believe that studying veterinary nursing at university can only increase my passion for animals and will allow me to fulfill my ambition to become a veterinary nurse, as well as enable me to become a more responsible and well-rounded person.

A humane society comprises a group of people who are considered to have a shared ground by having a common lifestyle and association (“The Humane Society of The United States”). The classification of a humane group is dependent on the purpose of the organization but the main concern is preventing any cruelty to animals.

Funding for humane society comes from donation while the adoption fee is supposed to cater for the expenses that are accrued from the care the animal receives in the shelter. The government in this case does not offer assistance that is required to fund the organization (“The Humane Society of The United States”). The donation is either, annual donations, crowdfunding, or fundraising events. Annual donation is acquired through sending emails which act as reminders where individuals are asked to offer support. Crowdfunding donations are used to help animals that are in critical condition and the information concerning the animal is incorporated into websites. Fundraising events are used to create awareness, acquire new annual donors, and also get funds from those who would otherwise not contribute

There is no restriction in volunteering for humane society but there is a need to make sure that somebody has a reason for the choice. Before volunteering, a person should consider the main reason for volunteering and the work to do. The purpose of volunteering may be; to gain experience, to use extra time from work, or to engage with animals while the volunteering work could be; the collection of donations, manual work that is intended to directly help the animals, and facilitating paperwork. Depending on the plan and the desirable reach, a humane society can have any reach. This is because it has the basic ground which is the local level but can stretch to a national level (“The Humane Society of The United States”). Volunteering for the humane society is a positive move since it is a gesture of showing concern for animals who need care. I would consider volunteering for a humane society organization and offering help to animals.

Through the information, I have learned that there are organizations that are purely propelled to help animals and that they receive essential funding from donations. Through the interaction with the specific information on humane society organization, I have substantially learned new ways on how to help animals.