The conservationist has recorded a powerful message urging people to realize the extent to which humans exploit animals for food, entertainment and other selfish motives.

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic that has now infected more than 8,59,032 and killed over 42,322 globally at the time of writing, leading primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall shared a video message in which she draws a link between the current pandemic and the misery of wild animals, who are exploited for food, entertainment and materialistic gains.

In the video, she begins by acknowledging the people who’ve suffered and lost loved ones since the coronavirus outbreak.

“It is a truly terrible time you are going through. My heart is with all who are sick, and all who have lost loved ones. I hope and pray that the nightmare will soon be over.”

She then veers her message to shed light on the misery of wild animals that are forcibly captured and kept in deplorable conditions by humans for various reasons.

“I also hope and pray that the nightmare will end for the wild animals who are captured and kept in horrible conditions for food. Or because some people believe that various animal parts can be used to cure diseases or give people strength and virility.”

She stresses that animals similar to humans have feelings, feel pain and understand fear and loneliness.

Human destruction

She continues her message by calling out humans for destroying animals and their habitats for selfish materialistic gains and iterates that the climate crisis is another consequence of tampering with nature and the animal kingdom.

“All over the world we’ve been destroying the places where animals live in order to get materials to build our homes, our cities and to make our own lives more comfortable. And as a result we’ve brought the climate crisis on ourselves.

“Many species of animals and plants have become extinct,” she adds.

Referring to the current pandemic, the 85-year-old animal-right activist explains, “ Our too-close relationship with wild animals in the markets or when we use them for entertainment, has unleashed the terror and misery of new viruses.

“Viruses that exist in animals without harming them but mutate into other forms to infect us with new diseases like Ebola, SARS, MERS, and now, the coronavirus.”

She concludes her speech stating, “We have amazing brains. We’re capable of love and compassion for each other. Let us also show love and compassion for the animals who are with us on this planet. Let us all live in peace and harmony together.”

Man- ‘the most dangerous creature on earth’

Many other famous personalities have spoken out against man’s unscrupulous attitude towards animals and the planet.

Recently, Canadian singer Bryan Adams shared a video in which he brands humans ‘the most dangerous creature on Earth’.

The animated video highlights how man has exploited animals for food, clothing, entertainment, and scientific purposes as well as destroyed the planet for his selfish gains.

• Read: Miley Cyrus brings home a rescue puppy and urges others to adopt abandoned animals amid pandemic

Share Dr Jane Goodall’s message through this article.