A Picture Tells A Thousand Words

‘The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.’

This quote by Albert Einstein really resonates with me. There are millions of people out there who believe in causes like mine, yet do nothing about it. I understand it is hard due to economic reasons or other personal matters, but by raising awareness you are at least doing something. I am only a student, in his mid 20’s who has lived and grown up in Australia, yet I am empowering myself to make a difference. This is a massive undertaking, but I will not stop until I have achieved my goals.

There are approximately 400,000 elephants left in the wild, with 30,000 elephants left in Kenya. In 2011, it is estimated 25,000 were poached and rose to 30,000 in 2012. Due to the massive ivory seizures around the world this year, I think that by the end of 2013 the number is going to be frighteningly high indeed. Why I mentioned Kenya, is that their main source of economy comes from ecotourism. If the African Elephant becomes extinct, then Kenya will suffer immensely and so will the whole continent. I understand that it is not about money, but without money things become very hard and difficult, especially when it comes to the fight against poaching.

I know it is one thing to say or write something, but I believe when people are shown images of something they take it to a deeper understanding. They become more aware and can actually see what is going in the world, not just from a bunch of statistics. People take pieces of information differently and what I’m going to show you will almost certainly make you feel uncomfortable due to the graphic nature (as such I have not put them in, rather used links)

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING ARE LINKS TO GRAPHIC IMAGES THAT SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND OFFENSIVE.

http://www.sabotagetimes.com/wp-content/uploads/elephantpoaching.jpg

http://baraza.wildlifedirect.org/files/2012/12/Elephant-assassination-3.jpg

These pictures have all been taken over the past few years, yet the extent of horror and damage is still the same. I can’t believe there are people in this world who do this, and make a living out of it; it really makes me sick. My purpose is to show you as the audience that these animals face cruelty and there is no need for this barbarity, that I am not just giving you statistics, I am deeply hurt and offended every time I see one of these images just like you are. Every time I hear of more elephants being slaughtered, I can’t help but think of these images and how disgusted I am that this still continues.

Please continue to support and help the animals who are struggling to survive each and everyday, and passon to your family and friends that there are people who want to make a difference in the world.

- Daniel

Twitter: @plightvoiceless

PS: July 31^st is International Ranger Day and commemorates those dedicated to fighting to protect the species of flora and fauna around the world, as well as those who have been killed or injured in their line of duty. Rangers across Africa and the world face a battle everyday trying to stop poachers, who are becoming more heavily armed and making the life of a ranger very dangerous. I have never met a ranger from Africa, but I have the utmost respect for each and everyone of them who is out there everyday fighting to protect those who cannot protect themselves. I know I'll be saying a prayer for them on this day especially and thank them for all their tireless work. Follow the link below to see their work and a message from Prince Harry and Jane Goodall:

http://internationalrangers.org/world-ranger-day/

The Inspiration for the Cause

A few people have asked me where my inspiration has come for me to step up and have a voice for those who do not have one of their own, and in turn, try and make a difference.

I have always have a soft spot for animals, from a young age I wanted to be a biologist; yet growing up and learning more about how deep biology goes, it is more than just looking at beautiful animals. I do however, still love animals and will continue to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves by any means that I can, starting with this blog.

I fell in love with a beautiful girl named Chloe a couple of years ago whose love for elephants made me realise that people care about animals, even if they are on the other side of the world. Although she is not involved in any work or jobs relating to animals or conservation, she has fueled this fire in my belly. Chloe's thoughts and beliefs show that a difference must be made and has inspired me to make a difference in this crazy world of ours. Her love and dedication to helping and wanting to make a difference has really driven me to be that person that should make a difference, even if it means starting off on something simple as a blog.

A couple of years ago, we went on a date to Imax for the first time and saw a documentary called 'Born To Be Wild'. This documentary (which I highly recommend, its even narrated by Morgan Freeman) focuses on two different animal sanctuaries;  one in Borneo trying to save the orangutan and the other in Africa, working to save the African Elephant and other animals.
This film really touches your heart that no other movie I have seen before or probably will. The people involved in these projects are some of the most compassionate and dedicated people in this world, and their work continues day in day out.

The conservation group helping out the African Elephants is called the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and is located in Kenya. It dedicates itself to protecting Africa's wilderness, particularly the African Elephant and the black rhino, another highly endangered animal. They take in orphaned elephants whose mothers have been killed by poachers and hand rear them until they are grown enough to look after themselves, and release them back into Tsavo National Park to roam free.
Just wow.

Another source of inspiration and that comes from someone who is pretty left field. Damian Mander is an ex Special Forces soldier from Australia who did 12 tours of Iraq, before taking some time off to visit Africa. It was on this trip that his eyes were opened to the horrors that both the wildlife and the rangers fighting to protect the wildlife were faced with on a daily basis. He then made an executive decision, selling all his belongings and his accumulations from years in the military and established the International AntiPoaching Foundation (IAPF). I highly suggest watching his TED talk which he did in May this year (link at the bottom) and taking a thing or two out of it. To have someone from a completely different walk of life drop everything and focus entirely on helping these struggling animals is just so positive and encouraging.

Lastly, my final and strongest inspiration is the need to help those who have no voice and the helplessness they endure each and every day.
The elephants that can not fend for themselves from poachers who kill them to make money, without regard for anything but the drive to make money.
The hopeless animals that are doomed to extinction due to carelessness and selfishness of people.
The animals that do not stand a chance to these heartless monsters.
This is what drives me to try and help these poor animals from their suffering, anyway I can.


I can only hope to be half the person all these people are, and I am so in awe of these amazing people, the heroes that devote their lives to helping those who cannot help themselves.


The Plight of the Voiceless is still in its early days, but my intentions are still the same, and will continue endlessly. I will not sit down and do nothing, I will stand up for what I believe in and rouse more people to the cause, to get their voices heard and put a foot down to help those less fortunate than ours like all the previously mentioned people have before me.

- Daniel




For those interested in both the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the IAPF just follow the links below.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/index.asp

IAPF
http://www.iapf.org

Damian Manders Ted Talk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FCsyK4aRXQ