While human beings are engrossed in thoughts of when life will return to normal, there some species that are enjoying themselves to the maximum. For years animals had to tolerate us human beings as we intruded and took up spaces meant for them. Hotels have been constructed in jungles, undersea, and even on mountains. For human species, no space is sacred or limited. Human beings will overcome limitations to settle in any area of their choice in disregard of other species that have been living there.
Then came Covid 19 and all this changed. For the last two months, much of the world has been on lockdown. The animals have the parks for themselves without the pesky human beings. The oceans are free from water skiers, Luxury boats, and cruise ships. Felling of cargo has also drastically reduced. The birds too can’t complain. Most airlines have grounded their airplanes leaving the birds to enjoy the environment without the various forms of pollution produced by the planes.
The roads are also breathing a sigh of relief as vehicles stay off the road. Squirrels and antelopes which would be routinely hit by vehicles can cross the roads at their pace albeit with caution. In South Africa’s Kruger Park, a pride of lions were caught on camera taking a nap on the road The animals may not understand what is happening but I am sure they would love it to stay that way.
Dolphins are now visible perfecting their dances without fear of being run over by the man-made machines. Most times sea creatures don’t come close to the shores but rather stay in the deep sea so as to avoid fishermen and other human activities but as everyone is locked up in their homes, they are seen swimming near the shores. In Italy, dolphins are seen swimming in the Venice canal while ducks bask in the sun.
Most activities have stopped. Hotels which were always full to capacity have no visitors. I have seen images of monkeys swimming in hotel pools and thoroughly enjoying themselves.
The train both ordinary and electric are in packing areas. There are numerous railway lines that pass through game parks. The animals seem to have reclaimed their space albeit temporarily. Animals have been seen lying leisurely on the roads and railway tracks.
The animals look more fulfilled with the absence of the human species.
Pandas are endangered species found mostly in the Asiatic continent. One zoo in Hong Kong has been trying to make two Pandas mate for the last ten years. They were surprised when the Pandas mated during the lockdown without prompting. Officials of the Zoo are still scratching their heads and wondering if the presence of humans was a hindrance to mating.
Lack of human and mechanical traffic brings the best out of the animals. From the land to the sea and air, animals’ space had really encroached. They seem to enjoy quite a presence in these times of human absence. These instances may show that human beings have pressed the animals to their limit. It will be good in the post Covid era to think of how to make amends.