On the Saturday before major assignments week, Lawrentians across all forms rushed to GCAD to participate in the Sustainability Council’s first school-wide event, Eyes of the Wild. The council hosted the owner of the exotic animal rescue organization, Travis Gale, who captured the attention of Lawrentiens with his engaging presentation that featured a chinchilla, a porcupine, and even a burmese python. Students got the opportunity to carefully pet the soft hair of the chinchilla and see the porcupine gracefully snatch a banana right out of Gale’s hands.
Not only did Gale showcase some of the remarkable creatures under his care but he also delved into the critical issues of the misconceptions surrounding each of the animals. For example, porcupines are often depicted as small and fierce animals that can shoot their quills. However, Gale explained that porcupines are unable to do so and will only raise their quills when they feel threatened. His diligent clarifications of these common animal misconceptions echoed the lesson of treating animals with the respect and space they deserve.
Gale also pointed out that the effects of habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trade only limit our ability to appreciate these special animals, emphasizing the connections between human actions and the well-being of these species. Eyes of the Wild stressed the importance of empathy and responsible stewardship as the Saturday night event left students feeling happy about interacting with and learning about the danger faced by such amazing animals. Through hands-on activities and interactive displays, students not only gained knowledge but also developed a deep appreciation for the nature around them. The Sustainability Council successfully bridged the gap between knowledge and real-world impact with the event, encouraging students to reflect on their individual roles in promoting a sustainable future.
