Nature & Animal Lover

Tara Michelle West

To me, nature and animals go hand in hand. Much of our ecological system cannot survive without the other.

I despise animal cruelty and using animals for entertainment, and I’m also passionate about the need to care for our beautiful planet. We are only just visitors to this land and Mother Earth deserves our deepest respect.

Over the years I’ve been a 2-legged mum of horses, guinea pigs, alpacas, fish, dogs, and cats. Currently proud Mum of Miss Effie, a rescue Greyhound. Some people call me the ‘animal whisperer’ 😉

Nature

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~ Albert Einstein

Nature provides much wisdom, if we only take the time to immerse in nature, observe, and apply to our every day life. She bestows upon us many gifts… it therefore should be one of our top priotities to care for this beautiful big planet that we call Home.

I admire the work of The World Wide Fund for Nature. Click on the link below to learn more about the organisation.

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Animals

Animals have hearts that feel, eyes that see, and families to care for, just like you and me. ~ Anthony Douglas Williams

I believe every living creature has a right to live a safe and happy life. Just like us. It never ceases to amaze me how animals can touch our soul, provide us with much wisdom, and remind that the things that matter most is Love.

I do not condone the use of animals for entertainment, including greyhound racing, horse racing, circuses, rodeos and the like.

I admire the work of International Anti-Poaching Foundation, founded by Aussie, Damien Mander, who fight wildlife crime. Operating in Southern and East Africa, they also do wonderful work in implementing strategic programs that promote increased habitat protection and restoration, as well as empowerment of Indigenous peoples to protect their sovereign lands. Dr Jane Goodall is the Patron. Click the link below to learn more about IAPF.

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Elephants

No one in the world needs an elephant tusk but an elephant.

I fell in love with Elephants around 1995. I devoured every book I could get my hands on to learn more about this magnificent creature. In particular, I read a book by Douglas Chadwick where I learned about their habits, how they communicate, and their social behaviours. To this day when I ‘hum’, I am reminded of the Elephant’s hum.

It was at this time that I started sponsoring ‘Aitong’, an orphaned elephant, from the Daphne Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and continued to do so for over two decades. The Trust operates the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world. Click on the link to Learn More.

I do not condone the support of tourist activities that involve Elephants, or any form of entertainment that uses Elephants, including circuses.

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Trees

Think of the trees and how simply they let go, let fall the riches of a season, how without grief (it seems) they can let go…Learn to lose in order to recover, and remember that nothing stays the same for long…Let it go. ~ May Sarton

I’ve had a fascination with trees ever since I can remember. Their beauty and stature leave me in awe, and I love how their strength can seep into your very soul when you lay your hand against their trunk.

A tree symbolises life and growth.

I admire the work of One Tree Planted, a non-profit focused on global reforestation. Click on the link to Learn More.

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Last Thoughts...

We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home.

~ Australian Aboriginal Proverb

Photo credits, Various Photographers showcased on Pexels: Paul IJsendoorn; Johannes Plenio; Harvey Sapir; Ray Bilcliff; Pixabay

Tara Michelle West