It’s hard to contemplate,
how any person,
could derive pleasure,
from killing such glorious creatures.
Look in their wild eyes,
and you can glimpse their souls.
Cheers to you from all the wild ones~
It’s hard to contemplate,
how any person,
could derive pleasure,
from killing such glorious creatures.
Look in their wild eyes,
and you can glimpse their souls.
Cheers to you from all the wild ones~
R.I.P. Cecil the Lion and all the other wild creatures killed for pleasure and profit. Truly it is a sin to murder God’s creatures just because we can. As humans we must protect wild animals and Not hunt them down for ego and money.
I couldn’t possibly say it with such perfect eloquence. Thank you~ <3
What GORGEOUS captures Cindy, and couldn’t agree more with you, how ANYONE could derive pleasure from killing these beautiful creatures is beyond me!
Watch little children around any sort of animal. They are in awe. It is hard to imagine why anyone would want to steal this wonder and teach a child to kill.
Great photos, and now you’ve made me smile and I really didn’t want to do that either. Hee hee! Hugs, N 🙂 <3
Oh good. A smile is always a wonder~
I enjoy the idea of wild animals. These are such warm and soulful eyes. Giraffe’s long eyelashes are so lovely. Thanks, Cindy for these wise words and special photos.
I even have a hard time when deer herds are thinned but happy if families get deer meat, plus more room and foliage for the remaining deer, Cindy.
Yes, hunting for sustenance is different than hunting for pleasure.
Nossa!!! Lindo demais! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Es estao presentes para nos proteger! <3
Estou vindo para Portugal na primavera, Lisboa, Porto e Aviero!
You are beautiful Cindy…. Thanks for the portuguese message. 🙂 🙂
Heartbreaking when you know everything can be synthetically achieved. Thank you for sharing these beautiful animals.
Thank you more for appreciating them!
Giraffes have such wonderful eyelashes!!!
And eye liner! And it’s all natural! <3
What a face on that giraffe! Great photo.
They are such beguiling creatures, especially when you interact with them in the wild~
I just love when i see your new post come across my reader!!
Awwww, that makes me so happy! 🙂
Marvelous animal portraits…
They are such naturally gorgeous subjects!
Beautifully captured of these faces…
They have such beautiful faces don’t they!
couldn’t agree more. I am not a violent person but if I ever saw any of these so-called big game hunters crossing the road I think my foot would bypass the brake…
I always think of the Beatles song, when I hear the term, “Big Game Hunter…” Remember Bungalow Bill? “Went tiger hunting with his elephant gun. In case of accidents he always brung his mum.”
Don’t know the song but I know that as an animal activist from way back Sir Paul would be horrified by these ‘people’.
Peaceful looks registered on wonderful photos! Thanks much, dear friend! 🙂
Ahhh, thanks so much more for appreciating them my friend~
Great photos, as always, and a text showing admiration and compassion towards our other friends, Cindy. Best to you! 🙂
And to you too, always! <3
Your photos here are glorious, Cindy. I love seeing those giraffe eyelashes, my favorite of all the African mammals. Great post.
Yes, there is something truly magical about interacting with giraffes in the wild. It starts when they walk towards you! <3 <3
wonderful photos and words! Amazing!
So pleased to be with all the wild animal lovers! <3
So amazing!! Really can’t believe those pictures!
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AK6OVWN-Zg/TgPa1l3t_II/AAAAAAAAFl4/NpCfrf3kFmY/s640/142.gif
Tan hermoso y apreciado ! Abrazos mi amigo. <3 <3
Beautiful creatures, Cindy. The hunter ignores the soul and substitutes ego or profit. Shame on him.
So well said! Thank you~
Reblogged this on Indigo and Peace.
I am so lucky to know you Maiko. Thank you my friend~
Thank you for all the wonderful things you do for animals, Cindy!
We share this my friend. <3
The thing about your photos is that you show us gentility, heart, and soul. Ironically, though these are “wild” animals, there isn’t anything wild in their eyes (in the sense of a wild and crazed look sometimes seen in humans) but there is peace and lovingkindness in those eyes.
Yes! Exactly. When are we going out for lunch? Ironic indeed, that the term ‘wild eyes’ does pertain more accurately to some humans, than to wild animals. Animal eyes capture me with their wisdom and grace.
We share more than a name Cynthia. <3
I couldn’t agree more. They’re beautiful creatures, and they deserve to breathe the Earth’s air just as we do.
Yes, there needs to be more protection for all vulnerable humans and animals! We’re all on this planet together.
I am going to review your book as soon as I finish it on Amazon/Goodreads. Thoroughly enjoying it.
Thank you, Cindy. You’re very kind to do that. Glad you’re enjoying it. Thank you so much for your support!
Easy to do for a person like you~
I agree – incomprehensible that anyone could call that sport! Gorgeous photos.
Alison
One of the things I find the saddest is the children. If you watch a child with any animal they are enraptured with joy. It is so fun to watch. They are so gentle. And yet, someone takes that child and trains them to hunt and kill for fun. Incomprehensible, unless it is necessary for survival.
Thanks for the wonderful photos Cindy and I am happy to see that nowadays more people are changing the concept that hunting, bull fights, dog fights, etc are sports or an art form!
Yes all barbaric. The sport of barbarians.
Indeed, a barbarian is some who is uncivilised! And the number of civilised people are growing every day! We finally are understanding our true role on this planet!
It is an incredibly hopeful development, I agree. People are mobilizing on behalf of compassion~
They look so gentle with magnificent eyes!
That is the word. Animal eyes are magnificent!
My heart just melted! Trophy hunting has no place in our society.
We are in accord! <3
Spectacular! Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you more for appreciating the wild ones!
Yes! 🙂
Beautiful creatures! Yes, you can glimpse their souls. Thank you for another special post, Cindy!
Thank you always for your friendship and understanding Amy~ <3
Cheers back to you, Cindy!
From a sometimes wild someone who loves the beasts.
I know you are both wild and a beast lover and that is why I love you! <3 <3
Amazing as usual , thanks for another glimpse of the wild 🙂
Ahhh, just so happy you enjoyed and cheers to you my friend~
Cheers to friendship 🙂
Very beautiful photos, Cindy! Well done!
Mil grazi!
Your photos are extraordinary, So is your message. ☺
The kindness of people like you is just the most wonderful thing about blogging~ <3
I think it’s the first time I see photos of a giraffe at eye level! I agree one hundred percent, I cannot understand how it’s allowed to kill for “sport” so magnificent creatures. Thank you Cindy 🙂
Thank you more for understanding!
🙂
This lion looks a bit like Toonce, oh alright his big brother
If Toonce can drive a car, that lion could probably fly a jet! 😉
I bet… Though Toonce has opposable thumbs of sorts… When is your next adventure?
In about three weeks we head to Yellowstone, Glacier and Waterton National Parks. Looking for wolves and teddy bears……
Totally agree Cindy. I love the young male with its mane growing in. 🙂
Such dignified creatures~
Your message is spot on, Cindy. And these eyes are captivating!
I have some of my photos in my office. All of them are close ups of wild animal and bird eyes. They are mesmerizing to me as well!
Beautiful set of wild-eyed animals!
All creatures great and small! <3
I agree! I agree! Oh, how I agree! P.S. I have never been that close to a giraffe before. 🙂
I know how much you do! When you are next in Carlsbad, please let’s go to the safari park together. Just give me some lead time. <3 <3
I couldn’t agree more. What lovely shots.
They need our love don’t they, since so many are on the verge of extinction~
Well said and beautiful captures. Definitely this is the way to shoot these animals!
I can’t even imagine how someone could derive more pleasure in killing than in photographing. I am a shrink. Maybe I could teach hunters how to get their trophies with cameras rather than guns, but this probably wouldn’t work. Sadism is a big part of hunting and let’s all be straight about this.
Such a timely post Cindy! What lovely images of animals going about their daily lives just as we do… eating, showing affection towards each other, resting. It’s unimaginable to me that someone would want to disrupt life. I’m still appalled and it’s not just because Cecil had a name or fame. All these animals are distinct, beautiful individuals. <3 ~Lynn
It takes real beauty to recognize true beauty. You have both.
The only kind of hunting as I appreciate is with a camera, so we can capture all the beautiful souls in our nature.
Beautiful and so important post Cindy 😀
We are in full accord. Thank you Irene!
I love that first shot ~ wow, it is just like I am looking in the mirror every morning 🙂 Beautiful series, and especially of the big cats and agree fully with your sentiments, they are amazing beasts.
Laughing, that giraffe is very cute!!! Thank you my friend and be well~
Maybe you could use your amazing “shrink” powers to hypnotize them into believing they are the prey or orphaned babes. Just maybe they would find it enlightening.
In other words, do something to create compassion and empathy. Unfortunately this is practically impossible to do with someone who doesn’t already have it.
I so absolutely agree with you and my heart cried for the killing got these beautiful creatures for sport as we have been hearing about on the news.
My great-grandson was so excited to see the giraffes and think they are straight from heaven.
Children intuitively know this about animals. It kills me to think of parents crushing this childlike love by turning children into hunters. Tell you great grandson he is right and I am proud he knows this! <3
I couldn’t agree more. I find those “trophy” images abhorrent.
Parents involve their children in this “sport”, and then we are surprised we have a problem with gun violence!
It’s hard for me to understand that too Cindy 🙁 Well said and lovely images!
Thank you Indah for caring.
Beautiful pictures! You have a way of caputuring our hearts with your photos and text. And this one was especial potent.
Awwww, but you have to have a big heart in order for me to capture it! <3
Speaking eyes….they say a lot, don’t they?
Wonderful clicks as always, Cindy… 🙂
Yes, perfect, “speaking eyes!” They do speak volumes.
Awesome animal photos! I love all of their eyes
So expressive aren’t they, and in people with empathy, they engender feelings of love and concern.
The giraffe seems to be flirting with you (or the camera?…)
I have been struck by three things when taking photos of wild animals and wild birds, they are curious and interested in people who stand still for long periods, who do not talk or make a sound, and who have a biggish camera affixed to their face! Laughing, but it’s true. They must find it all somewhat atypical. That’s why so many of them look directly at the camera.
Beautiful Pictures, thank you very much Cindy….💗💗💗
Thank you much more for caring.
Dazzling! ≧❀‿❀≦
Awwwwww, thanks!
Exquisite creatures and it’s tragic that they are slaughtered for ‘fun’ and profit. Thank you for your photos and your message.
Thank you for receiving and supporting it!
Amen to that sentiment, Cindy.
There are a lot of us who care and I am happy we are finding our voice!
Cindy, thank you for the lovely photos. 🙂
Awwww, thank you dear Ranu! <3
Gorgeous! Capturing these exquisite creatures on film is much more challenging than hunting them with high powered rifles.
Exactly, and it does no harm!
Beautiful Cindy
Mil grazi!
AMEN, Cindy — well said, my friend, and such beautiful photos!!
The beauty of the subjects living their lives shines doesn’t it!
Thank you for raising awareness. Why can’t people who shoot and stuff animals be happy with shooting these beautiful creatures using a camera and having the photo as a trophy? I had chills when I opened my reader and the first thing I saw was your picture of a giraffe. A mother giraffe and little one were my last images I dreamt as I awoke this morning. 😀
You are in touch with them unconsciously. This give me chills too. Good chills! <3
I can’t fail to notice the innocence in the eyes.
You are able to see this because you have compassion. Some people cannot see this.
I wonder why game hunting is even practised. Killing and poaching animals for fun are from sick minds.
Hey I remember that! 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2ZoPtFU9LQ
I especially love that classic first picture with its incredible bokeh forcing focus on the face and eyes! Wow!
Wow, never heard of them and they are really good guitar players!
I love the first one the most. You really did an amazing job capturing just the right look 🙂
Very kind of you and thank you! Can you believe how beautiful giraffes are in close up. The eyes just blew me away.
Sí. No entiendo que haya placer en matar a seres indefensos. Las fotos son preciosas y los animales están hablando con la mirada.<3
Si que estan hablando con el y estoy tan contenta de que oye mi amiga! <3 <3
I can’t add anything to your comments other than Amen. You have captured their soul in your photography. <3
Awwww, from you, quite an honor! <3
Cindy, this is so lovely with such a powerful message!
If you are pleased, then so am I! <3
“Giraffes can be very dangerous…” I laughed out loud when I read that explanation by the woman who killed one. So stay in your own country, and don’t travel long distances to other people’s countries where there may be giraffes that they are happy to take the risk of living with. That should solve all your problems, dear heart… RH
Oh those photos of her laying next to the dead giraffe. Made me feel ill, and she is so proud oh herself. Ughhh. Giraffes are curious, and like to have their space respected, if you do this, they might eventually walk closer to get a look at you. What a thrill this is, to be checked out by giraffes!!!!! She, of course would take the opportunity to shoot them.
Beautiful post Cindy – strength in your photos and message.
Sp glad!
You capture the expression of these amazing beasts so well.
Aren’t they just amazingly wonderful creatures!
You have captured a look of compassion in the eyes of the giraffe Cindy and as for those magnificent lion photos, it is all about pride and belonging.
Yes, and we ruin both the pride and the belonging, when we kill them for kicks.
Unbelievable that any one could look at some thing so beautiful then kill it.
It is indeed unimaginable. Gorgeous, soulful shots, Cindy.
Awwww, so pleased. Thank you! <3
I don’t get it either. :/
Good for you. This is something you don’t want to ‘get.’
I wonder what happened to that dentist? He’s pretty hated.
I saw a photo of him taken yesterday, he seemed to have given himself a severe buzz cut. He probably imagines himself as Rambo right now.
Beautiful pictures as always and the lion, is just a majestic creature.
They are and they have such dignity.
Dear Cindi, what a pleasure to wake up and see these beautiful pictures.. just love Gods Special friends..and ours to..
Sherri
All creatures great and small, wise and wonderful……
Reblogged this on SHERRI OF PALM SPRINGS and commented:
love this!! Dear Cindi..
Awwww, love you & thank you~
Auch die Augen der Tiere zeigen die Schönheit des Lebens, Cindy. Dankek für’s zeigen.
Einen lieben Gruss Ernst
Es ist immer eine Freude, von Ihnen zu horen, Ernst. Sie sind ein guter Mensch , weil Sie innere Schonheit erkennen . <3
Perhaps what we see is the fellowship with our own souls, whilst those who don’t have one, only see something to use.
Perfectly articulated. Succinct and says it all. <3
🙂
Love these shots!! Excellent!
Awwww, thank you & cheers too~
Beautiful as always! Alone scenery is amazing!
And thanks! The main idea was to direct people to http://inesepogalifeschool.com/
I always wanted to be told that I had eyes like a giraffe!
I can see why. They are incredibly beautiful~
Great pictures as usual. I actually saw a smiling woman posing with a giraffe she shot…sick!
I saw that too. I would like to hear more from the African people about what they think about these idiot Americans who come and slaughter their heritage. They need the tourist dollars though and that makes the whole situation even sadder. How ’bout tourists go to Africa and shoot photos of the animals rather then murder them.
Great image – the giraffe looks almost cuddly
They are gentle giants for the most part.
Cindy – Your photos give these magnificent animals their voice. You graciously share them with us and for that, I thank you.
Awwww, be well my friend and thank you more! <3
liebe Grüße aus dem Norden Deutschlands
GruBe und ich werde in Deutschland bald wieder! Ich kann nicht warten ~
das ist schön
Beautiful captures, Cindy. 🙂
Mil grazi~
Beautiful as usual 😊
Awwww, merci beaucoup~
The hunter’s lust is a fearsome drive…toh hunt and kill our wild creatures without need or reason is barbaric and heartbreaking.
Yes, couldn’t possibly agree more! <3
Excellent… 🙂
<3 <3
You captured their eyes and other details so well! While native peoples have hunt to eat, I’m not much for taking them down just to hang on a wall… or weird medicinal beliefs.
It is hard to find reasons to support trophy hunting when so many species are endangered, at the brink of extinction, or extinct due to human hunting and habitat destruction. We are a destructive species.
Incredible photos, Cindy! Whenever I see paintings of these animals, I think they are exaggerating the gorgeous outlined eyes. These photos prove they aren’t! Wow. These have such a visceral effect!!
Oh good, I want people to look in wild animal eyes. There is such intelligence looking back!
I so agree, Cindy!
I couldn’t agree more with the sentiment in your post. I’m afraid I hate hunting for “sport” — both of magnificent creatures like these or more commonplace ones such as rabbits and squirrels. It’s wrong to make a game of killing something.
Yes, someone on this blog recently said they supported killing foxes because foxes are animals who “kill for fun.” What would happen if we applied this same logic to humans?
Yes, it really is a very silly argument. For one thing, humans kill for fun, as you rightly say. Also, it takes no account of our much-vaunted mighty intellect. Just as we’d don’t usually ask toddlers for their spiritual guidance or detailed financial advice, foxes are simply not equipped for higher level moral reasoning.
It’s rather foolish to argue, “Well foxes don’t sit down and consider the ethical implications of their behavior, so why should we?” Where does that kind of logic get us? “Oh female preying mantises think it’s okay to eat their mate after copulation, so what’s the problem?”
Yes, exactly. Ironic isn’t it? We really might be better off asking toddlers for spritual guidance though. We might get some really good ideas and it can’t be worse than some of the stuff adults toss around! 😉 😉
Beautiful pictures. There is a words for people who hunt animals for fun. I won’t use it here…
Good girl, I appreciate the restraint, and I don’t want to be kiting anymore potentially ‘offensive’ posts after the Bare Bathing Behavior debacle….. 😉
We must try to behave but sometimes it’s so darn difficult!
I know…..it is so hard for me to behave!
Cindy, my dear friend, somehow you got knocked off my list of followers. I’ve no idea how that happened and it’s probably some WordPress glitch. I wondered why I’d received no notifications of your posts lately. Now I know why. So sorry about that. I’ve missed you. Will re-follow you immediately. xxxx
Yes, this same thing has happened to me with a collection of blogs I follow. It is very frustrating because you don’t know that you are not following until you think of the person and go check out their blog and see all the posts you have missed. So no worries, I understand exactly what this is like. I am sure there are blogs I don’t even know I am unfollowing!
I swear it happens whenever WordPress decides to fiddle around with the layout of the Dashboard and the Reader. I wish they’d leave things alone, as changes often don’t equate with improvement.
Am so glad to have reconnected with you and that you understand. There are probably people out there seething with each other due to unwitting unfollowings!
I know there are people with hurt feelings who don’t realize the unfollow was unintentional. Now posts are not appearing in the reader. It happened to me twice in the last few weeks. Keeping things the same might be smarter so WP can focus on the glitches rather than repetitively redoing things.
Gorgeous shots, Cindy. I love the texture of the giraffe’s coat (fur?). It almost feels like I can touch it.
They are such elegant creatures aren’t they, and their coats are so beautiful. Very pleased you enjoyed them~
They are beautiful creatures, and when one respects their territory, and is aware of the possible dangers they present, by taking the proper precaution there is nothing to fear. However, killing these animals (especially the way a recent dentist killed that lion) is appalling to think about. I love the pictures of the giraffe, such a gorgeous creature. Nice photos, Cindy.
Your first sentence contains the core of my approach to wild animals (and some people too) respect their space, monitor their body language. They will usually tell you when you are too close. Thanks much for knowing this.
;o)
Great series of wild, mesmerizing eyes. 🙂
Welcome and so pleased you enjoyed them! Cheers to you~
Ah, Cuz….., the eyes have it ! I like the giraffes, but the big cats will always get my vote ! 🙂
They are so impressive and majestic aren’t they! Hope you are well cuz and have an excellent week! <3
Cindy, I just love the images from the giraffe. Thank you for sharing! Hugs! Veraiconica
Aren’t they beautiful and graceful creatures! I love them too. Cheers and thank you Veraiconica~ <3
Great photos Cindy – the lion shots are particularly beautiful! They look so content.
I too just cannot comprehend how people can murder these wonderful and majestic creatures and feel pride or pleasure about doing so. It’s truly despicable.
It says a lot about their lack of core compassion and sadistic drives doesn’t it. Not a pretty picture at all.
Quite – very sad.
Love the giraffe close ups very much 🙂
So glad you do and thank you! <3
Cindy. I want you to know how much I appreciate your follow. And, your blog is simply beautiful! just can’t get over how clear these photo’s are, and I just love these! <3
Awwwww, thank you so much and I look forward to chatting with you here in blogdom!
Well do you have Facebook? I am always there, because its my way of getting a lot of what I do out into the social Media.
I am on facebook but am a newbie and basically suck at it. So if I try and facebook friend Cherl Ann, I will find you? If not please find me, Cindy Knoke. I definitely want to know more about you.
Yes, inconceivable to me as well. Blood lust, whether for wild things or the wild look in a refugee’s eyes. The urge in humans to destroy, to kill the feral instinct in another, as if one can feast off the power of life they’ve extinguished. Seriously sad.
Yes. Sad. In cumulative life on this planet we have been by far the most destructive species and we are not improving.
Love the giraffe! You know, Cindy, I just love your wildlife and nature shots…you always make my day, my friend! Be well!
Your comment just made my night!! <3 <3
Those eyes!!
are watching us!
Are full of soul, too.
I wonder what they see in us?
👍😃
They are so beautiful!
They are! <3