2).
Those samples were tested for "…increased levels of glucocorticoid (GC) stress markers" and Engh discovered that the stress in those baboons was elevated for nearly a month after the one baboon had been brutally attacked and killed (Moss, p. 2). The baboon feces that tested out for the highest amount of stress were from those baboons that had either family or other close ties to the baboon that had been killed. Hence, it is reasonable to assume that the baboons were hurt emotionally by the killing and they showed that through their stress following the death.
Meanwhile there is a growing movement of citizens worldwide who believe that animals have feelings and that they should not be abused especially when it comes to the entertainment and amusement of the public. There are ongoing protests about zoos and about displaying wild animals in public places; for example students at Somerville College, Oxford, are planning to boycott a college party / ball if the plans go ahead to display "…a live shark in a tank as entertainment" (Rustin, 2013). The event is billed as "…one night of decadence, debauchery and indulgence," and history graduate Matthew Hawkins objects to having a huge tank at a ball with a shark in it for entertainment (Rustin, p. 2).
"It's worrying that a leading educational institution such as Oxford college would allow that view of nature to be perpetuated, of animals as an extravagant, gaudy show." He went on to say that many students are trying in their everyday lives to "…do our little bit to save the planet" and meanwhile the college they attend is "…going in the opposite direction"...
2).
The PETA group (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has been at the forefront of the animal rights movement for years. When people ask if animals should have rights, the answer is "Yes," according to PETA. The question is not "can they reason?" Or "can they talk?" PETA explains, quoting philosopher Jeremy Bentham, founder of the reforming utilitarian school of moral philosophy. The question is, "can they suffer?" And the answer most certainly is "yes." And because animals do suffer, and that they do feel pain, frustration, fear, pleasure, loneliness and other emotions, that alone is sufficient reason to afford them rights, PETA explains.
In conclusion, it is painful for a caring person to witness the abuse and mistreatment of animals, whether by a factory farm, in a poorly maintained zoo, in a cosmetic testing lab, or through any other situation. Animals do hurt, they do grieve for their mates and fellow animals, and therefore they should have more rights than presently they are afforded in this world.
Works Cited
Langley, Courtney. "W&M professor explores how animals grieve." The Virginia Gazette.
Retrieved April 23, 2013, from http://www.vagazette.com. 2012
Moss, Laura. "Do animals mourn their dead?" Mother Nature Network. Retrieved April 23, 2013, from http://www.mnn.com. 2013
PETA. "Why Animal Rights?" Retrieved April 23, 2013, from http://www.peta.org. 2012.
Rustin, Susanna. "Oxford college under attack over plans to display live shark at ball." the
Guardian. Retrieved April 23, 2013, from http://www.guardian.co.uk. 2013
