The police and the Department of Well-Being and Safety (DWBS) have added a little something to their Winter travel advisory: the suggestion that we be sensitive to our endangered species.
In their annual statement, which was issued today, they repeated the warning to Park residents to be “extra-vigilant” when interacting with the Human species during the holiday season, but they also emphasized that Humans are not the only species that can hurt Park Animals.
“It is important at this time in the history of the world that we be sensitive to the anxieties of members of our fellow species, particularly those who face extinction,” the advisory warns.
“In our day-to-day dealings with members of endangered species, it is of paramount importance that we exhibit sensitivity and caring and that we not cause them more anxiety than they already are feeling.”
The advisory goes on to warn Park Animals about the dangers of interacting with Humans, both inside and outside The Park:
“Be aware of your surroundings and be vigilant when interacting with Humans. Keep in mind that certain events that occurred this year in the Human world may have an effect on Humans’ encounters with other Animals,” the advisory warns.
In particular, the advisory warns Animals that they should refrain from interacting with Humans who exhibit sentimental behaviour or who appear to be seeking comfort through association with other Animals.
“Be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour displayed by Humans. If they attempt to entice you with food, make cooing noises at you or call you by names with which you are not familiar (such as ‘sweetie’ or ‘cutie’), if they speak of their desire for ‘animal companionship,’ ‘snuggles,’ or if say that they want to ‘rescue’ or ‘save’ you, leave their company immediately. Do not hesitate to do so,” the advisory says.
The advisory listed a number of reasons for the Human behaviour it warns about, including the sentimentality of the season and the fact that many more Humans have been combatants in war or have been displaced from their homelands.
Any Animal who does experience a problem with Humans is encouraged to report the incident immediately to one of the following DWBS hotlines:
Feral Cat Helpline: 1-899-33725228
Assaulted Animals Helpline: 1-899-27728583
Missing Animals Registry: 1-899-64774642
Missing Family Members Report: 1-899-32645966
Youthline (Kittens, Puppies, Cubs, etc.): 1-899-96884546
