I don’t mean to be preachy, it’s just what annoying people do
One of the major lessons I tried to teach the kids in Panama was to have respect for the wildlife. I expressed that the animals that are indigenous to the islands are not alive to entertain humans, and that we are in reality, guests in their home, and should treat them with respect.
My words often fell on deaf ears, as teenagers are prone to care only about themselves, but a few heard my message and I believe that they took it to heart.
I was surprised that there were vegetarian options available to me when I was on Bocas Del Toro and that there is an admiration for the animals that live there.
As I stated in one of my earlier posts, I find it disheartening that many of the westerners who visit the islands are unaware that there are indigenous communities that reside there, and when they do learn of this, they don’t care.
I was equally disappointed that many of these tourists chose to seek out the red frogs in the region to hold them in their hands. Little did they know that human touch is poisonous to these tiny creatures, and they often die after, and spread the disease to their families. Due to this willful disregard, the red frog population is dwindling, in a region where only a few years ago they thrived.
In addition I learned that starfish die only 20 seconds outside of water. Therefore it’s important not to touch them or remove them from the sea.
No matter where I travel, I always believe that it’s essential to learn about the people and animals that call these places home, because I gain a deeper understanding of the area, outside of the tourist traps.
Here are some photographs.
The Red Frog
Sloths were everywhere
Humongous crow things!
Lizards, I think…
Monkey!
This dog followed me every morning during my run
This was the smallest cat who visited us during our meals
Beautiful birds were everywhere
Bob the parrot, who bit me hard!
Starfish on Starfish Beach
Giant flying beatles too!
Like this:
Like Loading...
I possess great compassion and seek to be of service to others. 
