Scientific Development and the Coexistence of Animals and Humans

Hikari Kunitomo

Fukuchiyama Seibi High School

 

Have you ever thought about the feelings of animals that have lost their mates as a result of global warming or animal testing, and are suffering themselves?

 

My love of animals comes from having a pet dog as a child. Living creatures-from insects such as ants and spiders to animals as large as elephants-are striving to ensure the survival of themselves and their kind. I have learnt so much from observing these animals.

 

There was a time when I wanted to become a vet in order to help them. Being a vet is a wonderful job as you can help animals that are suffering. However, you can only help the one animal in front of you at any given time. I wonder how many other animals suffer or die during that time. This thought frightened me, because it might make me feel powerless.

 

Then, what can I do to help my beloved animals?

 

The first time I found studying at school interesting was in science class in elementary school. During science experiments, I was able to solve a long-held mystery and was amazed by unexpected results. Over time, I came up with more questions and more things I wanted to know. I want to continue solving more mysteries and learn more about things I don’t understand. It was while I experienced such feelings that I decided to become a scientist and tackle environmental issues that cause so many animals to suffer. Then, even indirectly, I could help save animals, including wild ones.

 

However, as my dream for the future grew, I came face to face with a cold reality: involvement in the field of science would probably involve conducting animal tests. Wasn’t I becoming a scientist because I loved animals and wanted to tackle environmental issues out of a desire to help them? Would it be right for me to assume a position in which I might hurt animals rather than help them? Of course, it is true that animal testing has played a major role in scientific development.

 

Is it possible for me then to become a scientist dedicated to animals instead of a scientist dedicated to mankind? I took this opportunity to think deeply about this in my own way.

 

In the end, I could not reach a conclusion. What I did understand was that this was a very difficult and profound issue for me as I aspire to become a scientist.

 

So, I would like to devote a lot more time to this question as a theme in my life, and think about it deeply by listening to lots of other people’s opinions and undergoing various experiences. If my thinking should become biased once I become a scientist, I would like to remember this feeling and continue to question myself: What is the purpose of this experiment? Is this really the best method?

 

Also, I would like to do the best as I can to protect the natural state of our precious earth. To this end, when I am a university student, I would like to study not just my own field but also as many other fields as possible, and learn how to look at the problems from various perspectives. Then, I would like to work as a volunteer in nature reserves around the world and observe the ecologies of animals living in near-wild conditions. I would also like to visit facilities in countries tackling environmental issues and areas affected by environmental problems, and listen to various opinions in order to verify whether science dedicated to animals is really appropriate. I hope that future scientists like myself would also think about this question.

 

There is a limit to what I can do. However, even trivial things cannot be changed without action. On the other hand, even if tiny, actions taken by many people will no doubt lead to a good result.

 

I hope to realize in this world what may seem difficult and only an ideal today. My wish is to use the power of science and everyone’s cooperation to create a bright world for all living creatures, including animals. Surely this must be the future role of science.