Meeting Animals Poem by Juergen Wagner

Abandon the prejudice,
that you are a high being
and they are ‚only animals‘
They are our ancestors

Trust in the possibility
of understanding and encountering them
They are animals as we are
with conscience and feeling and great abilities

Consider, that they are very clear
In an instant they know
sometimes more than we know
and decide

Accept their reaction
And be patient
Don't expect human forms of approach and touch
There are many ways to meet and understand each other

Don't face them with fear - they fear us too
Fear hinders encounter
Meet them with an open heart and without expectations
Be a friend

Don't pity them
even you see them in the zoo
Have compassion
They are great beings and you can see, if they are happy or not