Essay #1 (Rough draft)
The purpose of this documentary essay is to provide significant insight of the movie ‘Born to Be Wild’ alongside exploring the criteria of the documentary which are entailed as rehabilitation of species into their natural habitat, destruction of natural habitat, nuanced animal behavior, and spreading awareness about saving animal lives. It is an American documentary, which was released in the year 2011. The documentary is based on the heartwarming efforts put forward by two women for the protection of wildlife. The story is entrenched with the essence of love, dedication, and the commendable bond between humans and animals as it documents rescuing of elephants and orangutans by extra-ordinary humans. The slaughter of these animals is leaving altered impact on their infants. The documentary is instilled with the heartwarming documentation of orphaned orangutans and elephants along with the people who are responsibly involved in rescuing and raising them (Fellman). These extraordinary people endanger their lives and save these species. In context to the criteria of the documentary, following is the thesis statement of this paper:
‘For the preservation and protection of wildlife, it is necessary to rehabilitate animals into their natural habitat’.
The narration of the documentary is performed by the soothing voice of Morgan Freeman through which the remarkable bond between humans and animals are depicted. IMAX 3D captures the documentary, which transports the viewers to an adventure where they can witness the Kenyan Savannah, lush rainforest of Borneo, and a duo of well-known primatologists including Dr. Birute Galdikas and Dr. Daphne Sheldrick.
Conversely, the formula of the documentary is calculated in an appropriate manner so that people with different brackets of age can be persuaded. There is no sociopolitical commentary in the documentary that in turn could portray local practices of hunting. It entrenches with an in-depth information about two determined women helping some animal lovers without any resources and impacting protection of wildlife around the world (Fellman). Moreover, the first ten minutes of the documentary unfolds an interactive map of the location with an enlarged view of both Kenya and Borneo. Through these scenes, the audience is taken to the lavish forests and amazing creatures.
The documentary has enlightened the planet’s biggest issue on the biggest screens through which awareness among people can be dispersed at an extensive level. The major threat posed to these compassionate and loving mammals is their murdering that is practiced in terms of illegal poaching as well as ever growing population of humans. It is the encapsulation of a message through which eyes of the world can be opened to the plight encountering animals along with the role that should be played by all of us for the protection of this flagship species. In addition to this, at the movie is projected through great use of technology as the major attraction is held by its cinematography which has depicted lovely aerial views along with astonishing close-ups .
The most compelling part of the movie was the presentation of the endearing behaviors of animals that are pleasant for the crowd. The behaviors of infant animals are not very different from the behaviors of human infants and to relate this aspect, the director has aligned adorable scenes in which a caretaker drapes a blanket over a baby elephant as he was facing trouble sleeping. On the other hand, Galdikas is taking care of a baby orangutan who is clinging like a child. Facilitation of effective care to the infant animals is of great significance that in turn reflects empathy to overcome the negative impact posed on their cognitive system due to the occurrence of violent activities (Dawkins). The animals lack the ability to express their pain or suffering and empathizing them will help in the development of understanding related to oneself and the environment.
However, there are no specific solutions to put forward, through which people can be involved in the protection of wildlife. The theme of the film underpins man is responsible for murdering the parents of animals, alongside causing adverse outcomes to the animal habitat by demolishing it. In addition to this, there is not enough evidence regarding the operation of their sanctuaries in terms of donations and funds. In a world in which people only care about themselves, it is commendable that two women are offering their best in the light of a haven for animals .
Considering the story and the aspect covered, the documentary is worth seeing. It chronicles the journey of infant animals and how two women are associated with them (Fellman). In addition to this, the audience can obtain a sight of these extraordinary creatures and their human surrogates who then introduce these animals into their natural habitats. It is noted that the remaining number of orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra is about 45,000 (World Elephant Day). In this regard, it is believed that their species will be extinct in less than 25 years. The aggregation of economic crisis with natural disaster and human abuse in Kenya has exaggerated the extinction of animals, alongside pushing humankind closest to the forest (Orangutan Conservancy).
There are people for whom it is difficult to accept the notion of saving animals lives in an age where expansion of human race has gained the grounds of continuing reality. Nevertheless, there is still hope that this documentary will encourage the audience to participate in activities through which significant help to people, animals, and places can be provided. Moreover, children and young adults can learn a lot from the documentary which is presented with amazing animals as well as their personalities and activities. Humans and these animals share a long history throughout the civilization. On the contrary, people need proper guidance and awareness for rehabilitating natural habitat for animals through which chances of their extinction can be reduced. People should understand that it is their right to live in this world and humans have no right to kill the animals. It is also our duty to protect their natural habitat so that they can live and grow properly.
Works Cited
Dawkins, M. S. Why animals matter: animal consciousness, animal welfare, and human well-being. London: Oxford University Press, 2012. Print.
Fellman, D. (Producer), Fellman, D. (Writer), & Lickley, D. (Director). (2011). Born to Be Wild [Motion Picture]. United States: IMAX Pictures; Warner Bros. Pictures.
Orangutan Conservancy. Orangutan Conservancy. 2016. <http://www.orangutan.com/threats-to-orangutans/>.
World Elephant Day. World Elephant Day. 2016. <http://worldelephantday.org/about/elephants>.
