Buying Freedom Varanasi India DSC_8256
Vendor sells a bird’s prison pardon to those willing to pay for its freedom. This is a common story in Asia, where “merit releases” of captive wild animals are performed in Buddhist, Hindu and other religious rituals. But the practice raises concern amongst the conservation community for its potential to impact threatened species. Before a bird can be freed, it has to be captured. The result potentially impacts wild populations and mistreats animals, most of which are likely to die on their flight to freedom. In these cages are Kingfishers, Indian Rollers & a small Owl.
Buying Freedom Varanasi India DSC_8256
Vendor sells a bird’s prison pardon to those willing to pay for its freedom. This is a common story in Asia, where “merit releases” of captive wild animals are performed in Buddhist, Hindu and other religious rituals. But the practice raises concern amongst the conservation community for its potential to impact threatened species. Before a bird can be freed, it has to be captured. The result potentially impacts wild populations and mistreats animals, most of which are likely to die on their flight to freedom. In these cages are Kingfishers, Indian Rollers & a small Owl.