
in this article about killing Macaque monkeys for infringing upon our domestic comforts, I saw another unfortunate example of the restriction of another life forms, for our self centered gain. (And the monkey was or is...) As a distant cousin (approximated at branching 25 million years ago - what was Lucy... 2.5 million and the Taung child around 7 million?) far closer in genetic relation, then the feline I coddle on a daily basis. The Macaque Monkey is noted as the most widespread strain of primate (other than ourselves, of course,) am I really reading of extermination or 'culling' for the purpose of such convenience. Ughh… Then of course, testing comes into mind; a subject I attempt to regularly exercise ignorance about – as it obviously infuriates my sensitivities (as a life form and all.) So, I read and read... and find this article about a famous infantile Macaque Monkey saved from testing named Britches. Something along the lines of testing for the progression of the lives of blind humans. Oh dear...
Now, don’t get me wrong. I eat meat. I would kill as necessary to eat, protect my kin or self or in order to claim something I needed for survival. However, I do not believe that I (as a life form) am more valuable than a monkey, or any other animal for that matter; and do not believe death should be an occurrence at any time other than as necessary for protection or for food. Yes, I do exterminate my cellar for spiders and eat hamburgers; but, I can live without the newest mascara and can surely wait for a humane progression in medical advances; allowing animals to live as they deserve. Animals went through the battle that is 'evolution' just as we have; they should be able to exist without being hindered by our greed, control or desires (as should I - and wish for it regularly.)
In the Wiki article is mention of a 2007 DNA mapping concluding a 93% match to our DNA. Which lead me to this site, showing the DNA stand of the Macaque Monkey of which I am far from educated enough to understand (but, I enjoyed flipping through the Human vs Monkey vs mice strands. Of which I also linked; for DNA strand (mapped so far) comparison or learning purposes.
KAS