Saving Cheetahs - October 2008

Zeke's teacher gave him a homework assignment that included sharing what he wanted to be when he grows up. Swinging on the swing in the backyard, Zeke was thoughtful when I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. Watching a street sweeper zoom by in the street behind us, Zeke said, "A street sweeper!" I laughed. To a 5 year old that probably seems like a cool job. But then I asked - I thought you wanted to work with cheetahs. Zeke got a sad, far away look on his face and said: "But there won't be any cheetahs left when I grow up."

Whoa.

This was too much to bear for my environmentalist heart.

It also was a reminder of what I learned in my early days as an environmental educator - never, I mean never, tell a child about an environmental/world problem without giving them some outlet for making a change. I had been talking about endangered species with him but hadn't really given him any feeling of power to make a difference in the plight of these beloved creatures.

So immediately we got on the World Wildlife Fund website and began discussing ways to help save animals. Now Zeke wants to be a wildlife biologist when he grows up and help to save all the animals.

He is also raising money to send the the WWF to Adopt an Animal. In October he baked 2 dozen cookies that I sold at my women's group and made $15.00! He has also ignited the interest of our church and they are willing to help to raise money too! What can only little boy do to save cheetahs and other endangered animals? Apparently a lot!