Humans are developing vaccines in record time and planning to go to Mars, but we remain callous and cruel to beautiful animals that mean no harm.
A German artist known online as Jenny Jinya has been tackling this problem for quite some time. Whether she’s talking about killer whales, parrots, or elephants, her comics remind us that sadly, many times when the Grim Reaper comes to take animals to the afterlife, it’s because of humans.
And this one is no exception: the story is about a lonely swan who had to witness how his precious eggs were brutally crushed. “I read about this a while ago and it still breaks my heart,” Jenny wrote while uploading the comic. “The only message I have here is don’t be cruel.”
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These events took place in the UK in 2020. Unhatched chicks were killed by a group of teenagers after throwing stones and bricks at them, and the mother was found dead earlier this week, shortly after the father swan went missing, reported Manchester Evening News.
“Although the incident happened last year, I read about it recently,” Jenny told Bored Panda. “Like everyone else, I was deeply shocked, angry, but also incredibly sad. For weeks, I just wouldn’t let go, I kept seeing this sad, lonely swan that had lost everything in my mind.”
Witnesses said the group was heading to the island where the swans had made a nest and three of the six eggs were broken.
Later, wildlife activists who had been keeping an eye on the swans said more eggs had been lost and only one remained.
They added that the father swan left the nest and had not returned since. It is believed that he had been driven away by stress.
The mother swan had been harassed by hens, ducks and a dog since she attacked her unhatched eggs and she lost her mate. Soon, activists found her dead in her nest.
“There really isn’t much I can say,” said activist Sam Woodrow. “He probably died of a broken heart because he had a partner for life and he walked away because of the stress.”
According to Swan Lifeline, swans have been known to die of a broken heart if they lose their mates; swans generally mate for life.
The artist said that sometimes it is very difficult to imagine that people will one day be kinder to animals, but the comments and messages that she receives every day from people who actively fight for animals always encourage her. “Whether they are veterinarians, shelter workers or private volunteers, such an incredible and selfless commitment that never makes the news and receives very little attention gives me a lot of hope. There are amazing people out there and I applaud them.”
Although she remains productive, Jenny said that Germany, the country she lives in, is currently in her second lockdown and the pandemic has affected her creative process. “At first, I was still optimistic because I thought I would at least have more time for my comics during lockdown. But now I have a hard time maintaining a work-life balance when I have no other options besides work. I’m trying to keep busy with gardening and houseplants now. Also, my dog is always happy with all the extra walks.”
People were really sad to learn this had actually happened
