By Kim Sun-ae
We humans are just one species among many animals. At times, we seem to forget this fact and fail to treat other animals as fellow living beings.
Although chickens can live for over 20 years in the wild, they are slaughtered before reaching 2 months of age. Cows, which typically live around 20 years, are generally slaughtered before reaching 3 years old when raised for beef.
In 2021, the animal rights group Animal Liberation Wave took action to rescue cows found at an illegal dog farm in Incheon, west of Seoul, where they were at risk of being slaughtered.
To find a safe place for the cows, Animal Liberation Wave traveled to Sinwol-ri in Inje, Gangwon Province, in the northeastern region of Korea. Although many local residents were involved in the livestock industry, they warmly welcomed the young activists dedicated to saving these animals. Today, the five cows live in the village.
Last autumn, I stayed in the village as part of the Two-Month Stay in Inje program. One of the activities for participants was feeding the cows. We gave them hay, and they chewed it slowly. The cows are now 5 years old, and it seems likely they will be able to live out their natural lives.
Currently, the cows are staying in a temporary shelter while the village works on building a sanctuary for them. This summer, they will move into the sanctuary, which will be larger and more comfortable than their current home. Once construction is complete, the village will also host a vegan festival.
Until now, we humans have exploited countless animals, treating them with violence. However, we have the ability to build new, compassionate relationships with them.
One day, another participant and I took part in a trekking program in Garisan-ri, another village in the county. On the way between Sinwol-ri and Garisan-ri, we saw a white kitten that had been killed on the road. She stopped the car, moved the kitten to the side, and gently covered it with soil. Her deep compassion for other beings was truly evident.
That day, we learned that Garisan-ri is home to many wild animals, including long-tailed gorals, an endangered species and a natural monument. Last winter, however, many long-tailed gorals died due to fences built along the roads in Inje to prevent the spread of African swine fever. Because of the fences, the long-tailed gorals could not move freely.
According to our forest guide, wet snow fell due to the climate crisis and quickly froze. The long-tailed gorals were unable to dig through the frozen snow to reach the food beneath.
That’s why we hiked with vegetables on our backs that day. Along the way, we occasionally spotted the droppings of roe deer, water deer and long-tailed gorals. At several locations on Eunbiryeong and near the mountain peak, we placed the radishes and Korean cabbages we had brought. I hope the food helped the wild animals.
Kim Sun-ae (blog.naver.com/everythingchanges) wrote “Old Potato, New Potato” and translated “Little Lord Fauntleroy.”
English (United States) ·