8 min read ​'Jurassic World' Actually Has Really Important Things To Say About How We Treat Animals

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Gray, played by 13-year-old Ty Simpkins, is super pumped to finally arrive at the Jurassic World gates. Animals inspire a passion in children, and Gray demonstrates that passion early on in the film. Why this is important: Yes, SeaWorld and other zoos may inspire children to love and learn about animals, but there are better places to do so. Well-run, not-for-profit animal sanctuaries (such as this one in New York state) rescue abused and mistreated animals and offer educational programs for the public, without exploiting animals. 4. Genetic manipulation of animals requires new debates.

As Claire, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, explains in the film, "Corporate felt genetic modification would up the 'wow' factor." As ridiculous as it may sound to genetically modify a dinosaur for the benefit of consumer satisfaction, many of our foods have been genetically modified for decades, and now as technology improves, the debate about genetically modified animals has begun. Why this is important: This debate on animal GMOs is different from previous GMO debates, because the subject is a sentient, living organism. Unlike a piece of fruit, an animal experiences life with feelings and awareness. 3. Commodification of animals reduces the value of living beings.

When humans are belittled to their monetary value, we call it dehumanizing. When animals are reduced to their financial potential, it's equally as tragic, and the public is taking notice. Why this is important: By measuring an animal's worth in financial terms, we place the health and well-being of the animal into an inferior role, and we end up with a corporately sponsored dinosaur named the Pepsi-saurus 2. Isolation is torture.

Institutions such as SeaWorld place animals in isolation at the expense of their mental health. We don't need to refer to scientific evidence in order to have compassion for those who suffer from the horrors of isolation. We know from our own experience that feeling alone can be terrifying and distressing. Yes, many people enjoy going home after a long day and having some time alone to relax and eat food while binge-watching their favorite TV show. This is not isolation. This is leisure time. Why this is important: Isolation is the lack of communication with all other living things. It's torturous for animals and shortens their lifespans. 1. Humans and animals can communicate (and it's important we learn how if we don't already know).