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Tears for King Kong

Katherine Dobbs, RVT, CVPM, PHR

Have you ever seen the old King Kong movie that starred “newcomer” Jessica Lange? I caught it somewhere in a hotel, and it was really lame: the special effects, the acting, just not very impressive. So this morning when I caught a newer version of King Kong in another hotel room, I was immediately impressed with the cinematography.

This one starred Jack Black, among others. Then I became impressed with the acting, particularly of our heroine, the beautiful blonde. I was likewise impressed with the emotions of the great ape thanks, I’m sure, to computer graphics. But the connection between him and his captive was really genuine, and touching. And yes, as he slowly died atop the Empire State Building and fell to his death, I cried. I’d like to think it’s because I’m finishing up a long 12-day road trip and I really miss home, including my furry loved ones, but I won’t make excuses…I cried.

At the very end, when some reporter says to Jack Black’s character, “It was the planes that got him,” Jack replied “No, it was beauty,” meaning, of course, that King Kong had fallen for the girl. But I disagree; it was instead the way she came to trust that Kong meant her no harm and that left her open to reciprocate special feelings for the big ape. She recognized that it was a privilege to be cared for by this wild beast, and she didn’t take that for granted.

I have long wanted to do work with wildlife for that very same reason, to have the experience of gaining the trust of a wild being that has not been domesticated. Of course, our furry dogs, cats, and other pets are special and we share a connection, a bond, but some of those species have learned over the generations to trust us. In fact, many would have a tough time surviving without us. Yet a wild animal that likely has had no real contact with human beings is in a different situation. Their fear of the unknown is genuine, and the special feat of being able to win their trust is a significant accomplishment.

Wildlife veterinary medicine is not something we hear about every day. Obviously, the numbers of people working in domestic veterinary medicine, so to speak, are much greater. Yet these doctors, technicians and support people who provide care to injured, abandoned, and orphaned wildlife are a special bunch in my opinion.

They typically have to become familiar and educated with many different species, dependent on the region in which they live. They must have a sense of curiosity that overcomes their sense of fear, and deliver care in a compassionate way to a living being that has never been on the receiving end of human compassion. Most of all, they often have to heal and comfort these wild animals with the hopes and eventual success of turning them back in to the wild land from which they come.

We’ve likely all heard the saying, “If you love something, set it free,” but these wildlife caregivers live that message throughout their careers. They understand the purpose that is much bigger then themselves and the tender feelings they grow to have for these animals; they love so much they are able to set the wild free. Amazing.

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Tears for King Kong

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