Skewed Stewardship

According to Ark Encounter zoo animal programs manager Karina Altman, “Animal rights organizations appear to be champions for animals on the outside, but there is often deep corruption on the inside.” Their actions are not based on true biblical stewardship. “Their priorities lie elsewhere,” Altman says. “Namely, media attention and money.” A few recent news stories reveal the misguided fallout of their efforts.

In 2023, a horse named Hill Sixteen broke his neck when he fell over a jump fence at the UK’s Grand National Race. Though animal rights activists took the chance to decry the racing industry, the horse’s trainer pointed at activists who had run onto the track to protest just before the race started, triggering a flurry of activity that spooked the horses.

Similarly, one animal activist group spent years lobbying for the release of Tokitae, an elderly orca who lived 50 years at Miami’s Seaquarium. In March 2023, the activists reached an agreement with Seaquarium to plan for releasing the 7,000-pound (3175 kg) whale in Washington State.

But Tokitae’s long-time caregivers understood the toll a cross-country journey would exact on her. The geriatric whale had several health issues and had historically reacted aversely to slight changes in her routine. Transporting her to a new environment could have been a deadly move. “I see this so often in the zoo field—humans assume because we want something, that must be what animals want,” Altman, a former SeaWorld marine mammal trainer, says. “Instead we need to examine the actual animal’s behavior, health, and history to truly understand their best interests.” Before she could be relocated, Tokitae died in August 2023.

In Genesis, the Creator gave us dominion over the earth, including creatures. But to obey this command well, we must discern what is best for animals without causing suffering based on our own emotions. Part of being wise stewards means maintaining a distinction between animals and humans who were created in the image of God. Without a biblical view of stewardship, animal rights activists often hurt the very creatures they claim to protect.