We missed the blameworthy

Editor's Note Moments before writing these words of mine, I sat in my home office for about half an hour, not to accomplish urgent work but to shelter my cat on my lap. She has been accustomed to this since her birth, as she accompanies me whenever I sit behind my computer; and the level of affection and attachment decreases in these creatures as they age. I always find myself unable to get up from my place or even move her to another spot; so I usually work in that physically uncomfortable position... but it is filled with reassurance coming from her gentle voice. Deep inside, I realize my bias towards this beautiful creature. I am not alone in this feeling, which can be observed in many social media accounts concerned with cat behavior. Generally, our human attraction to the kingdom of wild animals is governed by the same laws and standards we apply to ourselves. Cats naturally embody the kindness and innocence of children, lions attract us because of their strength and sovereignty, and falcons have a dignity that touches our souls. Therefore, we can say that we are biased in loving certain creatures, not for their environmental importance but for their shape or behavior; and this bias sometimes extends even to zoologists. Is it fair to treat animals by our human standards that frame our lives? We are capable of changing our behavior and controlling factors that influence how others view us; but this is absent in those creatures that have no power but their instinct. In this month's cover story, we present a small part of the National Geographic project, "Photo Sphere," by photographer Joel Sartore, who has taken more than 16,000 portraits of creatures in zoos, aquariums, and reserves to date. Throughout its pages, you will see animals perhaps you have never seen before... animals that popular culture has not honored, but they possess secrets and importance that other jungle "stars" have not attained. I wish you an enlightened reading! In this issue: Our condemned wild animals, we cast the worst epithets and descriptions, though they deserve appreciation and respect The African continent Unloved animals Transylvania New York