A headline on Facebook caught my attention: “Big game hunter crushed to death by elephant after it was fatally shot.”

My first thought was who in their right mind would shoot a sweet, beautiful, intelligent elephant? They are some of the, if not the most, incredible creatures on this planet! My second thought was just, wow.

I scrolled down to read some of the other articles posted regarding this event that took place in South Africa on Sunday, May 21. And wow, I was appalled. Not by the article titles though.

Here are some quotes I saw attached to shared articles regarding this death:

“One less bastard to worry about.”

“Karma is a bitch.”

“This idiot got what he deserved.”

“Good.”

“See how you f*cking like it.”

“Couldn’t be better news.”

“Burn in hell, killer!”

Before I go on, I must make a point of interest: I have had the opportunity to study abroad in South Africa. I went on a safari on a reservation for animals as well as to an elephant sanctuary where elephants are protected from big game hunters. I was nearly brought to tears by the beauty of not only these majestic creatures, but by the beauty of God’s creation alone.

I am appalled that people could say these things about a man. A father of five. A man doing what he can to provide for his family. Is what he is doing right? Absolutely not. Does that mean we should rejoice in the death of another man? What privilege do we have above him?

God calls us to love one another. Love our neighbors as ourselves. Love his creation. He does not tell us to rejoice in the punishment of those who have done horrendous acts.

Regardless of faith, treating others this way is entirely unacceptable. Yes, we should try and do our best to save the beautiful planet we live on and all that inhabits it, but that does not mean we ought to celebrate the death of a fallen friend, father, husband, and brother.

You may ask, what kind of person could hurt an elephant? I ask, what kind of person could have such boundless cruelty toward another?

If you are going to preach love toward animals, you sure as hell better be preaching love toward all.