Hands on the Stones

A warm breeze at the windows. Fields beginning to dazzle with color. The mood around town lighter. Easter Day was whole other story. A frigid and grey morning, we made the half-hour drive to the Parco Naturale di Cavriglia, literally at the back doorstep of Chianti. There, we partook of a tasty vegan potluck lunch with local animal rights activists including our socially conscious niece Francesca. Good cheer and food to be sure, but inside the park live a number of animals in captivity that were abandoned along with the park. Reason? Lack of funds. Disinterest. Apathy. Many had been living in deplorable conditions and were confined to very small living areas. Francesca and her group help take care of these animals now, providing food and water and medical treatment when needed. While they group have found good homes for some, others can’t be moved, like Bruno the Bear, a nearly 40-year-old North American grizzly with a cherubic way of cocking his head to one side and crippling arthritis.

There are monkeys, a donkey, ostriches, deer and wild boar, lamas, bison and even turtle doves. The group’s good works have brought some comfort back into these animals’ lives, even as they struggle keep their small funding stream flowing. As we relaxed after lunch, a small fire going to warm cold hands, Marina, one of the group’s cheerful organizers, suggested, “Hey! Let’s build a pyramid out of stones to mark the path leading to Bruno the Bear.” The group scattered to gather their stones, flat, irregular, jagged and smooth, fitting each layer like puzzle pieces until the crowning stone was placed on top. Our hands came together in solidarity -- we were all fully committed to the task -- and it was something to be thankful for that day. And as simple as a stone pyramid erected in the spirit of goodwill toward all living creatures.

2025 Update: The park eventually closed down after most of the remaining animals were found homes. Bruno the Bear passed away at 36 years old., one of the oldest bears in captivity to reach that age.