This is a picture of an animal that does not have a self-esteem problem — humans, take note! This is an intelligent being that knows itself and what it needs and wants, yet possesses a natural dignity. If you look deep into its eyes you might even detect a quiet amusement, presumably at how humans (or at least their leaders) are disgracing themselves in the sight of the Great Spirit by their ignorant, short-sighted, selfish and self-destructive trashing of the natural world, home to all life on Earth. In any case, this is not the gaze of a being who feels itself in any way inferior to humans.

Wolf photo © 1992 Tom and Pat Leeson