A person or an animal is in a captive situation when it remains confined and deprived of its freedom. In relation to animals, this word is used to refer to those who are wild and not to domestic ones, and with respect to people it is used to refer to prisoners or hostages, who are also known as captives.
The author of Don Quixote was held captive for five years in Algiers
At the end of September 1575 Miguel de Cervantes was going from Italy to Spain in a galley. Suddenly a fleet of Algerian corsairs attacked the boat and Cervantes was kidnapped and taken to the city of Algiers in North Africa, where there were thousands of captives of all nationalities. The kidnapping was aimed at requesting a ransom and, in fact, the corsairs demanded such a large amount for Cervantes that his relatives could not initially pay it.
The captivity lasted for five years and throughout this period Cervantes tried to escape on several occasions but did not achieve his goal. Finally, the necessary money was raised and Cervantes was released through the mediation of the Trinitarian fathers.
Scholars of Cervantes's work consider that his captivity had a great influence on his later literary production. It should not be forgotten that in Don Quixote one of the fundamental themes is, precisely, freedom.
Animals that live outside their natural environment suffer from all kinds of disorders
If a wild animal lives in captivity, it will most likely suffer some alteration. At present it is known that this situation generates sadness, loss of appetite, sexual pathologies or eating problems. To combat this situation, associations have been created in favor of animal rights. In this sense, some groups try to free animals that are part of circuses or other types of shows from captivity.
On the other hand, the existence of zoos is also questioned by some groups. Those who oppose captivity consider that animals lose their true essence as living beings. In their own natural habitat most animal species live in herds while in captivity they are isolated and subjected to all kinds of abuse.
In recent years, specialized rescue centers have been created so that animals released from captivity can be adequately rehabilitated and regain their freedom.
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