Animals are God’s Treasure, not Human Food. Zoology in Gn 1 and its Imperatives

Sa？etak The study exposes the zoology of Genesis 1, analyzing the key terms, phrases and statements. The study shows that Genesis 1 insists on the prominence of animals as living beings, guarantees them a proper space in the ecosystem, and relates their purpose and role to the inanimate nature, not to humans. Further, the study reveals that the creation of humans in the image of God in Genesis 1 is a part of God’s care for animals. Humans are created in the image of God to be good shepherds of God’s animals, to tend them according to the divine laws and protect their rights and existence, and not to dominate them freely. Besides, the study demonstrates that the human task in Genesis 1 is realistic and constitutes a moral imperative