In Afrikaans, Aardvark means “earth pig”, since She looks like a Pig and is a digger. However, Aardvark is in a Mammal Order by Herself (Tubulidentata) and has no living relatives. Although her muscular body is like a Pig’s, Aardvark’s short, powerful limbs are equipped with sharp claws.
After sunset, Aardvark leaves her burrow to search for her favorite food – Termites. With her long rabbit-like ears and long snout, She zigzags across the grasslands nosing about for Termites. When Aardvark finds a termite mound, She burrows through the concrete-like earth with her thick study claws. Pushing her blunt snout into the hole She just dug, Aardvark catches the termites with her long, worm-shaped tongue.
Although, Aardvark is timid, She will fend off her attackers such as Wild Dogs. She will lie on her back and lash out at them with all four of her feet. More often than not, Aardvark will try to escape from danger by running for cover or digging a hole and hiding in it. Aardvark has many ways to defend Herself. Digging and hiding or slashing, Aardvark uses what she can to save Herself.
Because of Aardvark’s ability to burrow through hard ground, Africans make charms from her claws to open barriers. Since she is resourceful, Africans in the Congo wear necklaces made from her teeth for good luck. Africans hold this timid but courageous Animal in high regard.
Learn daring from Aardvark. Gathering up her courage, She goes out nightly to search for a tasty meal of Termites. To live in such a dangerous world, Aardvark has many ways to keep Herself from harm. Remember to be alert is to be safe.
Aardvark’s Teachings Include:
“Reminder that what has been hidden will be unearthed if we continue to dig.” Copyright, Ted Andrews, “Animal-Wise.”
Aardvark’s Wisdom Includes:
Self-defense
“Sniffing out” What is Right
Discerning Truth from Lies
Opening Doors
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008. To know about your animal friends, contact me at animalteachers @ gmail.com
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