Slow Loris: Experiencing the World of Smell

The Slow Loris (Nycticebus coucang) moves at a leisurely pace through the forests of Southeast Asia. With her slow and steady hand-over-hand movements, Slow Loris deliberately goes from tree top to tree top. Since She often hangs upside down as well, naturalists first believed that Slow Loris was a relative of the sloth of the Americas. Instead, She is a prosimian, a forerunner of monkeys.

As an omnivore, Slow Loris feeds on leaves, insects and small lizards. Using her keen sense of smell, She hunts at night for insects that are poisonous to many animals. Following the scent trail, Slow Loris tracks the insect. Moving unhurriedly, She sneaks up on her victim unnoticed. Then holding onto one branch with her hind foot, Slow Loris quietly reaches out and grabs her prey with her fingers.

Slow Loris communicates to other slow lorises using scent. To leave a message for them, She will urinate on her hands and wipe them on branches. The other slow lorises read her scent markings, and leave messages of their own. Scent acts as a language between these prosimians.

Besides her acute sense of smell, Slow Loris is also known for her toxic bite. First, She licks her scent gland on her upper arm, which produces a toxic secretion. Mixing the secretion with her salvia, Slow Loris grooms her baby for protection. When She forages at night, She will park her infant and leave. Furthermore, when She is threatened, Slow Loris will bite. The toxin from her bite will cause painful swelling and death.

Most people have seen Slow Loris in videos being tickled. What these videos do not tell anyone is that She is reacting from fear. Furthermore, shining a light into her large eyes hurts Slow Loris, since She is a nocturnal animal. Because of her cuteness, Slow Loris is a the victim of the illegal pet trade. Before selling Her, traders will pull her teeth out. Because of this, She dies a slow painful death. To help to stop the illegal pet trade, it is better to work to keep her home forests intact and educate people about her inability to live in captivity.

People can learn from Slow Loris how to fully experience the world of smell. She shows them how to communicate by smell. Imagine the smells of coffee, rotten eggs, baked breads, and then feel what each conveys. Go through your day noticing the smells of your life. Ponder what they tell you. Experiences will become more memorable with smell.

AYE-AYE: Self-Determination and Magic

One of the most bizarre mammals, Aye-aye of Madagascar can frighten people by pointing her spectral middle finger at them. With her large pointed ears, blood red eyes and large bushy tail, She is a figure from a nightmare. Aye-aye looks so supernatural that people on Madagascar believe Her to be capable of great magic.

Even for naturalists, Aye-aye has been a nightmare. When they first encountered Her in the 18th century, nobody could determine what Aye-aye was. Because of her bushy-tail and chisel-like teeth, Aye-aye was believed to be a squirrel. Later naturalists said that She was marsupial, although they could not find a pouch. Finally, scientists determined that Aye-aye was a specialized lemur, the only survivor of her family – the Daubentoniidae. (This makes Her a prosimian, a forerunner of monkeys.)

On Madagascar, Aye-aye takes the role of a woodpecker. (Among the mammals, only She and the striped possum uses percussive foraging.) Tapping with her long bony finger, Aye-aye searches for beetle larvae moving about in the tree bark. No one is sure whether the tapping disturbs the beetles or simply allows Her to locate them. Once She finds the grub, Aye-aye chisels a hole with her rodent-like teeth. Then inserting her middle finger, She scoops out the bug and eats it.

Building nests at the forks of trees, Aye-aye will have several throughout her territory. Although She lives by Herself, Aye-aye will tolerate other aye-ayes whose territories overlap Hers. When She is not using her nests, other Aye-aye may sleep in them. This makes it difficult for naturalists to determine the actual population of aye-ayes.

Many stories abound about how Aye-aye received her distinctive name. Some claim that it comes from one of her distress calls. Others say that it is her Malagasy name, “hay-hay,” which is probably Malagasy for “I don’t know.”

Because the people of Madagascar believe that Aye-aye can be an evil presence, they dislike saying her name. Whomever She points her middle finger at will die. A fearless animal, Aye-aye spooks people by simply walking into the middle of their villages. They usually respond by killing Her and hanging her corpse as a warning for other aye-ayes.

However, there are Malagasy people who believe that Aye-aye brings good luck. Since She was once human, Aye-aye will bless people. Sometimes, She will make a grass cushion for a sleeping village. Placing the pillow under their head, She brings them wealth.

Aye-aye has always been a puzzle for people. Few could figure out what She is or how She came to be called “Aye-aye.” She confounds people and their expectations. Therefore, they have opposite reactions to Her. Aye-aye lives by her own rules of self-determination and magic.

Drawing by Joseph Wolf

Grey Wolf: Trust of Self

The largest of Canis Family is Grey Wolf, the quintessential wild Animal. Loved by those who regard Her brave and loyal. Hated by those who fear and misunderstand Her. For example although the Norse admired Grey Wolf for her courage, they were afraid of her fierceness.

As an Individual, She is not formidable, but in her complex social relationships, Grey Wolf makes up for this. She travels, hunts, and dens together with her Fellow Grey Wolves. Her Pack is an extended Family, centered on the two Leaders, Mother and Father Grey Wolf. The Pups are cared for by their Older Siblings, while Adult Cousins hunt for food for Everyone.

The Native Americans of the Plains heeded Grey Wolf’s wisdom since She taught them how to live properly. The Kiowa taught their children to respect Grey Wolf through prayer and proper hunting. In addition, many Indian people regarded Grey Wolf to be a good sign since She was strong, wise, and courageous.

Among various European peoples, Grey Wolf was a symbol of valor. The Celtic god, Cernunnos, Lord of the Animals, had Grey Wolf as one of his closest companions. The Romans said that the founding of their city began with a She-Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus. In Iceland, one Norse tribe claimed they were descended from Grey Wolf. In Scotland, the MacLennan and MacTyre Clans claimed lineage with Grey Wolf.

Meanwhile among the Baltic peoples, Grey Wolf was associated with the Other World. Sniffing amber, Grey Wolf received the power to communicate with the Unseen Forces. For the Baltic peoples, She acted as a guide to the Other Side.

The human hatred and fear of Grey Wolf has ancient roots. Stories of people fighting wolves spread from Siberia to Greenland, and from Mexico to Spain. At first, people and Grey Wolf competed in hunting for the same game Animals. Later when people domesticated Sheep and Cows, their hatred grew as Grey Wolf ate their Livestock.

Because of her independent spirit, Grey Wolf is both feared and respected by people. Unlike Dog who attends to people, She prefers her freedom. Though often misunderstood, Grey Wolf teaches you to trust your instincts. She helps people understand that they have the courage and endurance to face their problems. In a Grey Wolf Pack, She displays proper manners, but still keeps her sense of identity. Learn to trust yourself as Grey Wolf does.

—
“The return of the gray wolf to the American West isn’t just a triumph for conservationists. It’s a victory over the darkness in our own human nature. We see parts of ourselves in them, parts of our self that aren’t always acknowledged.” Copyright: “The Wolf in All of Us”, Katharine Mieszkowski.

---

Conservation Note: Grey Wolf is endangered in Europe and North America. Various governments are involved in reintroducing Grey Wolf to these areas.

Note:Red Wolf (Canis rufus) is the closest Wolf relative to Grey Wolf (Canis lupus). They are members of the Canis Family. Other wolves, such as Maned Wolf, belong to the larger family of Canidae, of which Canis is a subfamily. Other members of the Canis Subfamily are Coyote, Dingo, Domestic Dog, and Jackal.

VIRGINIA OPOSSUM: Seize Opportunities and Make Them Your Own

One thing that people know about Virginia Opossum is that She plays dead or “playing possum” as people call it. When confronted with a predator, Virginia Opossum will hiss and squirt a foul-smelling liquid. Then She goes limp, with her eyes shut and tongue hanging out. Usually the attacker loses interest and leaves her alone.

However, there is more to Virginia Opossum than simply “playing possum.” The most ancient of marsupials, She has not only survived the placental mammals coming into her territory, but also expanded her territory from South America to North America. An excellent climber, Virginia Opossum has thumbs on her hind feet to help her grip tree branches. In addition, her prehensile tail is capable of grasping a branch (Contrary to popular folklore, Virginia Opossum cannot hang upside down for long periods of time.)

After their initial encounters, Europeans regarded Virginia Opossum to be ingenious and versatile. In her search for food, She is both. Ranging far and wide, Virginia Opossum eats garbage from dumpsters, dead animals from roadsides, overripe fruit under trees, and rats in nearby homes. Virginia Opossum even eats poisonous snakes without being harmed.

However, Virginia Opossum is also known for her maternal caring. She gives birth to tiny underdeveloped young. Just after birth, her babies (joeys) crawl into her pouch, which faces towards to her rear. When her joeys are ready to come out, they cling to her back until they become adults.
(Adults are called Jacks and Jills, respectively.)

When She hunts for food, Virginia Opossum carries her joeys on her back. When they are grown, her joeys leave Her and take up their solitary lives.

Virginia Opossum teaches people to seize opportunities and make them theirs. Instead of having one territory, She wanders around eating what She finds. Because of her activities, some people regard this solitary and nocturnal animal as “nature’s clean-up crew.”

Virginia Opossum’s Wisdom Includes:

Expert Strategist

Loving Mother

Ingenious and Clever

Dexterity

New Life Cloaked in Death

Avoidance

Holding Opposing Points of View

Transmutation of Poisons

---

Note: Virginia Opossum is also known as ‘Possum. However, Virginia Opossum is not the same as the Possum of Australia. They are different animals with the same name.

GIRAFFE: Quiet Strength

From prehistory, Giraffe has commanded people’s attention. Early writers described Giraffe as “magnificent in appearance, bizarre in form, unique in gait, colossal in height and inoffensive in character.” Pictures of Giraffes grace the cave walls in North Africa, drawn over 10,000 years ago. In Ancient Egypt, Queen Hatshepat brought Giraffe from the headwaters of the Nile, down to her zoo. The Kingdom of Malindi, in Africa, in 1414 presented China, Giraffe as a diplomatic gift (the first ever). In Paris, when Giraffe was first seen in 1826, the City went “Giraffe crazy” for a year.

Since the beginning of time, people have tried to explain why Giraffe looks the way He does. In Africa, after the Creator Gods finished with Camel and Leopard, some parts were left over. So They made an animal large like Camel with Leopard spots. Ancient Greeks and Romans called Giraffe “Camel-Leopard”, which now is the scientific name (Camelopardalis) for Giraffe.
 
Tallest of all land mammals, Giraffe is noted for his exceptionally long neck and legs. Giraffe uses his tallness to his advantage. From his elevated view, He can watch for predators, as well as eat leaves from the tops of trees. Because of his great height, Giraffe and His Friends are called a “tower”.

However, Giraffe has many other notable features as well. Like Camel, He can go for days without drinking, and can eat from thorny plants. With his flexible neck, He can eat from the tops of trees. With his horns, Giraffe can swing his head and ably defend himself. A blow from Giraffe’s head can prove deadly to a predator.

This peaceful quiet Animal is one of the most successful vegetarians of the African Savannah. He may seem fragile but Giraffe can ably defend himself. Quiet and unassuming, Giraffe always looks out for his friends. They return the favor when He is the most vulnerable – sprawled at the water hole drinking. Be a friend like Giraffe, and learn quiet strength from Him.

Giraffe’s Teachings Also Include:

“The giraffe represents the capacity to extend beyond the limitations of the physical plane. Its ability to obtain sustenance flourishing on a seemingly unattainable perch symbolizes the necessity to overcome limitations and to allow innovative ideas to flourish.” Copyright: “Animals Divine Companion”, Lisa Hunt.

“The giraffe’s vulnerability when it lowers its head to drink reminds us that if we lose sight of our greater vision and consciousness and sink into a mundane way of life, we risk losing our spiritual connection.” Copyright: Beyond the Rainbow (Constance Barrett Sohodski).

Giraffe’s Wisdom Includes:

Farsightedness

Seeing From the Heart

Foresight

Flexibility

Indian Flying Fox: Fearless Exploring

By Dibyendu Ash [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

One of the largest of Bats, Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus giganteus) has a wingspan of more than a child's height. During her flight, She extends her legs outward to expand the span of her wings. A strong swimmer, Indian Flying Fox crosses rivers using her wings as flippers.

Less feared than other types of Bats, Indian Flying Fox eats only fruit. Her favorite is very soft bananas which She swallows whole.  However, with mangoes, She extracts the juice and spits out the seeds. Indian Flying Fox is an important pollinator in the tropics, and a major dispenser of seeds. In certain parts of India, She is regarded as sacred.

Unfortunately for Her, her desire for fruit has led Indian Flying Fox in conflict with people. Because She causes extensive damage to fruit orchards, many farmers consider Indian Flying Fox to be a pest. Governments in South Asia have instituted kill programs to stop Her, since they consider Indian Flying Fox to be “vermin.”

Found throughout South Asia and the Maldives, Indian Flying Fox prefers living near large areas of water. She is often found in tropical forests and swamps. Once, She settles into a suitable place, Indian Flying Fox makes it her permanent Camp. (Groups of Flying Foxes are called “camps.”) Because of her strong flying abilities, Indian Flying Fox colonized many islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Many species of Flying Foxes found on these islands can be traced to her.

Indian Flying Fox flies long distances at night to search for her food. Some of her travels have led her to distant lands. She is fearless in what She does knowing that She can navigate anywhere. A dauntless explorer, Indian Flying Fox travels to islands near and far. Traversing over vast stretches of ocean, She is unafraid of never reaching land. Indian Flying Fox is confident in her navigation skills. Because of her self-assuredness, She has become the mother of many island species. Take wing and fly. Just be care not to be a pest.

Wisdom of Indian Flying Fox:
 Strength
 Confidence
Having Adventures
Learning Not to be a Pest  

Note: Indian Flying Fox is also known as Greater Indian Fruit Bat.

CAPE GROUND SQUIRREL: Doing What Works

© Hans Hillewaert / , via Wikimedia Commons

Living in the semiarid places of southern Africa, Cape Ground Squirrel (Xerus inauris) shades Herself with her tail from the hot sun. Active during the day, She likes to eat in the morning. Afternoons are for socializing and grooming. During other times of the day, Cape Ground Squirrel will sunbathe if the weather turns chilly.

Cape Ground Squirrel will share her burrow with Meerkats and Yellow Mongooses. In gratitude, Meerkats will call alarms to warn Her. The two mammal species will live in a mutual relationship.

Cape Ground Squirrel lives with other Female Squirrels in large underground burrows. She usually feeds on seeds, leaves, and roots. However, Cape Ground Squirrel is not above acting cute and begging from people. Her favorite haunts are the rest camps of the governmental parks in South Africa.

Cape Ground Squirrel has a unique social system for Mammals. She lives with her female Friends separate from Male Cape Ground Squirrels. In her social group, They raise their Children together. Unlike other mammal groups, the Females have no “Alpha” or Head Squirrel.

Meanwhile, Male Cape Ground Squirrels live in friendly social groups by Themselves. The Males are not territorial, and will welcome other groups. (This is unusual amongst Mammals.) The only time that the Males are with the Females is when They want to mate. Even then, when Male Cape Ground Squirrels compete for mates, They rarely injure each other. Instead, the Males hold leaping displays for the Females.

Cape Ground Squirrel teaches doing what works. She may live differently than other Squirrels but that is all right with Her. Learn from Cape Ground Squirrel to find out what works for you. Living in same sex groups and being welcoming helps Her to survive in her harsh environment.

Cape Ground Squirrel’s Wisdom Includes:
Trusting
Friendship
Living in Single Sex Groups
Hospitality

GRAY!GREY SQUIRREL: Living in the Past, Present, and Future

Agile and alert, Grey Squirrel remains active throughout the year. Chattering on tree branches, Grey Squirrel amuses people who watch her antics. What people do not know is that Grey Squirrel was a creature of the virgin forests of North America. She is one of the few Mammals who adapted to cities.

Grey Squirrel needs to eat every day even in the winter. Active at dawn, She searches for fruits and nuts or whatever is in season. In spring, She eats plant shoots. In winter, Grey Squirrel eats tree bark and nuts that She stored in the fall. She locates her stored nuts by smell. Any acorns that Grey Squirrel does not find will grow into trees for future squirrel homes.

Grey Squirrel is very expressive. She chatters and flicks her bushy tail to indicate her many moods. Relaxed, She lays on a thick tree branch with her tail hanging down. When Grey Squirrel is angry, her body becomes ramrod straight, and her tail flaps wildly. Her high voiced “Chee! Chee!” means “I AM annoyed with you!”

Grey Squirrel lives in the past, present, and future. In the summer, She also gathers nuts and acorns for the future. In the winter, Grey Squirrel looks for the nuts that She stored in the past. In the present, whatever season it is, She gathers nuts and acorns to eat today. Grey Squirrel lives in a tree sprouted from a nut that She buried and forgot about. Like Grey Squirrel, you can live in the past, present, and future.

Grey Squirrel’s Teachings Include:
“As far as our noblest hardwood forests are concerned, the animals, especially squirrels and jays, are our greatest and almost only benefactors. It is to them that we owe this gift. It is not in vain that the squirrels live in or about every forest tree, or hollow lot, and every wall and heap of stones.” -- Henry David Thoreau, American Essayist.

Conservation Note: People brought Grey Squirrel to the United Kingdom and South Africa, where She does not belong. Consult the local animal authorities on how to control the Grey Squirrel population.

White Lions: "A Gift from God"

By Stano Novak (Own work) [CC BY 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons

 

 

A Note on White Lions:
Legends of White Lions exist in various oral traditions, in the Timbavati Region of Africa, from the time of Queen Numbi, who ruled about four hundred years ago. Tradition holds that once every century a White Lion appears. A gift from God, White Lions represent the good in all creatures. In the 1970s, White Lions were found in the Timbavati Region in South Africa. (They are now in South African zoos for protection from poachers.)

White Lion's Teachings Also Include:

“Championing righteousness and promise, White Lion Dreaming teaches us to look for, identify, and celebrate the golden glow of potential in others.” Copyright: “Animal Messengers” by Scott Alexander King

Lion Christian Symbols:

Lion: Christ

With Cross-Shaped Nimbus: Lion of the Tribe of Judah

Carrying a Book: Christ as the Teacher

Sleeping: Christ, the Divine Watcher

Winged: St. Mark, the Evangelist

LION: Group Dynamics

Known as the King of the Jungle, Lion actually lives on the open African grasslands. Originally, He ranged from the Mediterranean Sea to Asia and south to Africa. Hunted by Romans for their Games, Lion first disappeared from Europe and Asia Minor. As Lion hunting increased, his range shrank to where now Lion lives only in Africa.

Unlike most members of the Cat Family, Lion is social. He lives in a Pride and forms coalitions with his Male Friends. In his Pride, Lionesses work together to hunt and chase off predators. Meanwhile with his Male Partners, Lion defends their territory against intruders. With his Coalition, Lion rules the Pride for a few years until a new Coalition arises. Then He and his Male Partners leave.

When Lions hunt, They form a cooperative group. Whether They are killing Seals on a beach or Cape Buffalos on the savannah, the Pride forms a plan of action. Some Lionesses wait downwind while their Sisters herd the animals towards Them. Other Lionesses travel around the prey to close off avenues of escape. Suddenly, a Lioness shows Herself, causing panic among the prey. The animals rush headlong into the Pride’s ambush.

Because Lion is yellow, and loves sleeping in the sun, He has been the symbol of the Sun for many cultures. People so admired Lion, that they thought He possessed spiritual powers equal to his physical attitudes. As King of the Beasts, Lion was wise and just.

Killing a Lion was a symbol of manhood. In Africa, young men were initiated through lion combat. The Zulu and Masai were expected to defeat a lion to become a man among their peoples. In Ethiopia, the Emperor awarded the bravest warriors with a lion mane headdress.

In China, Lion is a mythic creature, a symbol of nobility and dignity. Guardian Lion statues protect Chinese buildings. Lion Dancing, which has a very long tradition, is an essential part of Chinese festivals. The Lion Dance brings good luck, prosperity, and happiness to the people at the festival.

Lion teaches constructive group dynamics. When hunting, Everyone contributes to bringing down the prey. Working together patiently makes for a successful hunt. Even though Lions have strong personalities, They cooperate successfully. Learn from Lion how to accomplish much in your group.

Lion’s Teachings Also Include:
“We need to know how to relax when we are stressed. Lion gives us spiritual strength, he teaches us to be strong and proud and not let important things in life be taken for granted, like family.” Copyright: Rabbit’s Warren of Wisdom.

Lion’s Wisdom Includes:

Nobleness

Proper Use of Power and Strength

Group Energy

Community

Roles in A Group

Balanced Leadership

Male Friendship

Sisterhood

Conservation Note: Lions are endangered and are protected by international treaties.

SPERM WHALE: Exploring the Abyss

The largest of all Toothed Whales, Sperm Whale can dive longer, faster, and deeper than any other Mammal. Known as nature’s submarine, Sperm Whale is well equipped to hunt in the ocean abyss for Giant Squid. Swimming in total darkness, He uses his echolocation to locate Squid. His huge head, which makes up a third of his total body length, houses the wax-filled spermaceti organ that helps Him to dive deep. With steady clicks, Sperm Whale approaches his Prey, then surprises Giant Squid with a sonic scream, disabling Him.

Among Whales, Sperm Whale has a unique social life. Elder Mother Sperm Whale governs his Nursery Pod. In the tropics, Sperm Whale Mothers, Females, and Young Males live together. When Sperm Whale reaches maturity, He leaves and joins a Bachelor Pod. Together, He and his Friends roam from the Polar Seas, where Squid lives, to the Tropics where the Nursery Pods are. When He is older, Sperm Whale will navigate the oceans by Himself.

Diving vertically into the abyss, Sperm Whale searches for Giant Squid. Using echolocation, Sperm Whale clicks until He sense the outline of Squid in the murky depths. No one knows what exactly happens in the murky depths; only that Sperm Whale is usually victorious. Like this extraordinary Whale, you can explore the Abyss. Just remember to surface from time to time.

Sperm Whale’s Teachings Also Include:
“There is more character in the Sperm Whale's head. As you behold it, you involuntarily yield the immense superiority to him, in point of pervading dignity. In the present instance, too, this dignity is heightened by the pepper and salt colour of his head at the summit, giving token of advanced age and large experience.” – Copyright: “Moby Dick”, Herman Melville

Sperm Whale’s Wisdom Includes:
Being Comfortable with Your Own Self
Being Comfortable with Your Own Sex
Diver of the Deeps
Lord of the Seas

Conservation Note: Sperm Whales are endangered, and are protected by international treaties. Because of extensive hunting, numbers of Sperm Whale Males are seriously low.

For reading on the teachings of Moby Dick, the most famous sperm whale of all: Moby Dick (opens in new window)

AFRICAN ELEPHANT: Having a Rich Emotional Life

To those first encountering African Elephant, He seems large and strong. With his great curved tusks, long nose, and great ears, African Elephant seems like a creature from prehistory. At one time, the earth was filled with Trunked Mammals (Proboscidea), and now there are only two left – Asian Elephant and African Elephant (who are not close relatives).

Despite African Elephant’s great weight, He walks almost noiselessly through the African plains and forests. Using his long trunk as a hand, African Elephant browses trees and grass, chomping on green plants. Playing a vital role is the ecosystem of Africa, He is a keystone species. His herd’s paths act as a firebreak. His wallows are small pools for water. He disperses seeds from one place to another, converting the savannah to grassland.

Living a close-knit group, African Elephant’s herd is ruled by a Matriarch, an Old Cow. (The Bulls have their own small group within the herd.) Ever affectionate, African Elephant is willing to risk his life to prevent a death of a family member.  Greeting his friends with low rumbles and trumpets, He welcomes Them back to the herd. He snorts and rumbles good-bye to his Friends when He leaves to browse.

“An elephant never forgets” is in reference to African Elephant’s rich emotional memories. He remembers what happens to Him and his Family Members especially if They are harmed in any way. African Elephant notices and remembers when One Elephant has something the Others cannot have. He will settle scores and harbor grudges.

African Elephant has a rich emotional life. He beckons you to have one as well. Like people, African Elephant cares what happens to Him and Those he loves.

Just do not harbor grudges like African Elephant does.
------
Note: Although Asian Elephant (Elephas maxims) and African Elephant (Lexodonta African) are the only remaining members of the Proboscidea (trunked mammals) Order, they are not close relatives of each other. Asian Elephant, which is closer in DNA to Mammoths, evolved as a separate Asian species. African Elephant has larger ears and a sloped head.

Conservation Note: African Elephant is endangered.

WALRUS: Hidden Talents

Although Walrus’ home is the Arctic, He is well known. Familiar to everyone, Walrus is often depicted in cartoons as a banker. With his long tusks, wrinkled skin, and mustache, He makes an unforgettable sight.

Related to Seals and Sea Lions, He shares the same Pinniped characteristics of ‘fin feet’. Walrus may have flippers for feet, but He is better known for his tusks. People in the Arctic call Him “tooth walker”. Moreover, Walrus’ scientific name Odobenidae is Greek for “one who walks with his teeth.”

Walrus spends his days resting on ice floes or swimming in open water near the shore. Where there is no ice, He hauls out (pulls himself out of the sea) on to rocky shores. Walrus enjoys sunbathing, and like many people, He gets sunburned. (His name “Walrus” comes from the Norse languages for “rust-colored whale.”)
Usually, you can find Him in a big pile of other Walruses, usually a hundred or more. Walrus communicates with his Friends with knocks, bells, clacks, and whistles. However, if Someone takes up too much room, Walrus will poke Him with his tusks, forcefully telling the other Walrus to “Move over.”

Walrus uses his distinctive mustache to search for food. He feels the sandy bottom with his sensitive whiskers. When Walrus finds a Clam, He squirts high power jets of water out of his mouth. He uses his talent to imitate a water drill to loosen the Clams living under the mud. Afterwards, He sucks up the Clams like a vacuum cleaner.

Walrus has many hidden talents. He moves on all fours as fast as a man can run. He uses his “squirt” to get clams. Walrus’ strong sense of touch comes from his mustache. There is a lot more to Walrus than his tusks. Remember how Walrus uses his talents and learn how to use yours.

DROMEDARY CAMEL / ONE-HUMPED CAMEL: Saying No

Dromedary Camel is well adapted for extreme climates and harsh terrains. His hairy ears and heavy eyebrows with long eyelashes protect Dromedary Camel’s face from the sun and blowing sand. He eats vegetation that other desert animals cannot tolerate. Since He sweats very little, Dromedary Camel can go long periods without drinking.

Dromedary Camel’s hump stores fat for times when food is scarce. When food is plentiful, He overeats and stores the excess in his hump. Full of excess fat, his hump is erect and plump. When food is scarce, Dromedary Camel lives off the stored fat in his hump. As the fat is used up, his hump shrinks and flops over to one side.

Contrary to popular belief, Dromedary Camel is not bad-tempered and stubborn. He is actually patient and intelligent. What people account for stubbornness is Dromedary Camel saying, “NO!” When his load is too heavy or unbalanced, He will refuse to stand up. Only when the pack loader readjusts his pack will Dromedary Camel rise.

Dromedary Camel teaches the value of saying No. He is willing to help people except when He believes that He will get hurt. Then, Dromedary Camel says “NO!” He refuses to budge until it is safe to do so. From Dromedary Camel, learn that saying No can save your life.

ALPACA: Love

The Incas of South America said that Alpaca was a gift from Mama Pacha, the Earth Mother, a gift loaned to them for only as long as Alpaca was properly cared for. Magical and beguiling, Alpaca was treasured by the Incas for her fine wool. To the Incas, textiles were a source of wealth. They believed that if you stole and wore your enemy’s clothing, you had power over him. Since Alpaca's wool produced the softest and finest textiles, the Incas regarded Alpaca to be an animal of power.

To conquer the Incas, the Spanish had to kill off as many Alpacas that they could. To escape the invading Spaniards, some Incas fled to the high Andean plateaus. To save Alpaca, they took Her with them to places the Spanish could not go.

Then in the early 1800s, the Europeans discovered the softness of Alpaca’s wool. They encouraged the Peruvians to raise more Alpacas. The British Royal Family, like the Inca Royal Family centuries before, favored Alpaca's wool for their winter clothing.

Alpaca was safe, until the late 1900s, when Peruvian terrorists began killing them off. Again, Alpaca was saved by people who cared about her. The governments of Bolivia, Chile, and Peru sent Alpacas to Canada, the United States, and New Zealand to save Them. Through human efforts, Alpaca was safe again.

What was it about Alpaca that inspired people to help Her? Because of her hardy nature and gentleness, Alpaca kept people from harm with her warm wool. Out of love, they saved Her and cared for Her. They kept Her from harm by taking Her to safety. As Alpaca proves, love is powerful.

LLAMA: Watchfulness and Protection

Much more attractive than her cousin Dromedary Camel, Llama nonetheless has the same facial characteristics as He does–long eyelashes and long lips. For centuries, the people of the Andes in South America used Llama for transportation and food. Bred from wild Guanaco, Llama walks sure-footedly along high mountain paths. She moves with both feet on the same side of her body at the same time, to keep her balance. Unlike Horse, Llama does not suffer from mountain sickness.

Llama was important to the Incas. She carried their loads when they built their cities, roads, and irrigation systems. Still important today, Llama helps the people of the Andes, doing what She has been doing for centuries.

To express Herself, Llama hums or voices, "Orgle! Orgle!" She hums to her Baby (Cria) to assure Him that everything is all right. Different hums have different meanings. If She sees someone ready to harm her herd, Llama gives a loud orgle alarm. A chuckle followed by a snort means “BACK OFF!”

The Incas of South America had small stone images called conopas for their homes. These conopas were charged with protecting the home and the people inside. Many conopas were of Llama, who is fierce when protecting those left in her charge. She will attack the intruder by slashing with her front feet. Not only that, but She will orgle to warn everyone of danger. Llama is neither large nor powerful, but She guards well. Like Llama, you can learn to watch over your loved ones.

CAMEL FAMILY: Partnership

Today, the two branches of the Camel Family live on two different continents. Camels (Dromedary and Bactrian) live in the deserts of Eurasia. Llamas (Llama, Alpaca, Guanaco, and Vicuña) live in the high Andes Mountains of South America. The Camel Family (Camelidae) started in North America 40 million years ago. Some migrated to the high dry mountains of South America, while the rest migrated to the dry deserts of Asia.

Because of Camelids' remarkable ability to live in semi-arid areas, people domesticated Dromedary (one-humped) Camel, Llama, and Alpaca for food, shelter, clothing, and transportation. Many things make Camelids special. They can digest tough grasses and convert the grass to energy more efficiently than Sheep or Cows. Moreover, being the only Mammal with oval red blood corpuscles helps Camelids to thrive under harsh conditions. (Their blood helps them to breathe more efficiently.) Their large pads on the soles of their feet give Camelids traction on rocky and sandy soil. Camelids' tough, leathery footpads are broad enough to prevent Them from sinking in sand or snow.

Camelids have been in service to people for thousands of years. In Arabia, Dromedary Camel has provided transportation for people and their belongings. The Bedouins wove his wooly fleece into clothes and blankets. The Incas of South America raised Llamas to be their pack animals, and Alpacas for their wool.
Camelids are highly regarded by the people they serve. The Bedouins call Dromedary Camel, “Ata Allah” (God’s Gift). The Incas called Alpaca a gift from Mama Pacha, the Earth Mother--a gift loaned to humans for as long as They were properly cared for.

The Camel Family has been long known for their partnership with people. Learn cooperation and partnership from the Camel Family. Just do not resort to spitting to express yourself, as various Camelids are apt to do.