What is your favorite animal?

Saturday, February 3, 2018

When our children were young we used to pass the time on long road trips by playing “The Animal Game.” One person would think of an animal. We would go around the car taking turns asking “yes” or “no” questions until somebody figured out what it was. I thought it was pretty fun. 

A couple of days ago I asked a question at work and on FaceBook: “What is your all-time favorite animal and why.” I got some pretty interesting answers. Let’s see if you can figure this one out. 

Ok. I’ve got an animal in mind. 

Is it a mammal? Yes. 

Does it have fur? Yes. 

Does it walk on four legs? Yes

Is it a carnivore? No. 

Is it a herbivore? Yes. 

Is it domesticated? No. 

Does it have a natural habitat in Kentucky? No. 

Does it have a natural habitat in the US? No. 

Does it live in a zoo in the US? Yes. 

Is it from South America? No. 

Is it from Africa? Yes. 

Is it from the cat family? No. 

Does it have hooves? Yes. 

Does it have horns? Yes. 

Is it an antelope? No. 

Is it a wildebeest? No. 

Is it a giraffe? Yes!

Here’s a bonus question for you. What do you call a community or group of giraffes? A journey. 

Will and I went to Africa on a mission trip when he was 14. Before coming home, we went to a game preserve to check out some wildlife. I loved the hornbills — like Zazu in the “Lion King.” Will got to pet some wild mongooses that frequented our hotel patio. It was so cool to see the zebras, the different antelopes, a river monitor, the ostriches, some rhinos, different kinds of birds, and even a baby caracal (it’s a small wildcat). 

But my favorite African animals were the elephants, the lions, and the giraffes. I wouldn’t want to meet a lion or an elephant in a dark alley. So I pick the giraffe as my favorite. 

We got to see some giraffes running across the savannah. I don’t understand why they didn’t all fall flat on their faces because they looked so very clumsy! 

We even got to see some at a water hole — front legs spread eagle so they could get a drink. Precious!

Although giraffes have a special place in my heart, they aren’t my all-time favorite. I love dolphins and baby sheep and hedgehogs and horses. Hummingbirds just thrill my heart! Bunnies and groundhogs and squirrels deserve mentioning, too. But nothing satisfies me like a goofy little puppy, full of unconditional love, galloping to meet me at the door like I’ve been gone for a lifetime! Man’s best friend. Keeper of secrets. Snuggler. Kisser. Dog. 

How thankful I am that God gave us so many kinds of creatures. They are all so very cool. 

30 little baby animals sure to bring a smile to your face.