Bloganuary 2024 Daily Prompt

What is your favorite animal? Is today’s Bloganuary daily prompt.

That is an impossible question for me. As an animal lover and especially as a mom, I have been asked countless times what my favorite animal is. Every time, I find it hard to choose just one out of the vast kingdom that fascinates me. Some call me “the bird” others call me “cat” and I could choose any of those as my favorite animal: pelicans, toucans, flamingos, eagles, hawks, sparrows, cardinals, lions, tigers, panther, calico, or russian blue – what is not to love?

They are all captivating!

Each species has its own unique characteristics and behaviors that make them special in their own way. To me, that makes every animal worth admiring and learning from.

Let’s start with the majestic and powerful lion, often referred to as the “king of the jungle.” With its magnificent mane and regal presence, it’s no wonder that many people consider the lion to be their favorite animal. There is a painting my mom painted, still hanging in her house today, that introduced me to lions at a young age. The Chronicles of Narnia also instilled a love for lions in my heart. Of course The Lion King movie only helped further shine a spotlight on these remarkable hunters and their prides.

On the other side of the spectrum, we have the endearing and playful dolphin or an eager to please puppy. These intelligent and social mammals are commonly adored for their playful acrobatics and friendly nature. There’s so much more to these creatures than meets the eye. The can respond to their names and use their voices to communicate with others in their species. They can use tools and teach their young how to use them. These are just some of the reasons why dolphins and dogs have captured the hearts of many.

But let’s not forget about the smaller and often underrated animals, like the tiny but mighty bee, butterfly, or ant. These insects may seem insignificant, but they play a crucial role in our environment. Without them, our entire ecosystem would suffer. And yet, insects are facing numerous threats, such as habitat loss and pesticide use, which have caused a decline in their population. It’s imperative that we recognize the importance of these little creatures and take action to protect them.

From the mighty lion to the playful dolphin and the humble bee, each animal has its own unique story that deserves to be shared and appreciated. As I continue to explore and discover more about the animal kingdom, it becomes clear that choosing a favorite is simply impossible for me. Instead, my mind is blown as I marvel at the diversity and wonder of all the creatures that share this planet with us.

Eating plant-based helps work towards protecting and preserving their existence. After all, as the saying goes, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” What we are doing with animal agriculture does not appear to be moral progress to me.

---

---

Photo by Arleen wiese on Unsplash