P is for Proboscis Monkey. I love that the scientific term for this animal is “Nasalis larvatus” Given their Jimmy Durante nasal features, it is no wonder one of them might opt for a nose job. Native to Borneo these monkey’s use their large noses as an echo chamber when calling to entice the women and ward off foes.
Does anyone have trouble with their UPS drivers not being able to find or figure out how to use the doorbell when dropping off packages? I can be working from home waiting a package and not realize that it was actually delivered until hours later. On a busy street where packages can go missing or perishable items might be included, it is kind of imperative to be able to know you have a package and expedite removal of it from your porch.
Thankfully I found the missing page from the manual so that proper training can continue.
L is for Loris. The Loris is an endangered animal from India and Southeast Asia. This cute thing is the only venomous primate known. Unfortunately because of their cuteness people all want them as pets which has further endangered their population. You may have seen videos of what looks like people tickling the underarms of the Loris and the Loris reacting as if they like it. Actually it is a defensive move as the venom is created by licking the inside of their elbow and then biting their oppressor. When taken as pets, typically the first thing done is remove their teeth to prevent biting with the toxins. More shown here.
K is for Kakapo. When I got my assignment for this entry into Animal Alphabets, I was confused. Those Cocker Spaniel/Poodle mixes are endangered species? Obviously I never heard of a Kakapo. This flightless, nocturnal bird is also called a “Owl Parrot“. Sadly this New Zealand native’s population as of 2016 is down to 154 known adults.
J is for Javan Rhino. The next letter in the endangered species Animal Alphabets. Considered one of the rarest large mammals in the world, the Javan Rhino gets its name from one of the islands from which its population was once large – Java in Indonesia. In the 1600’s the Dutch introduced coffee beans to Southeast Asia. One location that several coffee plantations were established was Java. Somehow the name stuck as another term for coffee no matter its origin.
I is for Indian Elephant. The Indian Elephant found in Asia (and not only India). Vegetarians who eat Bark, grass and roots, these elephants are known for eating up to 19 hours a day and producing, as the cartoon shows, 220lbs of dung a day. That needs a S**tload of toilet paper.
Happy Mothers Day Nosy Moms!!! Well isn’t every mom nosy and prying? I mean that is what they are supposed to do. Years ago someone I knew named Doug recounted this story to me as he was in his mid 30’s and his mother was pressuring him to get married. His response was so classic I somehow remembered it the other day and had to post for all of you for Mothers Day.
Happy Mothers Day to my mom…who never comes to my site so she can’t smack me for making fun of old ladies. 🙂
D is for Dugong. Animal Alphabets continues with the Dugong. Those in the U.S. who are familiar with the manatee will recognize the similarities with the Dugong. The Dugong is found closer to Australia.
Mostly herbivore they tend to seek seagrass and using their flexible upper lip they can dig out the plants whole. Thus my reference in the cartoon to King Titon (or Neptune) using the Dugong as an ocean floor vacuum.
C is for Cassowary. This illusive cousin to the Ostrich can be found in Australia. I only found it in the Steve Irwin zoo.
B is for Blue Whale or should I say Bluesy Whale. Part of my continuing Animal Alphabet Series