Ducks, Bats, and Hippopotamuses: My Personal Animal Connections

As a child, my love affair with ducks began, a love that has only grown stronger with age. Now, in my sixties, I have my very own ducks in a large pen in my backyard. My husband surprised me with four baby ducklings a couple of years ago, and they have brought me nothing but joy and memories of my childhood and family. Watching them interact with one another and listening to them brings a smile to my face and a sense of happiness that is truly indescribable.

Memories with Bats

Besides ducks, three animals have brought me joy and unforgettable memories: ducks, bats, and hippos. However, my story with bats is a particularly memorable one. One camp trip with a dear friend stands out, and to this day, it brings a mix of laughter and embarrassment whenever I recall it.

During a camping trip with my best friend and her family, we stumbled upon a unique memory. It was a midnight walk to a nearby stream for fishing and gutting fish, but it soon transformed into a bizarre encounter with a bat. Experiencing it with a great deal of stoness, my friend and I were blissfully unaware of the peculiar creature sharing our space. We sat by the stream, discussing everything under the moonlight. Soon, the high-pitched squeaking sound of the bat became louder and more unsettling. Panicked, we discovered that we had been sitting on the bat all night. Soon, we screamed in horror and ran back to our campsite as quick as we could. Thankfully, the bat was unharmed and we even managed to reunite it with its flight.

Adoration for Hippopotamuses

Finally, hippos, especially Pygmy Hippos, hold a special place in my heart. Just the sight or mention of hippos can make me feel incredibly happy and excited. I can't help but want to hug and kiss their little faces, and it brings me immense joy. Despite my excitement about pygmy hippos, I've never actually seen one in person, nor have I encountered any awe-inspiring stories involving them. My fascination developed seemingly out of the blue, especially when I learned about the existence of two types of hippos! A desire to own a pygmy hippo briefly consumed my mind, but I quickly realized the error of my ways. Wild animals are for the wild and deserve to live in their natural habitats.

Conclusion

Each of these animals brings a unique experience and set of memories to my life. While the campsite bat story is one of embarrassment and laughter, both my fondness for ducks and hippos is rooted in gratitude and joy. These animals have brought me happiness and fond memories that I cherish deeply.