In a world where you can be anything...
Be more otter
Slightly random I know but bear with…
The oft-repeated mantra is normally about kindness isn’t it
“In a world where you can be anything - be kind.”
But I would argue that we are missing a trick and that we can in fact take this idea and extend it - to being more like an otter.
Otters, in so many ways, seem to have this whole life thing totally sussed and I really think we can learn a lot from them. I mean, just look at the evidence:
They like to sleep holding hands (1). In practical terms this is so they don’t all drift apart. They form an otter raft to stay together and avoid losing each other while catching forty winks on the float, but it is still very cute.
They like to pick up little pebbles as treasure and will play with them, lying on their backs in a little patch of sunlight, just appreciating their pebble.
Even better they will sometimes give one of these treasured pebbles to a loved one - a significant otter, even. Sorry - I couldn’t resist that one.
And even better still - they have pockets (2) in which to keep their pebbles. I always thought that the expression ‘wetter than an otters pocket’ was just a saying. But it really is true - they have a little flap or web of skin under their armpits. It serves no biological function that scientists are aware of - other than as a little place to put their treasured pebbles and other little bits and pieces that they collect.
Their poop doesn’t smell like 💩 Seriously. The things you learn from being the mother of boys. Researchers describe it as having a floral smell, something similar to violets. Can you imagine having to write a research paper on that?
The only thing that otters don’t do is anything craft related, which would make them the perfect animal. They are kind to each other, they hold hands and they bring little gifts - I’d say that makes them the perfect role model to be honest.
Oh - and they might not be able to knit but if you are interested you can actually knit your own otter companion.
And for otter-related humour do check out The Otter News - their social media posts always make me smile.
References
omg.....i'm losing it at Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity!!! lololololol
Louise, THANK YOU! Thank you for bringing sea otters to the attention of so many people! My husband has a nonprofit organization called the Elakha Alliance. The Alliance is dedicated to returning sea otters to the Oregon coastal sea. If you want to learn more than you ever imagined was known about these magnificent creatures, please visit the website elakhaalliance.org.
Sea otters have no fat or blubber like seals, sea lions or whales, just to name a few. To keep themselves warm they must groom themselves continually. Their secret is in their fur: there are a MILLION hairs per square inch on their bodies! Square Inch!!!
Sea otter’s range once was from Japan up and across the Bering Sea then down the North American coast line to Baja California! They occur only in the Pacific Ocean. But they were hunted almost to extinction in the 1800s because of their luxurious coats. They have populations currently in Alaska, Vancouver Island; off British Columbia, Canada; the Puget Sound around Seattle, Washington; and Monterrey Bay in California.
The Elakha Alliance is working diligently to bring the sea otters back to Oregon for many reasons that you will learn about by going to the website. It’s packed with terrific videos, too!
Enjoy yourself watching the videos and learn a lot of great information, too!
Thank you so much for bringing sea otters to the attention of so many of your followers!