In additional to a lot of other goofy holidays, today is Hippo Day. Long ago, they had a hippo at the Oakland Petting Zoo (no lying). It would open its mouth and following the zookeeper’s instructions, you could stroke its gums. To this hippo, this seems akin to rubbing a dog’s belly or a cat’s face–nirvana. At first I was kind of scared. But I was gentle, the hippo was gentle, and it was an amazing experience.
It made me realize that for most of us, we know about the human species and maybe one or two others. When I think of how many species live on Earth, it’s quite astounding to realize that I really only know about the behaviors of cats and humans. Sure I kind of know about dogs. Sure I kind of know about a handful of other animals that have been pets. But really, it’s just cats and humans.
Wouldn’t it be cool to get to know a few more species? Get to know them with the same amount of intimacy that we know our cats or our dogs. Woohoo. New goal. Love discovering new goals. Or, if I was more hip, I guess I should call it my bucket list…or is bucket list, so last year? Of course saying hip, already dated me. Clearly I don’t know the new hip word for hip. Hip, hipper, hippo!
BTW, You can see all the other holidays that fall on the 15th of February here on the Smile-a-Day!