Species Watching
I enjoy visiting aquariums and zoos. However, while the
displays of many and varied fish and animal species amaze me, I usually find
myself much more fascinated by another species. You know the species I mean: bipedal,
sporting opposable thumbs, mostly hairless, and pays the admission price at the
front door. That’s right, the human species. Below are my zoo and aquarium notes
and observations on this species.
Knowitallus Speakupus:
This member of the species is usually leading a pack of its
own offspring. As it approaches a display, it loudly announces the species
being displayed, adding an I-am-way-too-smart-to-be-among-the-common-populace
quality to its voice. Most of the time its announcement is word-for-word what
is on the plaque mounted next to the display, but since it thinks no other
member of the species can read as well as it does, it continues to enlighten
everyone within earshot.
Potcallingus Kettleblackia:
There’s one in every group declaring, “Man, that thing is ugly!”
This species member is usually dressed in cut-off shorts, a dirty T-shirt, and
broken-down sneakers. It is usually unshaven (both male and female), with more
than one dirt smudge somewhere on its exposed skin, reeking of either beer or
cigarettes (sometimes both), and around seventy-five pounds overweight.
Ignoreus Ownchildrendia:
This over-producing member of the species enjoys its
offspring so much it shares them with everyone else, allowing them free-range in,
through, and on the establishment. No distance apart, however, is too far for
them to vocally communicate with each other, paying absolutely no attention to
others who are forced to witness what they really couldn’t care less about
knowing.
Animalus Rampageus:
This member is the one who always wonders aloud: “What would
happen if they got out?” (Zoo). Or, “What would happen if all this glass
broke?” (Aquarium).
Ima Withstupidous
This member is usually mated to the member listed above, and
answers its call: “I’m getting’ my gun from the truck and we’re eatin’ elephant
steaks!” (Zoo). Or, “The biggest fish fry in the history of the freakin’
world!” (Aquarium).
Stollerus Weaponus
This member has a stroller and isn’t afraid to use it! It’s
the perfect weapon…er…tool to get to the front of the pack and stand at the
window. They can be easily spotted by watching for large numbers of other
members jumping sideways and rubbing their ankles.
Gettus Cattleprodus
Seemingly disgusted by an animal’s behavior of escaping the
day’s heat, this member will shake its head and say something like, “After I
paid all this money, you’d think they would shut the animals out of their dens
so I can see them.”
Anglerous Excelous
Staring into an aquarium tank full of very large fish,
“Dang! I sure wish I had brought my fishin’ pole! Think they sell bait in the
gift shop?”
Okay, I think you get the idea. The next time you’re in a
zoo or aquarium, watch and pay attention to the people around you. You may just
find them more interesting than the animals or fish on display.
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