Welcome to the Jungle

Who Needs a Safari?!

 

Let us take a journey into the wild.  A wild so overflowing with predators and blood-thirsty creatures, that few have even the slightest chance of survival.  A habitat so viperous, only the most cunning and cutting can escape unscathed.

Our journey shall begin as most journeys do - travelling to our inhospitable destination.  Do not fool yourself - the journey itself is riddled with it's own set of pitfalls and near-death experiences.  Like any roller-coaster warning, only those with a strong stomach and healthy heart should attempt this trek.  This is no ride for joy, however.   Oh no.  This is a ride to epiphany.

The journey should begin in the morning hours.  NOTE:  While not necessary, it is highly advisable to head out as early as possible, as the danger is somewhat lessened the closer to dawn you begin your excursion.  Bear in mind, however, that dangers still lurk about you in every direction, so it is important to stay on your toes.  Your mind must be sharp as you navigate the pathways to your final destination.  

From every direction you are faced with the threat of possible doom.  To the right of you is a beast of unimaginable weight and girth, drifting towards you in a menacing fashion.  To the left of you is a barely identifiable object as it hurtles forth in to the unknown.  Both behind and in front of you lies craters, boulders, sudden bluish-colored rain showers, and objects darting out that seemed to spring from nowhere.  I cannot stress this enough:  Tread lightly and with a vigilant eye.  Should you survive, the destination and it's inhabitants are well worth the scientific study.

 

At this point, you have (hopefully) made it to the gateway of the wildlife habitat.  You will need to show credentials before passing through it's gates, so be sure these are in your possession at the time of arrival.  Lack of credentials will lead to a lengthy wait, regardless of anything you provide to show that you have been granted access to what lies beyond. Save yourself the time and trouble and bring your approved entry pass.

You have now entered the wild.  Take a breath.   Soak it in.  Appreciate the serenity, for this is the last time you shall feel serene for a very...long...time.

Do not be taken in by the seemingly calm atmosphere.  To mistake calmness for safety is a far too common trap in which many have lost their humanity.  Calmness is the purr of the wild tiger.  Calmness is the rattle of the snake.  Calmness is not as it appears.

Your first adventure will be to the feeding grounds, where wildlife of all species congregate to satisfy their need for hunger and thirst.  This is one of the only two "safe" zones in the habitat.  Since this area is well stocked with all necessary food items for each resident,  the inhabitants are more consumed with consuming and less concerned with man-eating.  This watering hole is best visited in the morning and early afternoon hours.  These are both the safest times for the explorer, as well as the most observationally satisfying. 

The second of the two "safe" zones is the waste management station, which serves as a refuge for the inhabitants with bladder relief issues.  This zone is safe for the primary reason that one visits this station for an urgent purpose.  Since more pressing issues are on the inhabitants mind at the time, this prevents one from being attacked.  For now.

After the feeding grounds, you will travel onward to the corral.  The corral is located within the center of the habitat and can be accessed by several pathways and trails.  The corral is a series of blocked off spaces that serve as stalls for the inhabitants.  These walled boxes provide a sense of privacy, and are equipped with the tools necessary for the wildlife to stay occupied and keep their minds engaged.  Spatterings may appear within the walls of these stalls. Some experts have suggested these spatterings suggest an representation of the creatures "work".  Others believe these to be a cry for help.  One really shall never know.  It is very important, however, not to disrupt any of the spatterings, as this greatly agitates the occupier of said corral.  These occupiers are known as "Corral Dwellers".

You will observe that, after walking the corral, some spaces are quite larger than others.  And others have, what appears to be, a "privacy shield" attached.  This signifies the "Leader" of the herd.  There is dispute among the scientific community concerning these "privacy shields".  Some suggest that these act as doors, other experts insist they are for protection.  For the sake of ease, we shall call them "doors".  This door indicates that the occupant should be looked upon with respect. It has been documented that being a Leader does not automatically garner respect among the Corral Dwellers.  This is a unique and interesting sight to see, and should be noted. Unlike in other habitats, in this wild, the Leader must prove themselves worthy of esteem.  Of course, this is not true in all cases.  You will happen upon the occasional Corral Dweller who sniffs around the Leaders door and makes motions to clean up their soiled hay. 

 

Corral Dwellers and Leaders intermingle often.  The common relationship being the Leader stealing the Corral Dwellers spatterings and offering them up as their own to their "Prince", for recognition and reward.  The viperous behaviour begins here.  The Corral Dweller has little recourse, but is aware of the misdeed.  You will notice a type of glazed-eye weariness among many of the Corral Dwellers.  No.  They are not drugged.  They are merely dwelling within their corral.

Once you have observed the center of the habitat, your next adventure will be to explore the perimeter of the grounds.  Be cautious on this excursion.  Those inhabitants who feel themselves superior to both Corral Dwellers and Leaders reside here.

The perimeter of the habitat provides the best views of the entire wild.  These dwellings also provide, what we have termed, "doors".  These doors are much more foreboding, as they stand higher and wider than those of the Leader.  The inhabitants of these dwellings range from "Duke" to "Prince", and finally to "King".

To avoid confusion, the below might be helpful:

·         Corral Dwellers congregate with Corral Dwellers, trying to congregate with Leaders, but really don't give a f*ck after awhile

·         Leaders congregate with Leaders, trying to congregate with Duke's, and forced to congregate with Corral Dwellers

·         Dukes congregate with Dukes, trying to congregate with Prince's, and forced to congregate with Leaders

·         Princes congregate with Princes, trying to congregate with the King, and forced to congregate with Dukes

The predatory behavior can start as low on the totem pole as Corral Dweller, but certainly becomes bloodier and more cut throat at the Leader to Duke cutoff.

The Corral Dweller will have his/her wall spatterings stolen by the Leader.  The Leader, in turn, presents the stolen spatterings as their own to the Duke.  The Duke, not wanting to be outdone by the Leader, will poke holes in the spattering, grunting out an indication that the spattering has potential, but is not "Habitat Material".  The Duke, meanwhile, presents the suggestion of the spattering to the Prince, who finds the image interesting.  The Prince then growls the spattering to the King, who paw prints a decline - for lack of habitat funds.

Should you have made it out of this journey into the wild alive, I suggest one thing.  RUN.  Do not walk.  RUN.  A safe retreat from this habitat is rare.  Take with you what you have learned and recognize the importance of the ant to life.

Find a dwelling you are the co-master of and become your own King.  Or Queen.

 

With Love

Lady Butterfly  xoxo