The Elephant
and the Cassowary Bird by Ruskin Bond is a cute short story about the behavior
of two animals: a baby elephant and a Cassowary bird. Whenever there is a
mention of animals in the stories of Ruskin, his grandfather’s name appears
inevitably. His grandpa has a natural talent in handling and understanding
animals and even reptiles like python and chameleon. Grandpa is an animal lover
who keeps many animals at his home while working at a zoo.
From his trip
to Singapore, grandpa brings along a strange bird. It is Cassowary – something
between Emu and Ostrich. It is taller than Emu but smaller than Ostrich. The
bird is a center of attraction for many, since it is not found in India. Ruskin
thinks how it will endure the subtropical temperature of Dehra, well it can if
it was able to sustain in Indonesia and Bali.
There are many
animals at home. There is also one baby elephant. This elephant circles around
that bird every day to be friends with it. However, Cassowary is very hostile
and cares least about others feelings and reactions. She kicked backward so
forcibly that the baby elephant limped for a week or so. It was clear
indication for the elephant that she isn’t looking for friends. After a few
more days, the baby elephant goes once again to her. She lifts her one leg in
preparation of kicking but before that can happen, the elephant with its trunk
holds the other leg of the bird. The bird tumbles down miserably. Seeing her
defeat, she gets up as nothing has happened and walks away calmly. Those who
were watching laughed out loudly.
After some
months, the baby elephant grows to a size of a bull. It is then transferred to
the zoo. And the Cassowary continues to live there.
What do the elephant and cassowary bird tell us about grandfather
ReplyDeletethe animals tells that he is a great animal lover
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