Long ago, all the animals of the world looked just alike. They had all been created in the same form and had similar looks; soon they grew tired of their drab, uniform appearance. The animals resolved to go to The Creator and ask Him to change this. They begged to be different, to have some way of telling them apart, so each would have an identity of his own. The Creator was gentle and listened to their plea, promising them that from then on, they would be different.
For weeks, the Creator worked unceasingly, creating coats of different colors, patterns, and textures; similarly, horns took different shapes and sizes. Every single detail corresponds to the personality and nature of each animal. When all was ready, The Maker called all the animals together and told them that they might come and choose their new appearance. The animals, attracted by this offer, hastened to select their new looks in a rush. It was a day of rejoicing and gladness as each animal took on an individual form.
The Elephant was the first to choose. He chose an unornamented yet dignified gray coat with a pair of magnificent tusks to complete the grand size and calm demeanor. On the other hand, the Lion chose an impeccable golden coat that glistened in the sun, with a golden mane on top to prove he was king of the beasts. Even the awkward Rhino, poor in eyesight, managed to choose for himself a huge, loose coat and two horns, though they were of a little discrepant size. Now, the animals chattered excitedly, ogling each other at their new looks, their erstwhile dull appearance now replaced with vibrant diversity.
However, not all the animals made it to The Creator on time. The Zebra, known for his love of food, was far too busy eating his meal. As the other animals ran past him in a hurry, the Zebra barely noticed, his focus entirely on the delicious grasses he was munching. “I’ll go when I’m done,” he thought, convinced that there would be plenty of choices left when he arrived.
Time went by, and at last, the Zebra’s hunger was satisfied. Full and content, he started walking lazily to The Creator, humming some tune to himself as he did so. On his way there, he met all the other animals and was astounded by their appearance. The Elephant looked mighty and proud, the Lion looked regal and fearless, and even the Rhino looked special in his peculiar way. Zebra was beside himself, his mind a whirlwind of excitement at what coat and horns he would have. Perhaps he would choose a coat as golden as the Lion’s or horns as grand as the Elephant’s tusks.
But when the Zebra finally arrived, his excitement quickly turned to disappointment. The Creator was still standing there, smiling at him with his benevolent smile, but no more horns were left, and there was only one coat remaining. And this one was black and white with broad, gaudy stripes that did not in any way resemble the trim, colorful coats of all the other animals.
“Is this all that’s left?” he asked, his heart sinking.
The Creator nodded. “You were late, my friend. This is the last coat I have. Take it and let it remind you that opportunities are not to be missed.”
With no other choice, the Zebra reluctantly put on the striped coat. It fitted him well, though he still wished he had come sooner and could have picked something classier. Since that day, Zebras have worn their black and white striped coats, standing out among the other animals. And to this very day, they are often found grazing, always hungry and always eating, as if trying to make up for the meal that once distracted them from picking a better coat.
The story tells us this: food and comfort are vital, but timing and taking advantage of a situation, sometimes that’s everything.
GET IN TOUCH
To contact an expert travel planner to start planning your adventure in Kenya, click the button below: