Symbiotic Holiday Symbols

Have you ever seen a rhino in a yoga class? Odds are you haven’t. This is not because the animal doesn’t enjoy a healthy lifestyle, it’s simply because they’re huge and not all that flexible. Limited flexibility does little to help rhinos remove unwanted fleas and ticks.

Rhinos and Red-Billed Oxpeckers

Enter the red-billed oxpecker. Oxpeckers are often spotted happily perched on a rhino’s back. Here, they actively eat ticks, flies, fleas and lice from their host’s hide. The oxpeckers gain comfort in the parasites they feed upon, and in return, the rhino enjoys a much needed cleansing.

Warthogs and Mongooses

Warthogs are some fierce Tanzanian fighters. They’re extremely sturdy with solid bodies. They also have razor-sharp tusks. These tough beasts, if they wanted to, could easily crush an entire pack of mongooses.

Nonetheless, warthogs become regular softies when they happen upon a pack of mongooses. In fact, they tend to take a break and lay down. Similar to the relationship between rhinos and oxpeckers, the mongooses feast on the ticks and fleas found on a warthog’s body. In exchange for a tasty meal, the warthog gets a bath.

Ostriches and Zebras

The quality of an animal’s senses can likely make the difference between life and death in the wild. What happens if you’re an animal in Tanzania and can’t hear that great? Well, you better find a buddy that does. Just ask an ostrich.

Ostriches and zebras have teamed up in the wild to form a dynamic duo keen on all five senses. Ostriches are a bit hard of hearing. They also have a poor sense of smell. But, there eyesight is incredible. Zebras, on the other hand, have poor eyesight but they enjoy an exceptional sense of smell and hearing. The two animals relish in one another’s company since they can team up to protect themselves from predators.

Yes, it’s true. We can all learn from animals. Enjoying another’s company does not have to be left for the holidays. Relationships should be celebrated year-round. Just ask an oxpecker.
Happy holidays!

Symbiotic Holiday Symbols

Rhinos and Red-Billed Oxpeckers

Warthogs and Mongooses

Ostriches and Zebras

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