by Cactologist » Thu Jun 04, 2020 9:12 am
Username: Cactologist
Name: Fresca
Gender: Heifer
Story: When I was little, I was obsessed with otters, like, over-a-dozen-otter-stuffed-animals obsessed, and honestly? I can't blame younger me. They're too precious. Anyway, my family was going on vacation to Missouri, and we were stopping at the St. Louis Zoo on the way. The only animal I really wanted to see was an otter, and I was so excited because there were signs in the parking lot with otters on them and everything. The hours pass, though, and no otters to be found. Finally we ask a zookeeper who informs us that the only otters are in a petting zoo kids area that we have to pay more to go in. I was so sad, but my mom paid the extra so just us two could see the otters, and possibly even pet one! Lo and behold, though, the otters weren't out that day. If I was sad before, at this point I was heartbroken. Eventually we have to leave to get to where we were staying, but basically my vacation was already ruined. So much for that, or so I thought.
The next morning, we're hanging out around the condo we're staying in, and my brother and dad rush in through the back door that leads to the backyard area yelling that I need to come outside. There, in the little stream that borders the yard, is a wild otter. It's just minding its own business, sitting on a rock, but I am flipping out. A real, wild otter, not even a tamed, zoo one! Of course, the otter only stuck around for a little while, but it made my entire year. I've never seen an otter since, and frankly, I didn't even expect to randomly see one in Missouri. It was an adorable miracle that I'll never forget.