The Tiger Learns a Lesson
In the dark, moist, humid Borneo rainforest, a bright light pierced through the
canopy, shining onto the moss covered jungle floor. Moisture dripped off the
leaves like teardrops and the jungle was a hub of activity with everyone getting on
with their own daily activities. The birds were chirping about the new fruit they
discovered in the higher tops of the jungle canopy, while the female shrews were
chattering about the latest baby that was born last night and comparing notes with
the new mother. On the ground, the Hippo was snorting in contentment as he
walloped in the oozing mud that was churned up after the violent storm while the
Orang Utan sat watching him while he groomed himself.
“Roarrrrrr….!” The sound echoed and vibrated off the trees like rumbling thunder.
Instantly, the jungle went dead silent that you could hear a pin drop.
The Orang Utan scrambled up the nearest tree and using the vines, got himself to
the river, where the Tiger sat frowning, his tail swishing like a whip.
“Can I serve you, your Majesty?”
“Go and fetch me my lunch. I am starving!”
“Yes, your Majesty. Whatever you say, your Majesty.”
“Excuse me your Majesty but Hornbill has been trying to see you for the last few
days. Will this afternoon be convenient sir?”
“I suppose so. They always want something from me. Can’t they just not solve
their own problems?”
“But you are the King of the jungle and you are here to protect all the animals,
your Majesty.”
“How dare you tell me what I have to do. No one talks to the King in that manner.
Now go get my lunch before you become lunch.”
That afternoon, the Tiger sat preening and content, his belly full. Licking his silky
orange and black stripy fur, he was very satisfied with life indeed. He was
interrupted by the Hornbill, who came in sweeping through the air and landing
right in front of him.
“What do you want?”
“Sir, poachers keep stealing my eggs. There are so few of us left and we need to do
something about it urgently. Please! Please help us? What do I do?”
“Why should I care? I’m going to have a nap now, so I have no time to help you.”
“But……………..!”
“No buts, just sort yourself out.”
So the Hornbill flew away, feeling very sad and disappointed.
That evening after dinner, Orang Utan approached Tiger as he laid stretching out,
on the moss carpet.
“Your Majesty, I am gravely concerned that the villagers are cutting down the tress
at the west side of the jungle for firewood. Many of our animals are losing their
homes and food source. This cannot go on at this rate.”
“Yawn…. Stop worrying and nagging me like an old maid. We animals have been
in the rainforest for millions of years and we will be here for a few million more.
You are always exaggerating the problem.”
“Now, go away, as I need my beauty sleep.”
So the Orang Utan went off feeling very sad and worried.
The next morning, when the Tiger was taking his morning stroll by the river, he
noticed a group of animals having a discussion near the bank. They stopped talking
as he approached.
“What is this? What are you plotting now? No meetings are to be held without my
presence.”
Sir, it’s the water. We cannot drink it as we fall sick when we do. The other day
Mouse Deer could not even walk, as he was so sick,” squeaked the rabbit.
“The farmers uphill are polluting the water with the fertilisers and raw sewage. We
have to stop them,” hissed the Snake. “You got to talk to them.”
“I’m too precious to be seen around humans. They will take me to the zoo and
enclose me in a cage. Haven’t you heard the horrible things that they do to you?”
“No, but …………………”
“No buts, you and your friends go figure it out yourselves.”
The tiger strolled on, his tail swishing angrily behind him.
“There is no way I’m going to help you lot. I have a whole list of things to do like
eat, sleep and have my daily stroll, the three most important things of my day.”
A few days later, the Tiger decided to explore further down the river as he caught a
whiff of raw meat.
“Something smells good,” he thought as he followed the trail.
Soon he spotted the snack of fresh meat hanging from a low branch. He jumped to
grab it, when suddenly a net fell on him. He was trapped. He roared for help as he
knew the poachers would be coming back soon but no one came. He roared
repeatedly again and again but still no one came to his rescue. His voice was horse
and the Tiger knew his time was nearly up. He roared for the last time and then
suddenly he saw them. They came by the hundreds, led by the Orang Utan. He saw
the birds, the hippo, the hornbill, the snake, the mouse deer and many more. Within
minutes, they bit threw the netting and the birds pulled with all their might, till it
gave way.
“Hurrah! You are free, your Majesty,” they cheered.
“Now, let’s go back, deep into the jungle before the poachers return, “warned the
Orang Utan.
Over the next few days, the Tiger had a lot of time to reflect on his near capture.
He realised humbly, that he was saved by the very animals he had turned away
when they sought his help. From that day forward, the Tiger went out of his way
to assist all the animals, fulfilling his duty as the King not because he had to but
because he wanted to. He knew that in the dangerous jungle, the animals had not
only to help each other but stick together, in order to survive
The moral of the story is that, it is better to work together then individually,
to achieve what you want.
