I dedicated this blog thread to my father Bobbo, who worked for the Forest Service. On one of our last family visits we sat around and gleefully read out a list describing groups of animals … I now dedicate it to our endangered planet.
See how many you can guess. Answers listed at the bottom of the page.
- The shrewdness shrewdly assessed the jungle floor.
- This obstinacy obstinately refused to budge.
- The covert covertly hid, migrating only at night.
- The big bask basked in the river, seemingly aware nothing would dare attack them.
- In spite of myself I was charmed by the pitiful piteousness.
- The safe sought safety on the shoreline.
Answers:
- Shrewdness of apes [1]
- Obstinacy of buffalo
- Covert of coots
- Bask of crocodiles
- Piteousness of doves
- Safe of ducks (on land)
I’m beyond dismayed – I am furious. The Trump administration is gutting environmental protections. Take action. Speak up! Write letters, make phone calls, donate to organizations like the Environmental Defense Fund and Greenpeace.
NOTES: [1] All 22 species of apes, which include great apes and gibbons, are threatened with extinction. Endangered Species © Jadi Campbell 2025. All photos © Uwe Hartmann. To see more of Uwe’s animal photos and pics from our trips go to viewpics.de. Fun animal names from www.writers-free-reference.com, Mother Nature Network and www.reference.com.
I am a Best American Essays-nominated writer. My books are Broken In: A Novel in Stories, Tsunami Cowboys, Grounded, The Trail Back Out, and The Taste of Your Name. My most recent book
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We can only do our best. Rage is part of that for sure. So is hope in the face of disaster. Thank you for posting this.
The anger certainly feels and felt appropriate but yes, hope matters too — I am trying to take my dismay and channel the energy into a productive response. But, respond we must!
I got three. The pictures helped. I’m furious too. All so unbelievable.
We need to all, collectively, speak up.
I did not do well with my guesses, only got one correct! here’s to your father and his very important work, and I am also furious about all of what is going on
This is one of the rare periods in history where I am very glad my father is no longer around to witness what is happening. He would be so upset!