What Otters Think

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“Learn to sit back and observe, not everything needs a reaction.” – unknown

This past weekend we went to the zoo. Near the end of our time there, we were at the exhibit for the Asian Small-Clawed Otters. A keeper arrived with two small brown paper bags and threw one to each otter.

We were standing at the glass wall of the exhibit and there was a group of three adults next to us – two men and a woman in their thirties. Nine-year-old Miss O had commented on the group about five minutes earlier. She’d said, “Those people are either drunk or really happy.” Until she mentioned that I hadn’t been paying attention to them, even though their pace through this section matched ours. She was right that they were loud.

Our zoo does a pretty good job with creating natural exhibits and designing ways for the animals to have to find their food. As we stood to watch the otters try to open the bags, the group of three narrated the actions in a way that was intended to be funny.

“Oh, this one hasn’t even gotten the bag open and that one has been munching for like five minutes.”

“This one must be stupid. It can’t get into a paper bag.”

“Oh no, don’t let it roll into the water!”

“Now the smart one is coming over to finish off the dumb one’s snack.”

“Oops, it’s all pouring into the water now.”

I struggled to just watch the scene without paying attention to the people next to me. It was hard – they were loud and I was tired. We’d navigated almost four miles of walking through the zoo on a pretty busy day and the effort to keep the group together had made me peckish.

Even through my hungry haze, I wondered how much my other experiences are influenced by commentary. On one hand, it’s nice to hear what people more experienced on a subject think. On the other hand, not all commentary comes from reliable sources. I wrestle with taking in what’s going on and coloring in my own experience before being influenced by other’s perspectives.

Like in this case, I think that the slower one was taking its time to savor each treat.

Just like with the otters, may we all find the healthy things to chew on.

(photos are mine of Asian Small-clawed Otters at the Woodland Park Zoo)

You can find me on Instagram @wynneleon and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynneleon/

I co-host a storytelling podcast featuring authors and artists with the amazing Vicki Atkinson. To tune in, search for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or Pocketcasts (and subscribe) or click here. Or the YouTube channel features videos of our interviews. Please subscribe!

My other projects include work as a CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer), speaking about creativity and AI through the Chicago Writer’s Association, and my book about my journey to find what fueled my dad’s indelible spark and twinkle can be found on Amazon: Finding My Father’s Faith.

68 thoughts on “What Otters Think”

  2. We’re overloaded with information, aren’t we? Sorry to hear your zoo experience was similar in vein!

    I do find I struggle with this too and it’s not just mental fatigue but also the physical fatigue that is a secondary symptom from it all.

    You’re right, may we make the healthy consumption choices like the otters, Wynne. A good thought to start this week!

    Liked by 2 people

  6. I’m really tired of hearing loud people spouting off like they know something, when they clearly do not. That applies to zoo goers, sports pundits, presidents, politicians, etc…

    Liked by 2 people

  8. a great example of what we’re dealing with, shutting out the outside noise, good or bad, and just trying to be in the moment. finding a way to tune it out as needed, but sometimes the noise is just too loud and it’s a challenge. glad you made it through the zoo on a busy day, and the otters remind us of how we each find our way into, through, and out of things in spite of what is going on around us.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. There is a famous zoo photo by Roman Vishniac taken in Berlin during the 1930s. People watching bears in a cage or bears watching people in a cage? The photo leaves the question to the one looking at the photo and we are also implicitly permitted to ask about ourselves.

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Thanks, Wynne. It isn’t about the volume or the quantity of the words… It isn’t about the power or reputation of the speaker… Sometime there is wisdom and integrity in the quiet and gentle, the vulnerable or the child…

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Do you follow Steve the otter found on In Otter News on social media? It’s part comic, part photos like the ones you took with a snarky caption for each photo. I adore it. Totally funny.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. This reminds me of the drunk commentator who nearly ruined our group paddle down the Rock River two summers ago. Keep your observations to yourself, buddy!

    Also reminds me of Alanis Morissette’s great song about otters on Jagged Little Pill.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. I have one word for you — people!!!! Ugh. Ha ha, yes it does make you wonder what role other’s commentary has on our lives when we’re not so vigilant in keeping it out of our lives. Good for you guys in being wise in who you let in or listen to and who you do not! Overall, sounds like a fun trip!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Sometimes the unreliable commentary is my own. So, yeah, taking time to pause and notice what’s happening, savor the snack, seems pretty smart and wise to me! Also, I think Miss O was onto something…

    Liked by 1 person

  20. most of my adult life I listened to what the critics have said about this new film or book and I would get the same response from family or friends; yes but what do you think? I have learnt to trust my own opinions even when they are at variance with the critics —

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  22. The otters are extremely lovely, Wynne. I am personally affronted when I hear casual human remarks about animals- any animals- being stupid. It always makes me wonder how insensitive and ignorant some people can be. And cruel, sadly. Have they never looked into an animal’s eyes or considered their lives? I consider every animal encounter a blessing. 🦦💞🦦

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  23. Awwww these otters are too cute. I’m sure you had a wonderful time at the zoo. I concur with your observation: “not all commentary comes from reliable sources.” Just like you summarized about the otters, “may we all find the healthy things to chew on.” 😊👍🏼🤗💖😍

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      1. Awww my sweet Wynne, I appreciate the truckload of encouragement you so generously provide my friend. Thanks for making me smile ladybug! 🐞 Hugs and smooches! 😊💖🥰🥂🤗

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  25. Loud people at the zoo, movie theater, museum, bookstore, Walmart—why? Can we just enjoy the present without the commentary or noise? Hopefully, the beautiful otter made up for the unnecessary noise.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Going to any public place involves some number of people who feel the need to talk constantly. Most places that doesn’t bother me, but when we’re craving a peaceful enviornment, it can be draining. The good news is that except for situations with assigned seating, we can usually get away from the excessive noise.

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  28. Sometimes it would be better to listen only to people you are with, but if you hear something meaningless to you, you can take it as a funny thing, so your mood won’t be altered 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  30. A though provoking post, Wynne.
    I agree, “Learn to sit back and observe, not everything needs a reaction.” – unknown
    I used to get very disturbed when people would look at their mobiles (which would light up) frequently or give a running commentary, or rummage through their goodie bags noisily while watching a movie in a theatre.
    Love

    Liked by 1 person

    1. What great examples, Chaya! I find that a lot of times I can shrug it off — but if I’m hungry and tired, I have less patience. Always something to improve! Thanks for your thoughtful comment!

      Liked by 1 person

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