Penguins at Mystic Aquarium. 2009. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

 (Part 1 of the “Animal Posts” series)

I’m not ashamed of my “Favorite Animals” list. People have all kinds of preferences, so why shouldn’t animals also be separated by levels of awesomeness? None of these animals would be my pet, but I still respect their status.

In middle school penguins were the thing. Almost like a trend. It was holdover respect from fifth grade I think. There really isn’t much else to explain my grades fascination with them. Maybe it was from penguins constant use in jokes, or it could have been their posh exterior. Penguins put on a great poker face you see. Once you get to know these creatures you will see that the suit is just a facade. Penguins prove to be much more relaxed than first perceived. Female penguins are part of the admired in crowd as well. Many human women copy their style. Those humans become strong women who prefer pant suits over skirts.

Aquarium trips didn’t stop in middle school of course. High school ventures were just as rewarding. Despite going to Mystic Aquarium since childhood the exhibits never got old.

Obviously penguins do not hold my devout attention as an animal fan. However, when it comes to something like eagles, my American pride in them isn’t enough to bring them to my Connecticut neighborhood. Nevertheless I still imagine somewhere in the country an eagle is spreading its wings, and plotting route over my street. Maybe just my hometown at least. I’m an optimist, and anything’s possible.

I was able to see an eagle in third grade during an assembly, but that was in 2001 or 2002. A camera phone was not on hand. My “Favorite Animals” list goes beyond two bullet points though. Some of the selected animals are actually part of my everyday life, but that’s for another post. At least penguins have been caught by my eye, and digital camera.

-Katelyn Avery

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