Hi there everyone!

I remember asking this question to my friends when I was an animal-loving kid... What animal would you be and why?

Now that I work as a ranger and have a much better understanding of animals, my answer has definitely changed.

I became curious of what my fellow rangers/friends (all with completely different personalities) would be if they were animals. So, I have asked the question once again and I think you will enjoy their answers just as much as I did...

First of all, when I grew up I wanted to be a leopard. What's not to love? Gorgeous rosettes, strongly built, striking eyes, lethal claws, active during the night. The list goes on and on...

As I got older I realised leopards are often by themselves (and I must say, I am very monogamous!). Leopards are constantly harassed by hyenas and their food is stolen by these successful scavengers. I'm not a fan of stolen food! On top of this, as I have become older, I struggle to stay awake past 11pm which is when leopards are at their peak of activity! In conclusion, I really don't want to be a leopard anymore!

So, before I tell you what animal I dream I would be... I'll start with Frederik Aucamp - Little Bush Camp ranger and close friend... He says:

"I would like to be a Wild dog. First of all, they are social animals that live and hunt in packs. They look after each other and will help an injured pack member. Because they work as a team they are 70% successful in their hunts. They are super-fast and fit - therefore they are able to run their prey down... they are beautiful animals with patchy colors and bowl-shaped ears... no wonder their scientific name means - Painted Wolf. They are fearless and take on situations without hesitation.... we could all learn a thing or two from Wild dogs."

The next answer is from Bethuel Mkhonto - Bush Lodge ranger, an experienced and excellent field guide. He says:

"Elephant, every animal has its talents and studying those talents will reveal the kind of healing, magic and power that you can develop in your own life. Animals become like mentors. Elephants show great affection and loyalty to each other. Grown elephants help sick or wounded family members. In the elephant, are ideals of true society - mutual care of the young and respect for the elderly and sick. This is the foundation of a great person that you need to be in order to be successful in life."

Terry Ennever - Selati Camp ranger, a guide I look up to. He says:

"Mmmmm... I would probably be a honey badger. Reason being is because they are thick-skinned and nothing seems to bother them. Their tenacity is well renowned and documented but also their compassion to leave honey as a sign of gratitude to a honeyguide shows that they are well rounded individuals".

And me? I have always wanted to fly (although I'm too scared to try sky-diving). Thus, I have chosen a bird. Not just any bird, a Bateleur Eagle! These attractive eagles pair for life and spend hours a day soaring the stunning African skies... more so than any other eagle!

And there you have it! We are all different. We all admire the animals we are lucky enough to observe every day and we learn from them too.

So, what animal would you be?