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Our Animal Besties writing contest from the 'Nature's Best Buddies' issue brought in a flood of heartwarming, imaginative and often hilarious tales of unexpected friendships. From swans befriending capybaras to chickens bonding with foxes, your entries were full of surprise, kindness and creativity. A huge thank you to everyone who took part – we loved reading each and every story!
The Capybara and the Swan
Our youngest winner wowed us with a sweet and simple tale of love and friendship!
A sweet and clever story showing that even the fastest animal can learn from the slowest. We loved the gentle message about patience, friendship and taking time to enjoy life.
We loved the bravery of Bethany the chicken and her strong bond with the injured fox, Wren!
Capy the Capybara
Sleeping in the water, noses in the air, lounges a capybara, covered in chocolate brown hair. On the tree near the river a rainbow burst weaves through the undergrowth, leaving little positive pops of colour wherever he goes.
Oh no! Capy is in a bit of a doozy – his herd is missing, and he has no one to hug! “Parrot, parrot, ” Capy called. "Whatever will I do? My herd left without me, and I have no clue where they could be. Oh no oh no!”
“Don’t worry Capy you should have not a doubt, I will fly through the air and scout the sky,” parrot exclaimed. So off they went. Parrot flew as high as he could, meanwhile Capy collected his favourite flower and hid it in the palm of his hand the whole trip.
Parrot spotted Capy’s herd resting on a hillside. So they walked and walked until they reached the herd and he let out a big sigh of relief.
Capy gave parrot the flower he had collected as a thank you gift. Parrot gave Capy the biggest hug he had ever experienced and Capy squeezed him so hard back his eyes started to bulge.
The end.
Capy’s journey to find his herd, with the help of a cheerful parrot, made us smile – especially the giant thank-you hug at the end!
Naia, age 10, Banbury
Lily and Mathew the Mouse
A beautiful and thoughtful story about a girl who doesn’t quite fit in – until she meets a little mouse. Together, they form a powerful team to help protect the forest. A unique tale full of quiet strength!
The Whale and the Dog
A heart-warming ocean adventure starring Luna the whale and Benji the dog. Ana’s story was filled with excitement, teamwork and a sweet dedication to her own pet – a lovely touch.
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Thank you to everyone who sent in an entry for the African Animal Postcard competition, published in our Wild Africa: A Continent in Motion issue. You sent us postcards from every corner of Wild Africa – Ethiopian wolves hunting mole rats through mountain mist, flamingo chicks marching across soda l...
You've been designing brilliant new contenders for the Astonishing Amazon Animal Showdown – piranhas with jaws that regrow in whole quarters, a hoatzin that ferments its dinner in a throat pouch, a tailless whip scorpion that senses danger through its legs, and a jaguar with one of the most powerful bites of any mammal. Thank you to every reader who did the research and made the case for their champion.
