At a Florida zoo in a simulated native habitat,
I gazed at a giant anteater.

Gaped is more precise, gawked is even better.

It was about seven feet from its long narrow snout
(like a vacuum cleaner attachment)
to the tip of its lavish tail.

“How ill-proportioned and preposterous!” I thought.
But then, a realization: the animal was the epitome
of superb design!
From its tiny elongated head, to its oversized body,
form followed function–
enabling the species to survive for 25 million years.

Interesting Facts:

Giant Anteaters consume 35,000 ants and termites a day
Their tongues are two feet long
They haven’t any teeth
They carry their babies on their backs
They can mate all year round
They prudently leave a portion of an insect’s nest for replenishment
They are able to fight off jaguars

Standout Physical Features:
The giant anteater has a voluminous bushy tail.
Black accents and wide diagonal stripes mark its body.

Noteworthy:
Salvador Dali, the surrealist artist, once strolled in Paris
with a giant anteater on a leash.
Besides capitalizing on the animal’s shock value,
I like to believe Dali appreciated the creature’s unique beauty.