Sea horses and unicorns - file under 'things I never expected to see'
E180: Galapagos adventures - Los Tuneles
I have been fascinated with sea horses since I was seven. They hang there, like a delicate S-shaped hook — ephemeral, ethereal and elusive. Like unicorns, they are something you read about in fairy tales.
Nature is Awesome!
Abundance: not just one, but TWO! And one of them (the one hugging the twig for dear life) is a pregnant male. I was too stunned to speak! (Also, I was snorkelling at the time! ) The filming was done by the certified Galapagos guide who snorkeled alongside us. We were not allowed to crowd any of these sensitive animals.
Bucking the trend: This is the only species I know where the gestation process is shared between the partners1. The female deposits her eggs into Daddy’s pouch. He nurtures and cares for them till the moment he gives birth by spewing them out of the pouch. #BreakingFrameworks #ExpectTheUnexpected #ChallengingTheStatusQuo
Conjure: The moment when our park ranger pointed at the little seahorse in the little still feels surreal, like a magical, pinch-me-I’m-dreaming moment. Except we have the video to prove it happened!
Yet another wonderful experience from nature to file under Garrett Scooter Oyama’s discussion on “Awe” E169
Now, to hunt for unicorns.
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Over to you:
Have you recently run across a fact or experience in nature that totally blew you away?
Nature takes what we take for granted, and turns it on its head. Does it inspire you to look at a problem from a different angle?
What life experience would you like to conjure up? Because so much more in life is possible than we imagined.
Like male seahorses giving birth, no idea is too crazy or implausible.
Hello Tribe Tilt!
This week’s edition comes to you from Qatar airport en route Goa. If you are in the APAC zones, reach out. Maybe we can meet in person.
Thank you for joining Tribe Tilt. You have self-selected into a powerful, wonderful group. We believe we can make a difference to the people and places that are precious to us - with fun, hope and agency in our lives. We believe the best ideas can come from anyone, anywhere, at any time. No idea is implausible (like male seahorses giving birth!) Please add your voice and join our conversations.
Stay healthy. From there all else becomes possible.
Until next week …
Karena
© on all photos and video in this edition Karena de Souza. Please ask for permission before downloading.
https://animals.howstuffworks.com/fish/male-seahorses-give-birth.htm
This article includes a NatGeo video of a male sea horse giving birth, which I recommend.
"The female deposits her eggs into Daddy’s pouch. He nurtures and cares for them till the moment he gives birth by spewing them out of the pouch". I tell you, you learn something NEW every day if you listen! What a wonderful gender awakening story, Karena! Love your adventures!