An Ostrich, Birds, and Beasts

An ostrich, possessing characteristics of both birds and beasts, seamlessly moved between them, surprising and eventually gaining acceptance from both sides.

Once upon a time in the wild grassland, there lived a special animal called an ostrich. The ostrich was not just a bird or just a beast; it was a mix of both.

To the birds in the sky, the ostrich showed its wings and sharp beak. It joined their games, flapping its wings hard. Although it could not fly high, it could fly a little and keep up with them. The birds thought the ostrich was one of them.

At other times, the ostrich would show the land animals its strong legs and fast running. It raced with gazelles and wildebeests, running as fast as they did. The land animals respected its strength and speed, thinking it was one of them.

But the birds and the beasts did not know the ostrich’s true nature. It moved between them so easily that they did not see the difference.

One day, a wise old elephant called all the animals together. He told them about the ostrich’s dual nature. The birds and the beasts were surprised and felt tricked. They asked the ostrich to explain.

The ostrich said, "I am both a bird and a beast. My wings and beak make me like the birds, and my strong legs and speed make me like the beasts. I belong to both groups and neither. I have done nothing wrong by being myself."

The birds and the beasts understood that the ostrich was not lying, just adaptable. It was different, but it had not hurt anyone. It was just living in the best way for itself, using its special nature.

An ostrich standing between a gathering of birds and a group of beasts
Text Version
Levels A1B1C1

Audio available for B1 version

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Word Finder
  1. Ostrich

    Large bird with long neck and legs.
  2. Grassland

    Large open area with grass only.
  3. Beak

    Hard mouth part of a bird.
  4. Flapping

    Moving wings up and down quickly.
  5. Gazelles

    Small, fast animals living in grasslands.
  6. Wildebeests

    Large, strong animals living in grasslands.
  7. Nature

    Basic character or qualities of something.
  8. Respected

    Admired or considered important by others.
  9. Dual

    Having two different parts or aspects.
  10. Adaptable

    Able to change and adjust easily.
Understanding Questions
  1. Where did the ostrich live based on the story?
  2. How did the ostrich convince the birds it was one of them?
  3. What made the land animals respect the ostrich?
  4. Why were the birds and beasts surprised by the ostrich’s nature?
  5. How did the ostrich defend itself when questioned by the other animals?
Reflection Questions
  1. Why do you think the Ostrich acted both like a bird and a beast?
  2. How did the other animals feel when they found out about the Ostrich's dual nature, and why?
  3. Can you relate to the Ostrich, being different in certain ways and fitting into different groups?
  4. What does this story tell us about the importance of understanding and accepting others' uniqueness?
  5. Can you think of a situation where we can apply this story's lesson about being true to ourselves and embracing our uniqueness?
Fable Quotes

Adaptability is the key to thriving, for those who can seamlessly embrace their unique nature.

Acceptance is the key that unlocks the cage of judgment.

To understand is to embrace the uniqueness of others, for it reveals the beauty hidden within diversity.

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