What is less known is that some species get overused in conservation campaigns. After all, impressive ones like grizzly bears (even though their scientific name is ursus horribilis), kingfishers, robins, and pronghorn antelopes get overused and lose their impact. Therefore, ad campaigns need to find new charismatic species to stimulate interest and possible contributions. Now, they should be impressive, cute, and have an environmental impact.
Dung beetles and maggots may be with environmental impacts; but no one is going to be moved to contribute money to help save the dung beetles. Well, maybe politicians who recognize a kindred spirit.
Revis Wainwright, a ad man for Cookem, Eatem, Burton, and Wank, was assigned to develop a campaign advertisement for a nature group. He decided to forego the usual overused creatures, and develop a new charismatic animal for a fund-raising campaign. He found a likely new one:
The nutria!
Furthermore, his campaign included lobbying for lower speed limits in Louisiana swamps to reduce the number of fatalities for this new charismatic species so prematurely terminated before their time! Now that's taking edgy to a new level!
At least he rejected rattus norwegicus!
It looks like a well-fed rat.
ReplyDeleteWith your mention of politicians, you remind me of Hawaii's best political columnist David Shapiro. A friend I met because I admired his writing and humor so much. You are special like that too, Angel!
ReplyDeleteWhatever happened to rattus rattus? He seems to have faded from the limelight since his starring role in the Black Death.
ReplyDeleteI think it's other name, the Coypu, would be better. Nutria sounds like something to eat.
ReplyDeleteI found this nutra chili recipe: http://nutria.com/site16.php
ReplyDeleteWe had to deal with nutria when we lived by a lake here in Texas, and they are really destructive. Hope you and your have a wonderful Christmas weekend.
ReplyDelete"... politicians who recognize a kindred spirit." I love you, Angel! Merry Christmas!
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