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The Canary Story

Somewhere in the winding woods of the Andaman Islands, lived a family of Canary birds. Happy, lively and exploring as they always were, this family decided on June 12, 2112 to fly to the forests of Gujarat, India for a summer outing.

When in Bhooda forest, the birds mingled with other birds like the Mynah, the Peacock and his other half, the Indian Bustard and many others. They became best buddies. The friends of the Canary family helped them pick up twigs and small pieces of branches to build a comfortable nest for their 3 month stay at the forest.

The Canary family was delighted at the hospitality of the Bhooda residents. They expected to see beautiful sights up north. But what they gained was an experience of their lifetime.

It was a tradition of Grandpa Canary to sing to Master Canary Jr. (his grandson) and Miss Canary Jr. (his granddaughter) each night to put them to bed; er… well… put them to nest.

Anyways, Grandpa Canary was singing at night, once their nest was prepared. To his utmost surprise, all other birds assembled around their nest, settled down on surrounding branches and listened to the melodious voice of aged Grandpa. Agreed that his voice was shaky, owing to his age, but it did have the power to captivate all the listeners.

The ordinary night unexpectedly turned into a night filled with music, joy and laudels. Everyone took turns and sang for the audience. The most prized moment was when the Crow sang his heart out and received the most enthusiastic round of applause for his talent. The Crow was almost in tears after being appreciated for something others ridiculed her.

Papa Canary was skilled at providing medical help. Once Mr. Sparrow came flying at Papa Canary's doorstep and informed him that Mr. Ostrich had sprained his foot. Papa Canary had never interacted with an Ostrich back in Andaman. However, Mr. Sparrow successfully convinced Papa Canary that the Ostrich is a friend and will be of no harm to him. Papa Canary took the necessary measures to mend the broken foot and made a new friend in the bargain.

Mama Canary was a brilliant cook. She once prepared a sumptuous meal for all the fellow birds of Bhooda. It was a memorable feast for the Canary family as they were accompanied by all their loved ones.

Every day of Vacation brought to the Canary family a new and different experience, emotion and lesson. Very soon their days of return approached.Obviously, the atmosphere in Bhooda was very grim. But what was in store for the family was unpredicted.

A group of hunters entered the Bhooda forest and ransacked it completely. Sounds of gunshots filled the woods. The hunters shot down rabbits, leopards and bulls.

Just when the Canary family was about to pick their bags up to fly back to Andaman, a young hunter aimed at Master Canary Jr. Grandpa Canary saw the hunter and on an impulse he shielded his grandson.

And the next thing they knew was that they had all assembled at the funeral of Grandpa Canary. The Mynah, Peacock, Peahen, Indian Bustard, Crow, Ostrich and everyone else were weeping at the enormous loss. Master and Miss Canary Jr. could not bear the thought that their beloved Grandpa would not be around to pamper them and protect them from the punishments of Mama Canary.

Mama Canary took a vow that she will feed the underprivileged birds with Grandpa’s favorite Barley grains on his death anniversary.

Most affected by the tragedy was Papa Canary. He felt very inadequate as he could do nothing to save his father despite being the doctor of the family. He took a vow too.

He vowed that he would never trust any human being. He decided not to eat the food they served or drink the water they provided. He vowed that he would not allow any bird to be caught, captured or killed by humans. He decided to begin a revolution and make it big; solely in memory of the guardian of the birds’ pride- Grandpa Canary.

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