Daily writing prompt

Do you ever see wild animals?

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Hello, dear friends!

I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood and ready for a little adventure—albeit a virtual one.

Today’s writing prompt is a fascinating one: “Do you ever see wild animals?”

At first glance, it may sound like a simple question. Many of us live in busy cities where the most “wild” creatures we spot are squirrels, pigeons, or the occasional stray dog.

But the question goes deeper. It asks us to reflect on our connection with nature, the thrill of unexpected encounters, and the fragile balance between our world and the untamed one that still exists beyond our windows.

When I first read the prompt, my mind travelled back to a particular day—my visit to Bengal Safari—a day when I saw wild animals not behind screens or in books, but alive, moving freely through a forest.

It is this experience I would like to share with you.

Escaping the Summer Heat

The day had begun under an unforgiving summer sun. The heat was so intense that stepping outside felt like stepping into a furnace. All of us at home were exhausted, confined indoors, longing for a breath of fresh, cool air.

Amid this monotony and discomfort, my little granddaughter came up with the perfect idea:
“Let’s go on a jungle safari!”

Her suggestion was a breath of fresh air in itself. “Wandering in the woods,” as she called it, sounded like the ideal escape.

And what better destination than the Bengal Safari, a sprawling wildlife park located not far from my home?

The Buzz of the Wild

We visited the park on a Sunday, and excitement buzzed everywhere. Families gathered at the entrance, children hopping with anticipation at the thought of seeing Bengal’s magnificent animals.

Bengal Safari is home to a rich variety of wildlife—most notably the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, India’s pride, alongside the elusive leopard, the clever black bear, herds of deer, and over 300 species of birds.

Two rivers, Teesta and Mahananda, border the sanctuary, casting an aura of untamed beauty over the entire landscape.

But our excitement met a small obstacle—every safari slot was booked.

Just as disappointment began to sink in, the universe intervened. A last-minute cancellation freed exactly three seats—just enough for us.

Perhaps luck, perhaps destiny, but surely a hint that the wild had something special in store for us that day.

Into the Heart of the Forest

Our guide welcomed us warmly. He shared insights about the forest and its inhabitants, explaining why elephant rides—once a major attraction—had been discontinued for safety reasons.

His stories of earlier playful encounters between wild and domesticated elephants were both amusing and enlightening.

Soon, our safari vehicle rattled into the dense foliage. The forest surrounded us like a green cathedral.

Sunlight filtered through towering Sal trees, birds chirped unseen, monkeys cackled overhead, and leaves crackled beneath our wheels. It was a symphony of wilderness—raw, alive, and spellbinding.

A Royal Encounter

As we ventured deeper, suspense began to build.

Would we see the tiger?

Just when doubt began to creep in, the forest parted in a moment of dramatic magic. Out strode a Royal Bengal Tiger, its orange coat glowing, its black stripes etched like ink against the green backdrop.

It paused, glanced towards us with calm authority, and walked on.

A shiver ran through me, but our guide’s steady reassurance allowed us to savour the moment fully. It was not just a sighting—it was an encounter with the soul of the forest.

A Whirlwind of Wildlife

The next ten minutes offered a cascade of awe-inspiring moments.

A black bear lumbered past our vehicle, then vanished among the trees.

A leopard, sleek and silent, emerged like a whisper, only to slip away as quickly as it came.

A herd of deer grazed peacefully under a sunlit patch, their gentle eyes watching us without fear.

And then, like colourful jewels, peacocks appeared—tails fanned out, shimmering in the afternoon sun.

The air echoed with the calls of hundreds of birds, each adding its note to the forest’s music. Watchtowers rose in the distance, silent sentinels of the wild.

Unfortunately, a phone call informed me that guests had arrived at home, prompting us to cut the adventure shorter than we wished. Yet, the forest had already given me more than I could have hoped for.

A Lesson in Conservation

One detail touched me deeply—the park’s partnership with local communities. Villagers worked as guides, storytellers, and cultural ambassadors.

Their songs, dances, and knowledge added a human heartbeat to the wilderness. It was a reminder that conservation thrives when local people feel connected to the land.

A Journey to Remember

Leaving Bengal Safari, I felt refreshed, humbled, and grateful. Someone once said, “Travel rewires the brain,” and this visit certainly did.

It reinforced my love for wildlife and deepened my appreciation for the fragile harmony we share with nature.

So, do I ever see wild animals?
Yes—and each sighting reminds me how alive, mysterious, and beautiful the world truly is.

If you ever feel the call of the wild, answer it. Visit Bengal Safari or any place where nature still breathes freely.

Who knows? You may encounter a tiger, hear the forest sing, or simply lose yourself in the quiet magic of the woods—a memory that will stay with you long after you leave.

BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE

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Categories: infotainment

Tags: #Travel, dailyprompt, dailyprompt-2144, featured, India, nature, safari, wildlife