Download - How the Tapir Got Its Colours 4 April 2011
How The Tapir Got Its Colours
Long ago, the tapir was the most handsome animal in the forest. His body was shiny and black. He had a horn. He was as strong as a tiger and only talked to big animals. Small animals were afraid of him because he liked to bully them.
One day, he visited the rats. “I will stay with you for three days,” said the tapir. The chief rat replied, “We are poor. We cannot feed you.” Tapir replied, “Don’t lie to me! Bring me some food now!”
The chief rat wanted to teach the tapir a lesson. He made a drink from some leaves and gave it to the tapir. After the tapir drank it, he fell asleep.
When the tapir was sleeping, the chief rat and his friends filed down his teeth. They cut off his horn. Finally, they painted his back with white dye. When the tapir woke up, he felt so ashamed and ran off into the forest.
That is why, today, the tapir is black and white, does not eat meat and
does not have a horn.
Moral of the story:Do not be cruel to
others if you do not want others to be cruel
to you.