Romeo and Juliet: A Marsupial Love Story
In the animal kingdom there is one romance so tragic, it puts even Shakespeare ’s finest work to shame. That romance is the life of the antechinus. If you’re not sure wha t an antechinus is, imagine a shrew, but prettier. Actually that’s a picture of an antechinus dow n there, so maybe just look at that. A shrew but prettier. Image credit: Mel Williams ( Wikimedia Commons ) These animals live a cycle of love at first sight(s), followed by a sad and unfortunate death. So keep reading and I will recount to you the tale of two tragic lovers. Act I: Love at first sight… and second, and third, and then a few more The day would start out like almost any other for our dear Romeo, with one exception, his testosterone levels are beginning to skyrocket. The breeding season has begun. Romeo goes on the prowl. Heart pumping and mind racing, he searches for a partner. That’s when he sees her, his true love. Romeo dashes to Juliet, fighting off all oppone...