Of Hedgehogs and Bandicoots

Published by simon on October 17, 2005

I was in a pet store today. You know, it’s that big chain that has sprouted in shopping centres across the Klang Valley in the last few years.

I love going to these places, despite some people’s apprehension about the smell and sight of animal droppings. Then there are those who decry putting the poor animals in small, bright enclosures, being tapped on by screaming kids.

Anyway.

I was there at this branch that opened last year, but I have yet to enter this one. In the Perspex cages where they house the hamsters and other cuddly furries, there was a hedgehog. Wow, first time I’ve seen one! In books and on TV, they’re usually dark grey, but this one was creamy white.

And you know what? It doesn’t look one bit like Sonic. Who’s Sonic? Sonic the Hedgehog. If you still don’t know, go ask your son/nephew/9-year old cousin/kid neighbour.

For one, Sonic is blue (his girlfriend is red), stands on two feet, is as tall as a human, can spin like a ceiling fan, and shockingly, speaks perfect English. I believe he also shoots some kind of pellets.

This real life hedgehog I saw was white, about 5 inches long, and pretty much lies there, burrowing in the hay (or whatever that stuff they put into the cages). It didn’t speak English either.

I think those Japanese designers at Sega Game Company should buck up.

Then last week I was watching this movie called ‘Fierce Creatures’ starring John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline. One of the scenes featured a bandicoot.

And you know what? It did NOT look one bit like Crash Bandicoot. Who’s that, you say? Go ask your son/nephew/9-year old cousin/kid neighbour.

But don’t get me started again.

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