Desert Animals Need Protection Too - Part II

2 June 2019

Day 10
 
Since I wasn't heading to Chaco Canyon, I looked at some brochures at our hotel for other things to do in Gallup and the area.

And there is was, the Navajo Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Window Rock, Arizona! Just about 25 miles away (40 km), free to the public, run by the Navajo Nation, and providing care to orphaned and rescued animals! How could I go wrong???


So I drove north and then west, just barely past the state line, and turned into the Navajo Zoo.

Now, I don't normally talk about dead animals on the highway. But I had passed what looked like maybe a wolf (definitely bigger and darker than a coyote, though possibly a dog). So I reported it to the person in the office of the zoo. I explained that I had no idea exactly what it was, but I knew there were occasional wolves in the region. And that I didn't know if any parts could be reclaimed (I was thinking of the fur, maybe teeth) - and that I had lived in West Africa and there, people used leopard pelts for ceremonial objects. The young woman, Navajo, was more interested in whether this was one of the tagged and tracked wolves, or possibly one that had wandered up from elsewhere. She took the information, and said she'd contact the conservation people. It was interesting to learn about the process of collaring coyotes and deer (both about the same size for collars and tracking devices), and the way they track these animals and sometimes sedate and then relocate them.


Anyway. The zoo's website:  www.navajozoo.org/about/

The zoo was wonderful. It was located in an area full of red sandstone stone stacks and pillars, just rising up from level ground. Many of these huge monoliths were used as the back of the animal enclosures, so that the animals really were living in their natural environments.

The first part of the zoo included information about the Navajo creation story. It was a bit involved, but basically, in the beginning of time there were four different worlds, sort of existing one above the other. First Man, First Woman, and various animals were able to move from one world to the next through a large reed. The First World was black, Second World was blue, Third World was yellow, and Fourth World was white. First Man, First Woman, Coyote, and other animals and holy people (who may have been animals) were able to escape each world just before it was destroyed my moving through the reed to the next world.

I asked someone at our hotel if all of the worlds existed now, somehow incorporated into the current world. She said no, the belief is that we currently live in the Fourth World.

If you want to read more about the specifics of the creation, here are two good websites:
navajolegends.org/navajo-creation-story/
and navajopeople.org/blog/navajo-creation-story-the-first-world-nihodilhil-black-world/

So, the zoo. The following information is copied directly from the info signs in front of each group of animals. Most animals are behind chain link fencing, both for their protection and for that of the visitors. So my animal photos aren't great. But there are some great metal sculptures of some of the animals, so those will be included as well.

The Navajo descriptions of each animal are most fascinating. That is one of the beliefs of many (most?) Native American or First Nation cultures that is most emblematic - the reverence for nature, the environment, and all animals. That animals are beings of equal importance in the world, not to be treated carelessly or abused. There is a sense that we and the animals are all necessary parts of the whole environment that we call the world. 


I feel that way too. I find myself in rescue centers apologizing to the animals for the harm that came to them, or that they were orphaned due to something humans did to their mothers. That they are in this center because humans somehow interfered in their lives. That I'm sorry they are here instead of running or flying free. But that I'm glad they are being well cared for, since they cannot return to the wild.

So, reading the words of the Navajo beliefs about each animal, just seemed to make so much sense.

Rather than trying to describe everything, and paraphrase, I'm going to directly quote the info signs. And when I need to add something, I'll add brackets.

Last thing - I don't know how to pronounce Navajo words. I'm not sure what the various accent marks do to the letters. And there are some letters in the Navajo alphabet that aren't in this font, so I've used the English equivalent. All that being said, my apologies to the people who took the time to write this information, and I'm sorry if I messed up the names of all the animals.

Tábaah Ma’ii – Raccoon
The Curious Masked One

Tábaah Ma’ii is a major player in two Navajo ceremonies; in fact, it is accredited with developing one of them (the mountaintop ceremony). The Navajo name for the raccoon roughly translates to “coyote of the shore,” which is an excellent description of their preferred habitat, behavior, and feeding habits.

The masked face and ringed tail make Tábaah Ma’ii very recognizable. These intelligent, curious mammals are excellent tree-climbers, using them for safety and denning during the day. Raccoons are never far from water, which provides them with much of their diet. They identify food items using their extremely sensitive paws.


Atsáeelchii – Red-tailed hawk

The Efficient One

Atsáeelchii is revered by the Navajo People as a fast, efficient predator that makes no mistakes. Because of this, their feathers can be tied to arrows to they fly true and make definite kills without mistakes. Atsáeelchii feathers are also used in certain Navajo ceremonies, and can be tied to a horse’s tail or mane to give them speed.

Using their sharp talons and powerful feet, the Atsáeelchii swiftly swoop down on prey while hunting in-flight or from an elevated perch. Navajo Nation’s most common and widespread bird-of-prey is easily recognizable as an adult by its brick-red tail feathers.


Tazhii – Wild turkey

The Colorful One

The Tazhii is important in the Navajo Culture as it was the last being to emerge into the current World, bringing seeds and kernels with it. Navajo People benefitted by planting these seeds for an abundance of melons, squash, corn, beans, etc. Turkey feathers are important to possess for promoting growth and prosperity. Navajo stories report that Tazhii’s tail feathers are tipped in white because they were stained by the rising flood waters during emergence to this World.

One of the heaviest birds on the Navajo Nation, turkeys are used as food by people and large predators. Males are recognized by their red and blue head, beard of feathers, and their colorful strutting and loud gobbling when displaying for females in the spring.

Ma’iilbáhí – Grey fox
The Grizzled One

Both the Red Fox and Grey Fox are important in at least one traditional Navajo ceremony. During the Nightway Ceremony, they represent all of the animal life on earth, and are thought to provide a connection between holy people and humans.

Unlike most members of the Dog family (Canids), the Ma’iilbáhí has strong, hooked claws, making it quite comfortable climbing trees. Ma’iilbáhí is nearly always found in forests and woodlands, and uses hollow trees, stumps, and rock piles for denning. The Grey Fox is recognized by its grizzled fur and black-tipped tail.


Ma’iilitsoii – Red fox

The Distinguished One

Both the Red Fox and the Grey Fox are important in at least one traditional Navajo ceremony. During the Nightway Ceremony, they represent all of the animal life on earth, and are thought to provide a connection between holy people and humans.

The distinguished Ma’iilitsoii sports a bright red coat, black legs, and a white-tipped tail; vertical pupils also make it unique among our canids. Scent glands at the base of the tail provide this fox with its distinctive odor and ability to scentmark its territory. Ma’iilitsoii lives in tight family groups and uses a variety of vocalizations to communicate. Dens are dug into hillsides and used for protection and raising young.

Dahsání – Porcupine

The Unique One

“Unique” might be the best word to describe this large rodent of the Navajo Nation forests. The porcupine moves about unhurriedly as it carries its defenses on its back, which are sharp, stiff modified hairs, called “quills.” Quills are not “thrown” by the porcupine, but are easily released when touched by a predator.

Thought to have mystical healing powers in the Navajo Tradition, the Dahsání was given as a guide and protector the Hashtí’ishnii Dine’é (Mud People Clan). This is one of the Navajo clans that travelled back to Navajoland in the Creation Story.

Né’éshjaa’ – Great horned owl
The Messenger

In the Navajo Culture, Né’éshjaa’ was created from one child of “Great Bird,” while the other child was made into an eagle. The owl is respected as a messenger, and is often believed to inform others of danger or neglect. Owl feathers are used in certain Navajo ceremonies to make offerings, to decorate headgear, and as a ritual broom to banish evil.

Né’éshjaa’ is a true nocturnal aerial predator with excellent night vision, superb hearing, and special feather adaptations that allow for silent flight. This largest owl on Navajolands has a five foot wingspan, and is named for feather tufts that resemble horns. Being adaptable to many habitats and food items makes it our most common and widespread owl.

Dzééh – Elk

The Powerful One

The Dzééh is greatly honored by the Navajo People. In Navajo tradition, they could only be hunted after a hunting ceremony was performed, their meat could only be eaten after praying, and their hide could be used only after being tanned by traditional hunters.

Weighing up to 700 pounds, standing 5 feet at the shoulder, and sporting antlers weighing 30-40 pounds, the male (bull) Dzééh is a mighty force during the autumn mating season, or “rut.” Dzééh are one of the more vocal members of the deer family, with calves and females (cows) commonly “mewling” to maintain the herd, and rutting bulls “bugling” to attract cows.

Ma’ii – Coyote
The Curious One

Ma’ii is one of the most common characters in Navajo traditional stories. He is considered to be one of the original sacred animals, and depicts a warrior and survivor. Traditional stories about Ma’ii are only told in the winter, and most of his stories are humorous but have moral teachings. Ma’ii is known to be curious, which tends to get him into trouble. In many stories, he is represented as mean, greedy, and a liar; much to his detriment, he is often outwitted by the animals that he tries to trick.

The extremely adaptable Ma’ii is one of the most successful members of the Canine Family. They have a widely varied diet and can survive in nearly all habitats and elevations across Navajolands.

Shash Lizhiní – Black bear

The Fierce One

“The Bear is a fierce, wild animal that is considered to be very spiritual. He lives in a spiritual place, the mountain wilderness. He inhales pure air, which has spiritual power. He breathes in a powerful positive energy to strengthen his internal fortitude and growls with great strength. The force of his growl frightens his enemies.” -Frank C. Young, Sr., Navajo Medicine Man

Shash is one of the most sacred animals for the Diné, and believed to have given them protection prayers and songs. At the origin of the Navajo Clan migration back to Navajolands, the Shash was given to the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan) as a guide and protector.


[There are two bear in there!]

Atsá – Golden Eagle

Our Great Protector

We look at their beauty, we look at their grace, but we also look into the spirit of the animal, because it’s the spirit that heals our spirit. Thus, the Diné use feathers and parts of the Atsá in ceremonies to cure illness.

“The Holy People are protectors of the Eagle. The Eagle represents eternal life. He lifts himself into the sky where no man can go. He has keen eyesight and sees where no man can see. He has sharp talons and is not afraid of anything. He is the King of the Sky. We use him to get rid of evil in ceremonies. He’s our great protector.” -Anderson Hoskie, Navajo Medicine Man

Náshdóítsoh – Cougar

The Silent One

Mountain Lions (or Cougars) are revered for their silent secretive nature, and the extreme power they possess. They capture large prey with a quick ambush and powerful bite. Cougar pelts, and items made from them (quivers and caps), were worn for protection by only the best warriors and leaders.

At the origin of the Navajo Clan migration back to Dinétah (Navajolands), the Náshdóítsoh was given to the Honágháanii (One Walks Around Clan) as a guide and protector. This is one of the Navajo clans that travelled back to Dinétah in the Creation Story.

[The cougar was sleeping far up on the stone wall in the back of his enclosure.  This is Hunter, the large male.  I talked to him, but he was asleep.  So I started making purring noises, the way one would to a cat.  Hunter turned over onto his back!  I kept purring, and he turned onto his side, lifting his head up and almost looking at me through mostly-closed eyes!  Then he put his head down and went back to sleep.  SO adorable to have a moment with my mountain lion friend!]

Ma’iitsoh – Mexican grey wolf

The Endangered One

Weighing less than 100 pounds the Mexican grey wolf is the smallest wolf subspecies. Despite their size, Ma’iitsoh can hunt prey animals much larger than themselves, like elk and deer. They will use endurance and cooperative pack hunting to run down and overtake their prey.

Respected as a messenger by the Navajo People, the Ma’iitsoh once roamed most of the Southwest. Wolves were persecuted nearly to extinction during the 1900s, and are now an endangered species. Captive breeding and reintroduction programs have returned wolves to the wild in southern Arizona and New Mexico, in hopes to renew their legacy.


Biih – Mule deer

The Respected One

Navajo People have hunted Biih for centuries, and have uses for all parts of the animal as food, clothing, tools, or ceremonial items. Traditionally mule deer are greatly respected and reprent Mother Earth, the Sky, the mountains, the animals, and the Plants. A number of ceremonies are centered around Biih; buckskins are used to treat emotional problems and to restore harmony.

Mule Deer, or Biih, are named for their large “mule-like” ears. Like other members of the Deer family, males grow antlers each year which are composed of a bone-like material. Antlers are effective tools for defense, to exhibit dominance, and to fight for a harem of females during the mating season.


Tsétah Dibé – Bighorn sheep

The Sacred Sheep

Well known for their head-crashing combats during the mating season, the rare Desert Bighorn Sheep is found on the Navajo Nation only in the most dry, rugged rocky canyons. They exhibit impressive agility and sure-footedness on cliff ledges and can go weeks without visiting permanent water.

The Tsétah Dibé is sacred to the Diné and appears in many traditional stories. In fact, the Sacred Mountain of the North (Mount Hesperus Dibé Nitsaa) is named for this animal. The horns and other parts have long been used in two ceremonies for purification and blessings, and to restore emotional harmony in patients.


Náshdóílbáí – Bobcat

The Hunter

Náshdóílbáí is important in Navajo traditions for helping badger enlarge the hole from the underworld for beings to emerge to this World. The bile and claws of the bobcat are used in traditional ceremonies. Bobcat pelts were fashioned into caps worn by Navajo warriors in battle and the victory dances afterwards. Pelts were also made into quivers, so that the bobcat’s hunting prowess would rub off on the arrows.

Known to be highly adaptable in habitat and prey preferences, the Náshdóílbáí is a silent, solitary, nocturnal predator on a diverse array of smaller animals; however, at times it will take down larger prey like wild turkeys and deer. Its striking coloration provides natural camouflage.



Okay, Phebe again.  There were various pollinator gardens, to attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, etc.  Also, a forked hogan (pronounced more like hoe-GAHN than like the last name Hogan) - a log and mud structure used for housing.  I went inside, and it was surprisingly cool for a hot but breezy day!

It really was a wonderful day!  I had lunch just a few blocks up the street, at a Navajo restaurant in a hotel.  While there, it struck me that in most of our travels, Richard and I sort of stand out in terms of our skin/hair/eye color.  And that our year of staying in the US made me forget that.  In this restaurant, once again I looked very different.  Just a little bit strange, a little bit déja vue.

Off to another adventure tomorrow!  And tomorrow I promise to add the maps, to show where we've been wandering.