Lao Script (PC only)Historically, a bestiary is a book, a compendium of beasts. Bestiaries were popular in the Middle Ages in illustrated volumes that described various animals, birds and even rocks. The natural history and illustration of each beast was usually accompanied by a moral lesson. This reflected the belief that the world and every living thing had its own special meaning. The bestiary is often also a reference to the symbolic language of animals in culture, art and literature.
In 2008, California-based Laotian American photographer Bidone Bouriyaphon took her camera and unique vision to look at the creatures of the San Diego Zoo.
Feather Me Beautiful.
The royal-looking, sociable peacock gets along well with other birds and like plenty of open space where they can roam free. They also enjoy being where they can get plenty of sunlight. Different traditions consider them good luck or bad luck, but in real life, they prefer peace and harmony and will try to avoid commotion.
Caged.
The very name of the lynx is related to the idea of sight, and their sharp vision has been considered almost supernatural. As a result, the solitary lynx was credited with the ability to see error and falsehood, even from within a cage.
Stripes.
Though some connect stripes to a prison, the Zebra sees them as signs of the beauty of individuality. Their distinctive stripes are a protective camouflage against those who would try to harm them. Their unique stripes identify each other to other members of the herd. It shows us how it is possible to be an individual while supporting our community. The zebra reminds us to see the deeper truth and beauty of life by integrating opposites, from black and white, to so much more.
Flirt.
In popular culture, parrots are often connected to pirates and the sea, but to many people, parrots are important symbols who speak to the importance of communication, of beauty and wisdom. With their penchant for imitation, they remind us to have a good sense of humor, and to think before speaking.
But what do such creatures mean to you? What do they remind you of?
What other animals are important to you?