When the world was still young, the antbear lived aboveground like all the other animals. Antbear was a kindly, helpful creature and was a friend to all the animals in the bush.
One day antbear was roaming around his territory when he came across a young bird that had fallen from its nest and died. This upset antbear greatly for he knew the sorrow it would cause the young bird's parents. As he walked on he came across some beautiful butterflies that had died of thirst alongside a dry puddle. This sad sight made him even more upset for he loved to watch those beautiful insects flutter amongst the flowers and shrubs.
Then Antbear came across Baboon who had killed some birds and was taking them home to eat. "I loved to watch those beautiful creatures. Now alas they will never sing or soar in the skies again!" Antbear could not contain his grief. He burst into tears, full of sorrow at the harshness that existed in what could be a paradise for all.
As Antbear traveled he saw more and more sad sights and heard even more tales of woe and disaster. Being so kind hearted he could no longer bear the sorrow.
"I shall live underground in the future. I cannot bear to see any more sad sights or meet anyone who will tell me of sad happenings!"
True to his word, Antbear has lived in his tunnels ever since. Only at night when most other animals are asleep, will Antbear come out in search for food.
Long long ago in the very beginning, Warthog possessed enormous ivory tusks and Elephant had only a small pair of tusks. This made Elephant very envious. He believed that the creator should have bestowed such ornaments onto him, the largest and most powerful animal in the bush. Warthogs tusks were so huge that they trailed along the ground and weighed him down. Warthog would never admit it but they could be a nuisance at times. However he was tremendously proud of them
Warthogs best friend was Antbear. They live close to each other and Antbear had many burrows in Warthog's territory. Warthog and Antbear spent many happy hours together. One day Elephant sent an invitation to Warthog to visit him. As Warthog trotted of , Antbear became worried as she knew Elephant was jealous of Warthogs tusks.
"You had better keep your wits about you. Don't trust Elephant, he will trick you in some way. My advice is to be on your guard!" Antbear warned.
"Oh I will, Antbear, I will! Thank you for your concern and advice," replied Warthog gratefully. "Will you be here long?"
"I have so many burrows that I do not need to stay long in one place. But I will stay here a few days longer. Should you need my help, I will be here" answered Antbear.
Warthog found Elephant and while they were eating they had a long chat. Elephant breakfasted from the branches and Warthog dug up grass roots and tubers. Warthog was most flattered by Elephant's friendliness and when Elephant started to compliment Warthog on his magnificent tusks, he thought how kind and charming Elephant was. Warthog had forgotten Antbear's warning.
"Warthog your tusks are wonderful! I do believe they are the finest tusks in all Africa," said Elephant warmly. Warthog was blushing with pleasure at such compliments, "I wonder if... but no, I could not ask such a favor of you."
"What is it you want friend Elephant?" asked Warthog who was now totally off guard thanks to Elephants cunning.
"Could I try your tusks? Just to see how I would look with such fine ornaments. I promise I will return them promptly."
Warthog was only too pleased to help his new friend and pulled out his great tusks. Elephant hurriedly removed his small tusks and put the big ones in their place. Elephant looked at his reflection in a nearby pool an was very impressed by his splendid appearance.
"Yes, these will do very nicely," gloated Elephant. Then he wickedly beat poor, trusting Warthog and walked off with his new prize saying "you will never get these tusks back. They are mine now - Mine, mine MINE!"
Poor Warthog used Elephants to replace his magnificent stolen tusks. He knew he looked ridiculous And to make matters worse, as he started to walk dejectedly home it started to rain heavily. It was a crestfallen Warthog the met Antbear when he returned home at last.
"I forgot your warning about Elephant. What a fool I am, "sobbed Warthog miserably. "Now Elephant has my beautiful tusks and I only have his little ones."
Antbear became more and more indignant as she listened to Warthog's lament. "poor Warthog," she said. "Its a shame and Elephant will be punished for his deceit, He shall never have a real home and shall be hunted all the time for his ivory tusks. But you Warthog, shall be safe and you shall shelter in your burrow for the rest of your days."
Warthog was incredulous. "But how can I shelter in a burrow? I cannot dig," he said.
"You shall use my burrows. I have so many and I am always digging new ones. There are more than enough for both of us."
Since that day generations of warthogs have lived safe from predators and bad weather in the burrows of antbears. All thanks to the kindness of Antbear.
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