Dr. Jungle Presents:
"Animal Friends in Iraq" (Part One)

Information and photos contributed by:

SrA Thomas Vaught
US Air Force EOD

Thomas was stationed in Iraq for almost six months this past year while serving in the United States Air Force. During his tour of duty he had the joy of encountering many native animals over there!

Thomas lived in Baghdad during his stay in Iraq. He says that most of these animals lived in the vicinity of his actually living quarters and were often seen lounging around.

Thank you Thomas for sharing your experience and letting us get to know all the critters that make their homes over there! We appreciate your loyalty and service to our country.

"Dog"

Thomas states that, ""Dog" just hung out with the gate guards most of the time and pretty much adopted them. He helped them out by growling or wagging his tail to approve or disapprove incoming vehicles.

"Dog" also liked to play catch with rocks, and since the whole area was gravel, he would run to about where the rock landed, grab a random rock and bring it back. He was a great dog and a great morale boost for those who were standing at the gate for 12-14 hours a day."

Gecko on the Wall

Above are two examples of sheep herds that can be seen in Iraq. Thomas says, "They are everywhere!"

Thomas states, "I never expected to see a white rabbit in Iraq. We couldn't touch it, but it also wasn't very skittish."

Dr. Jungle says, "I never would have thought there would be white rabbits over there either!"

Dr. Jungle says, "Wow, there are even toads in Iraq!"

"He was a very good toad, and we nicknamed him Fred," says Thomas.