Three years ago, Nikki Robinson found a little raccoon (浣熊) by the road. She saved him and after a bunch of attempts at taking him to wildlife centers and vets, Nikki was disappointed at the lack of help. However, her mother Linda had experience in raising raccoons and after a little persuasion, took the little creature in.
They named him Little Hands and fell in love with the little raccoon. Linda and Nikki fed him, raised him, and eventually let him go. To their surprise, Little Hands kept coming back, sometimes after a few days, sometimes a few months. He would come back and ask for hugs, food, and just love.
Little Hands was taken care of by Linda. At first, he was set free onto her large property and was allowed to come and go as he pleased. He was very fearful of any human or animal that he didn’t grow up with, but would come back to visit them most nights. Linda would leave food out for him every night and sit outside on the porch swing before bed, waiting for his visit. The first thing he would do was that he would climb over to Linda on the swing, sit beside her, and want pats from her.
“Little Hands stayed with us for about two and a half months before he was fully released into the wild. He has always been a calm, peaceful raccoon, very loving and compassionate, even as he matured. But still wild enough he thrives on his own,” Nikki said. People asked Nikki what their reaction was when Little Hands returned to them. “Pure joy. And every time he came back it was a more and more joyous occasion especially because he wanted our attention as well as our food.”
At last, Nikki said: “Be kind. We share the planet with so many creatures that need to be respected. They are capable of complex social systems and emotions.”
【小题1】What is Nikki’s main reason for raising the raccoon?| A．She was really fond of the raccoon. | B．She was disappointed with her mother. |
| C．She had experience in raising raccoons. | D．She had difficulty finding proper help elsewhere. |
| A．Because he could get some food and love. |
| B．Because he wanted to express his gratitude. |
| C．Because he was afraid of living in the wild alone. |
| D．Because he liked playing on the swing with Linda. |
| A．Careful and curious. | B．Kind and generous. |
| C．Devoted and energetic. | D．Warmhearted and caring. |
| A．Humans must share what they have with animals. |
| B．People should be in harmony with other creatures. |
| C．Many creatures are good at socializing with people. |
| D．Endangered animals need to be protected and respected. |
