Winner, Winner, Bin Chicken Dinner

Did you know that the emu and kangaroo appear on the national emblem of Australia? Of all the famous creatures in Australia, these two animals were chosen as the poster bird and marsupial of the country due to an inability they both have in common. Can you imagine? Both creatures are unable to move backwards. This attitude is adopted by many people who have decided to call the nation “home” over the past two centuries. The emu and kangaroo are synonymous with the image of this relatively new country. Wombats, wallabies, black swans, sharks, snakes, spiders, lizards, quokkas, Tasmanian devils, and koalas may feel aggrieved to have missed out on the top spot as supreme symbols of the “lucky country.” Many of these creatures rate in the top ten of the most loved or feared Australian animals. This brings us to the next question: Have you ever heard of the bin chicken?

Challenge: At present, over 1,800 species of Australian animals are considered at risk of extinction, including 40 mammals, 60 birds, and 100 fish species, along with numerous insects and other spineless creatures (also called invertebrates) who are dependent on forest and wetland environments.

Getting to the point: The Australian white ibis is a resourceful and infamous species that gets a bad rap for the annoyance it causes by raiding trash cans and skips in built-up urban areas, as it lives on the edges of places like parks. They have a cult-like following online due to their humorous mechanics, gait, and menacing behavior in parks around Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and other urban zones. They make for a good meme.

Many people complain about the creature and even mock its strange appearance. Its long black legs, vulture-like bare neck (deprived of plumage), and sharp, down-curved bill that contrasts with its predominantly white feathers do not exactly make it a contender for cute and cuddly competitions, nor does it make a good candidate for national emblem status. Nor does it suggest imminent death.

Despite the misinformation and mixed feelings towards the bird, it is indigenous. The dislike from many people does not bother the ibis, and it continues to thrive and prosper in numerous parts of Australia. While more loved creatures go extinct or become endangered each year, there is a lot that can be learned from the ibis’ adaptability, application of strengths, and gratitude for what is bestowed upon it. They play the cards they have been dealt impeccably.

Noise cancellation: These mavericks don’t listen to what other people say about them, but they do have ears and know when to get out of people and predators’ paths. Their ears are not visible, and you may best describe their auditory systems as “hearing holes.” However, they just get on with it!

Focus: You rarely hear or see the bin chickens complaining or giving out about how humans have taken their habitat. It’s an argument they are not equipped to win. They rarely discuss how the best spots have been converted into residential real estate. The ibis continuously demonstrates remarkable adaptability in urban environments. Originally a bird of wetlands, it has successfully integrated into cities, resourcefully scavenging through refuse, and adapting to human activity. The ability to not only survive but thrive in diverse and changing environments teaches the importance of flexibility in the face of challenges, while maintaining a drive to prosper during tough times.

Hey, Vicky, don’t be picky: The ibis is not picky about food sources and will make use of whatever is on offer. This highlights resourcefulness and the importance of making do with what we have, finding opportunities in unexpected places, and being creative in problem-solving.

Haters gonna hate, but ibis don’t procrastinate: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words only hurt if we let them. Despite the nickname “bin chicken” and the frequent dismissal by people for their appearance and behavior, the ibis continues to prosper. Its resilience teaches us not to be discouraged by negative perceptions or external judgment, and to stay focused on survival and growth despite others’ opinions. Some people see a bottle in a bin, others see $$$.

Ketangguhan Mental is not just something attributed to psychologists, corporations, sports teams, and academic journals. The ibis is known for its persistence. It doesn’t give up easily when searching for food or nesting sites, and it’s not deterred by setbacks. This perseverance in the face of obstacles is a powerful reminder of the importance of determination in reaching goals, no matter how tough the circumstances.

Harmony: By living in close proximity to humans, the ibis shows how diverse species can find ways to coexist in shared spaces. This teaches us about the importance of tolerance, understanding, and the possibility of peaceful coexistence—even when facing challenges from other groups or species. The bin chicken could teach a lot of governments and people that there are alternative ways to war, and maybe we could replace the dove symbol of peace with a newer, less beautiful one.

The bin chicken’s ability to thrive in challenging environments with limited resources provides a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and persistence for everyone.

So, the next time you spot a bin chicken, take a moment to appreciate its quiet strength and tenacity—because in many ways, it’s a symbol of survival in the modern world.