Benji Venado
Venadus Tranquilus · A white-tailed deer from the Yucatán Peninsula
“Ha-ha-ha! All chill”
Heeey, little one! How's everything? Good? All chill? Awesome! I'm Benji. Get comfy, take a deep breath and… enjoy the moment! Hee hee!
I'm a white-tailed deer and I live in the woodlands of Yucatán, in Mexico, among trees, bushes and little dirt paths. I love to stroll around calmly, listen to the birds and discover the secrets of the forest. And do you know why they call me «white-tail»? Because when I get startled, I raise my tail and you can see the white underneath, like a little flag! It's my way of letting my friends know: «Heads up, something's going on here!».
A very long time ago, the Maya had great respect for deer. We were an important part of their world. My secret to a happy life? Not making things complicated! I like to walk without rushing, say hi to my neighbors and share the path. It doesn't matter if you run super fast or go step by step; if you're really good at something or still learning. Nobody gets left out here!
Because you don't need to win every race or do everything perfectly to have friends. You don't have to be the same as everyone else either. What matters is being kind, respecting each person and lending a hoof when someone needs it. So if one day you feel sad or like you don't fit in, come with me: there's always room for one more!
Shall we play «The Battle of the Smiles»? It's you against whoever's reading you this story (mom, dad, grandma… anyone)! Whoever makes the silliest smile wins! Face to face… let the battle begin!
And to go along with our walks I have a nice, relaxed song, with a reggae beat, perfect for bobbing your head and letting your worries go on vacation. It's called «Todo Tranqui» (All Chill)!
A hello, a smile and a place for everyone: that's how easy it is to make friends!
Benji, all chill
For grown-ups
The white-tailed deer lives in the woodlands of the Yucatán Peninsula and is important to its ecosystems. When it senses a threat, it raises its tail to show the white underside, a visual signal that alerts other deer. In many Maya communities it held great cultural and symbolic importance.
Benji represents empathy, inclusion and respect for differences. He teaches that you don't have to be perfect or the same as anyone to belong: it's enough to be kind and make a little space for others. With Benji, little ones discover that there's always room for one more.
