#gharials

Before getting into the deets, I do dedicate this post to @leavemebetosleep, especially with this post fueling the second half of my binge (with Bowuigi focus, of course)!

With that out of the way, let's talk about Gharials and (Alligator) Snapping Turtles!

Now, Gharials? BEST FRIGGIN' PARENTING among the crocodilians -which is saying something, considering they are the shining exceptions among reptiles who take the time and energy to protect their young before, during, and after hatching! They are extremely protective and gentle, and have a great variety of vocalizations that impressively dip into water-churning infrasound and comically high chirps [think laser guns]!

They're funky-looking with their long jaws, which prevents them from carrying their young like normal, but they are unhindered from protecting their young nonetheless? And what's more? THEY HAVE YOUNG MALES PROTECT THE BABIES OF OTHER PARENTS! Usually, as a babysitter to flex their parental capabilities, BUT YOU CAN FEEL THE PROTECTIVE VIBES AS THEY LET THOSE BABIES RIDE. THEIR. BACKS! AND----ooof, they're Critically Endangered....

But you know what? I might be limited in information about them, BUT I HAVE NO LIMIT TO MY ADMIRATION FOR THEM!

And Snapping Turtles? They are one of my favorite turtles and are incredibly relevant to how I view Bowser! Aside from the turtle-based facts of them liking shell-brushing/scratching, they are capable of affection that is described as 'dog-like'. It doesn't help that I have knowledge of certain sites and vids that have shown these turtles from a perspective that has had me hooked on topics of conservation [including the aforementioned Gharials].

BUT, if you're here for the Bowuigi content, then picture this:

See Luigi making these comparisons, doing research in his free time and watching social habits to try to connect with his Koopa family. Watch as he tries and succeeds in doing gestures of affection that include calming shell-rubs, giving constant piggybacks when the kids feel vulnerable (physically or emotionally), or even noticing traits that fall WAY outside Turtle-Gator parameters (because of Dragon-Koopa aspects)!

Have Bowser give affection like an excited Golden Retriever, greeting Luigi on sight with tail wagging. Maybe have him be embarrassed by accidental Koopa-Bellowing that ends up rizzing Luigi anyway! Maybe have Luigi try to recuperate with his lightning powers (because electrical pulses can make infrasound)! Maybe have moments of experimenting with what sounds Luigi could make, and Bowser finding any fails to be adorable, and to be utterly smug when Luigi pulls it off and surprises Koopa Troopas with this new ability!

Have these two knuckleheads realize that they both like cuddling sessions filled with casual scritching from each other. Maybe have the Koopa Family just have random cuddle piles like Ball Pythons and bask in each other's presence!