Author: Charlotte Graham-McLay
Source: ABC News

A Snail Like No Other

If you ever find yourself feeling a bit unlucky in love, meet Ned, a snail who might just put your romantic troubles into perspective. Ned isn’t picky or shy; he’s perfectly nice. But there’s a catch—his shell coils to the left, not the right like most snails.

The Dating Dilemma

You see, almost all snails have right-coiling shells, which means their bodies and sex organs line up in a way that lets them mate easily. Ned, however, is 1 in 40,000—a lefty. This rare trait means Ned’s sex organs don’t align with those of regular snails, making it nearly impossible for him to find love unless he meets another left-coiled snail.

The Search for Love

When Giselle Clarkson spotted Ned in her garden in New Zealand, she knew she couldn’t just let him go and hope for the best. She started a nationwide campaign to find Ned a match. The campaign took off, with many rooting for Ned as a symbol of hope for all who seek love—including those who might feel a little different or alone.

Despite the enthusiasm, Ned’s inbox remains empty except for photos of hopeful yet incompatible snails. Biosecurity rules in New Zealand make bringing in snails from afar impossible, so his search continues locally.

A Reflection on Ned’s Plight

Sometimes, Ned’s story makes me wonder: Do creatures like Ned even experience loneliness? Or is he quietly content, moving through life at his own pace, without the weight of human worries? It’s a comforting thought, but I can’t help but hope Ned finds his special someone — after all, even the smallest and slowest among us deserve to be loved.

Ned’s journey reminds me that sometimes being different can feel isolating, but it also makes us unique.

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