As we know, the twelve Chinese zodiac animals have been the same for millennia. It’s time to make a change; adding a new animal would do the trick! I think the jaguar would make a great zodiac—here’s why.

First and foremost, jaguars are excellent swimmers; they can swim at eighty kilometers per hour, even faster than the swimming speed of a tiger. Hence, the jaguar would probably take first place if the order of the Chinese zodiac were determined by the winners of a swimming competition. Secondly, jaguars are solitary animals, so if the rat asked the jaguar to help, the jaguar wouldn’t agree. Furthermore, Chinese culture is always about good luck; jaguars are strong and powerful animals; they can represent health.

If the jaguar were an actual zodiac sign, I think people with the jaguar as their zodiac would be independent and able to take good care of themselves. Nonetheless, it may be difficult for them to seek help since they aren’t as sociable as others. Moreover, I think people with the jaguar as their zodiac would be brave to speak up, do things that may seem scary, and, most of all, get out of their comfort zone! Besides, I believe people with the jaguar for their zodiac are determined; just like the jaguar, if they want their prey, they will get it!

Lastly, the jaguar wouldn’t get along with the others as they are independent animals. Therefore, the jaguar would stay at the corner of a room with the tiger because they are both felines.

What about you? Which animal would you choose to add?

S2 First Runner-up, Chinese Culture Week 2023-24 English Writing Competition