Animalia was constantly getting new people from various walks of life. Though recently, the most influx were Asian-American, particularly those of Chinese descent. Hate crimes against Asian-Americans were on a rise throughout the country. The primary reason is the malicious and misinformed rumor that COVID-19 was a Chinese bioweapon that had gotten loose. As such, many Chinese-Americans were seeking haven in Animalia, which was known for its very high tolerance and being one of the few places relatively untouched by the corona virus. They were so many new people coming in that a new neighborhood was being built. This neighborhood is being modeled off of Chinatown areas of many large cities, such as New York, Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco.
Though it wasn't strictly only Chinese-Americans who were moving in. Unsurprisingly, many racists can't tell the distinction between various Asian ethnics. To them, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and everyone else were lumped into the same group to hate. As such, there were plenty of other Asian-Americans moving in. Strictly speaking, they didn't have to convert to live here. The Chinatown was being built so that both humans and Animalians could live there. But plenty of people were choosing to become Animalians, for health, to blend in, and a few other reasons.
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Dr. Banjo hoped this next interview wouldn't be as much of a headache. The orangutan has had to deal with some people when Judy or Dr. Stein are too busy. He had the bad luck to deal with some people with unusual religious views. One such person was a representative from a branch of Christianity based in West Virginia. Apparently, handling venomous snakes was an important test of faith for their sect. Which often meant being bitten, though the power of their belief would supposedly protect them. It was an incredibly risky practice on its own, but the representative wanted to involve snake Animalians in this. And that was an even bigger risk by itself. Unless the Animalian vaccine is inactive, the amount of venom a snake Animalian could inject, which is usually a large dosage than a normal snake, could kill a person. Obviously, that wouldn't work out for anyone, least of all Animalia's reputation.
At least this couple seemed to be more reasonable. They were an Indian couple whose name was rather long and Dr. Banjo just couldn't remember, let alone pronounce. At least they allowed him to call them by their first names. "So, Chaman, Kamana, I'd like to understand more about your reasons for coming and your choice of Animalian," said Dr. Banjo.
"Feel free to ask away," said Chaman, an Indian man who looked around 30.
"Now, I know that cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, though I'm not really sure why. Nor do I understand your desire to become cattle," said Dr. Banjo.
"Well, Hindus don't just abstain from eating cows," said Chaman, "Our scriptures encourage to do no harm to other living creatures. Many Hindus extend that rule to other animals. You will find many Hindus are vegetarian, which also includes us."
"Though cows do have an important place in India," said his wife, Kamana, "They are associated with the gods. Even Gandhi venerated them. We do not to put ourselves above others. We're already vegetarian so will not lose much when we change."
"I suppose you even abstain from using milk," said Dr. Banjo.
"Oh, not at all," said Kamana, "Milk and cheese are important for several Indian dishes. We just don't use beef."
"Very well," said Dr. Banjo, "So what brings you to Nevada? I wouldn't think you'd be facing the same persecution as Asian-Americans of other ethnics."
"Racists have a tendency to expand their hatred," said Chaman, "Though only a fool would think India would be involved in making a 'bioweapon', especially with what's happening in India right now."
"But we've been wanting to come here for some time and this is a good opportunity," said Kamana, "We can open an Indian restaurant here, we can enjoy healthy and safe lives. And..." Kamana hesitated until Chaman put a hand on hers. "We've been having trouble conceiving children," said Kamana.
"Ah," said Dr. Banjo with understanding, "Well, the conversion can certainly help with that. It may take some time to get your new house and restaurant built though."
"There will be time enough for that," said Chaman confidently.
"Also, I'm not certainly whether or not we'll have access to the breeds of cattle they have in India," said Dr. Banjo.
"The breed doesn't matter so much," said Kamana, "All cows are sacred."