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Someone who sees extraordinary animals or trees that fill one with wonder recites: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has [created] such things in His world.” Reciting this blessing might be appropriate when seeing a champion racehorse, a tremendously productive dairy cow, an especially beautiful dog, gorgeous fish (such as in the Gulf of Eilat), a large and colorful parrot, or a giant redwood. This blessing is also recited on seeing an especially good-looking or strong person.
Each sighting of the extraordinary warrants the recitation of the blessing. For example, if someone sees an especially good-looking person, the blessing is said. If later someone sees an especially strong individual or a sports star, the blessing is said again. If later one sees a beautiful cat, one says the blessing a third time. Every time a particularly beautiful tree or animal is seen – whether dog, horse, fish, or any other animal –the blessing is said again.
There is a special blessing on an elephant or a monkey: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who makes [all] creatures different.” Perhaps this is because an elephant uses its trunk and a monkey uses its hands in ways reminiscent of humans.
