There has been some confusion among my friends, and friends of friends, regarding the exact nature of Mark's misunderstanding. Let me put it this way: he knows that he should understand animals, but something about his brain isn't allowing him to get there. He often cannot distinguish between animals and people, and when he can, his complete lack of zoological knowledge puts him at a loss. The problem is compounded in the fact that he really really likes animals.
Mark's name might have been unconsciously inspired by Andy Samberg's "Mark Wahlberg Talks to Animals." You'd have to ask my friend Alyssa. His condition might have been unconsciously inspired by Rich Fulcher's character Bob Fossil on The Mighty Boosh. He should not be confused with either, especially considering that he is like... 12, I think.
ANIMAL FACT: Last night I watched this show where some bird was getting nectar, and all these mites crawled up his beak to take a ride to the next flower, which happens all the time, apparently, and I was like woah.
