Trouble at the Zoo (4 page)

Kids were now lining up to collect a piece of the birthday cake. Not only was it a whale-sized cake, it was in the shape of a whale, and there was plenty to go around. Bindi, Rosie, and Zac were helping to pass out slices to the assortment of underwater creatures looking hungrily on.

One of the zoo staff had collected the dragon from Zac, looking a little surprised. “That was a clever trick, mate. Haven’t seen that one before.”

Zac opened his mouth to answer but nothing came out.

Bindi came to the rescue. “You know we’re always trying out new tricks to keep the animals entertained, Frank.”

“Well, nice work. It was a terrific show. C’mon little fella. Enough excitement for today.”

Zac watched the dragon leave. He still felt awful about what he’d done. “Hey, Bindi, I was so totally wrong. I’m sorry,” he said quietly.

Bindi looked serious for a moment. “It
was
a really silly thing to do, Zac. And if one of the keepers had seen what you’d done, you would’ve been in serious trouble.”

Zac nodded. “I know. I wasn’t thinking properly. But, tell me something, how did the parrot know the lizard was in there? Was it some kind of animal telepathy or something?”

Bindi giggled. “Well, sort of. But it wasn’t actually the parrot that knew, Zac, it was the blue-ringed octopus over there”—she pointed to her brother, who was wolfing down an enormous piece of cake, most of his tentacles already covered in chocolate and cream—“who saw you grab the lizard in the first place.”

Zac just shook his head, ashamed.

Bindi continued, “Look, I can tell you love reptiles like I do. And that’s a great thing. Just promise me you won’t do anything like that again, okay?”

“I promise.” He saw his parents making their way over with Holly, who was carefully holding onto her slice of cake. “I better get going, I guess.”

Bindi handed him his own slice of cake. “Well, it’s been…interesting meeting you, Zac.”

He smiled. “It’s been great meeting you, Bindi.” He took the cake. “Thanks for everything.”

Holly came up to them. “Please, please, can we both take a picture with you, Bindi?”

Zac was about to object, but he changed his mind. “Good idea, Hol.” He gave his little sister a hug. “Okay with you, Bindi?”

“Of course.” The three of them posed with big smiles, each holding their slices of cake.

Mrs. Brown was about to shout “say cheese,” when a small blue-ringed octopus, who had finally finished his enormous piece of cake, tripped on one of his own tentacles and went hurtling into the three of them, just as the camera flashed…