Free The Eager Elephant by Amelia Cobb Page A

still thebest in her class. She had lots of practice playing with her animal friends!
    Peering through the leaves over the top of the wooded enclosure, Zoe saw a bright-yellow jeep rumbling slowly through the zoo gates. It was very dusty, with big muddy wheels, and looked like it had travelled a long way. The back of the jeep was open and flat, without a roof or any seats, and a large wooden crate was strapped on to it.
     

    Around her, Zoe heard lots of noise as the other zoo animals spotted the jeep. The grizzly bears growled curiously. The turtles swam to the edge of their lagoon enclosure. And Oscar, the friendly African elephant, lifted his big trunk in the air and gave a noisy trumpet.
    As the jeep got closer, Zoe could see something through the dirt on the door. There was a familiar logo painted there – a hot-air balloon, the symbol of the Rescue Zoo! Zoe’s heart gave a big thump of excitement. “It’s Great-Uncle Horace!” she gasped. “He’s back from his safari trip. And he’s brought a new animal for the Rescue Zoo!”

Chapter Two
A Safari Surprise
    Climbing down the tree and waving goodbye to the koalas, Zoe dashed out of the enclosure and raced towards the cottage. Meep scampered along the path next to her. “Goo’s back! And there’s a new animal to play with!” he squeaked excitedly.
    They reached the big yellow jeep justas the door opened, and a huge bird with glossy blue feathers and a curved beak flew out. She swooped straight into the air, happily stretching her wings.
    “Kiki!” Zoe grinned as she saw the beautiful hyacinth macaw. Kiki and Great-Uncle Horace were best friends, just like Zoe and Meep, and Kiki travelled everywhere with Great-Uncle Horace.
    Then a man with untidy white hair and twinkling eyes stepped out. He wore a crumpled safari hat and jacket, and when he saw Zoe his face broke into a cheerful smile.
    “Great-Uncle Horace!” exclaimed Zoe, rushing forward.
    “Zoe, my dear! Goodness me, you’re getting so big!” cried Great-Uncle Horace, scooping her up for a hug. “I’vebeen having all sorts of exciting adventures in Africa, but it’s splendid to come home and see you! I’ve missed you so much. And you too, Meep!” he added, chuckling as Meep eyed the big wooden crate. “I see your inquisitive friend wants to know what’s inside!” he said, winking at Zoe. “You’ll both find out soon, I promise. Ah, here’s everyone else!”

    A crowd of zookeepers rushed down the path, calling out greetings to Great-Uncle Horace. Then Mr Pinch, the grumpy zoo manager, arrived. His face was like thunder as he spotted the crate.
    “Another new animal to make lots of mess! Don’t I have enough to do already?” Zoe heard him mutter grumpily.
    Zoe’s mum, Lucy, arrived next, her face pink from running across the zoo. “Welcome home!” she said warmly, reaching up to kiss Great-Uncle Horace’s cheek. Then she saw the crate and grinned. “And who have you brought home this time?”
    “A friendly young fellow, who I think will be just right for the Rescue Zoo,” said Great-Uncle Horace, beaming. “Infact, let’s show him his new home now. I’ll need a few helpers to put the wooden crate right outside Oscar’s enclosure, please. Careful though – it’s rather heavy!”
    As a group of zookeepers began moving the crate, Zoe glanced at Meep. The little lemur looked as puzzled as she felt. The new animal was going to live with Oscar? But Oscar was a huge elephant – and the crate was only the same size as Zoe! There couldn’t be another elephant inside, could there?
    Then Zoe gasped. “Unless,” she whispered to Meep, her eyes shining, “it’s a
baby
elephant!”
    Meep gave a squeal and leaped on to Zoe’s shoulders so that he could see better.
    “Excuse me, please – coming through.”An elderly man in a zookeeper uniform rushed over to help.
    “If it
is
an elephant, David will be so happy!” Zoe whispered to Meep.
    David the elephant keeper had worked at