Tag: Under African Skies

The Great River Rescue

As everywhere else on earth, Christmastime had also come to the watering hole, not that any of the animals knew this.  However, Elephant always felt as if things were a little different this time of the year.  The Prickly Pear Boys were quiet, the Pride hadn’t been seen in days and even Brick and Brack seemed to be getting along.  There was a general feeling of good will around the watering hole and even if he didn’t understand what had brought it all about, Elephant was glad for a respite from the usual problem solving.

It was the longest day of the year and it was incredibly hot.  The whole croc-squad was passed out on a sand bank, so most of the animals stood in the cool water while drinking.  Elephant was playing with Brenda’s kids, spraying the little meerkats with water from his trunk, making them squeal and giggle with delight, while Otto and his boys put on a superb display of synchronised swimming to entertain those who were still conscious.

Perry the field mouse came hopping through the grass.  Elephant sighed.  Of course peace like this could never last.

Continue reading “The Great River Rescue”

The Watering Hole Liberation

Elephant topped the rise to see all the other animals gathered around the watering hole.  It seemed like there was some kind of commotion at the water’s edge, but elephants have dreadful eyesight, so he could not quite make out what was going on.  There certainly was a lot of noise – the wild dogs were yelping, the hyenas were giggling, the wildebeest were grunting, the buffaloes were snorting, the cheetahs were growling and every other animal was making whatever sound they made.  Elephant had to trumpet at the top of his voice to make himself heard over this ruckus.  ‘Hello, hello, hello.  What’s all this?  What’s all this?’ he said when they settled down.

The animals at the water’s edge drew back, allowing Elephant to see the Prickly Pear Boys, the savannah’s most notorious troop of baboons, lounging in the shallows.

Continue reading “The Watering Hole Liberation”