Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Bolt: To secure, or to flee (10/02/25)
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TITLE: Rogue Roo | Previous Challenge Entry
By April Wenzel
10/08/25 -
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“What happened now?” asked Talon.
“I propped the enclosure gate so I could carry the feed and my shovel all in one trip.”
Talon sighed and set down his push broom. “How many got out?”
“Just one.”
“Well, that’s better than last time. Did you see where it went?”
“Yeah, it bolted out the gate and headed straight for the elephant enclosure.”
Talon glanced at his watch. “Come on, the zoo opens in less than thirty minutes. We need to find it quick. And make sure you bolt the gate behind you.”
Dante scowled. “Hey, I don’t need a lecture on locking enclosure gates. I always lock the gates when I leave.”
“That’s true,” said Talon. “Except you keep leaving the gates open before you leave, so the animals can just stroll right out.”
Dante’s shoulders slumped. “Good point.”
“It’s probably looking for stray peanuts again,” said Talon. “Go keep your eye on it. I’ll get some peanut butter and a rope and meet you there.”
Dante walked to the elephant enclosure. A small kangaroo was sniffing the ground. When it couldn’t find any peanuts, it hopped toward a vendor’s soft pretzel cart. Dante followed.
Talon showed up at the elephant enclosure just in time to see Dante disappear around the corner. Talon jogged to catch up with Dante. Then, together, they slowly approached the kangaroo. But the pretzel vendor, who had been bending over looking for supplies inside his cart, stood up and startled the kangaroo.
Bounding off with powerful, long leaps, the kangaroo fled toward the lion enclosure. Dante and Talon raced after it. The kangaroo paused about fifty feet from the enclosure. Several lions were resting peacefully until an announcement came over the loudspeaker. “The zoo will be opening in fifteen minutes. All front-end employees, please report to your stations.” A lion sat up and roared, startling the kangaroo. Once again, the kangaroo fled.
Dante and Talon raced to keep up. It slowed down and then stopped in a grassy open area where there were several picnic tables. Dante took the rope and snuck around behind the kangaroo as it grazed.
Talon opened the peanut butter and stepped slowly toward the kangaroo. “Hey, buddy. You want some peanut butter?” The kangaroo sniffed the air and took a small hop toward Talon.
Dante silently climbed onto a picnic table behind the kangaroo.
Talon took another step toward the kangaroo, holding the peanut butter in his outstretched arm. “It’s your favorite.”
Dante slowly and carefully lifted the rope and tossed the looped end over the kangaroo’s head.
“Get that rope off Snuggles before you choke him! And finish cleaning out his rabbit cage. It’s almost time for dinner,” said Mom, ruining yet another grand adventure.
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