The Wildlife Games by Bindi Irwin Read Free Book Online Page A

lizards. Anastasia complimented a passing tourist on her stylish handbag, and they were soon talking labels andthe best places to shop in New York, while Declan was spellbound by the new enclosure.
    Bindi sidled up to him. ‘Of course, this may be your 23rd visit but it’s the first time you would have seen this.’ She gestured to the wide open space in front of them.
    Declan nodded. ‘It’s fantastic. The zebras look right at home next to the giraffes and the rhinos.’
    Bindi nodded. ‘Our zookeepers were very cautious at first, making sure the different species were going to get along with one another, but it has worked out so well. There’s enough space for everyone to get along.’
    â€˜And of course, there are no carnivores to take a bite out of you when you’re not expecting it.’
    Bindi giggled. ‘Yes, that too.’
    Terri gathered the group and formally openedthe African Savannah. She made special mention of the Wildlife Games team as well. Cameras flashed, videos filmed and Anastasia did her best to get in as many photos as possible.

    At the easternmost section of Australia Zoo, near where the Madagascan lemurs hung out, a team of experts had hooked up the ultimate treetops challenge for the competitors. It stretched 500 metres through a forest of trees. A flying fox had been rigged between two sturdy eucalypts, below which was a murky-looking swamp. There were roped walking paths and ladders along with a monkey bar across two shorter trees, ending with a spider-web-type climbing apparatus and two climbing ropes, knotted at the end for the dismount.
    This would have been heaven to the lemurs, but it was going to be a test of strength, bravery and agility for the four contestants in the Wildlife Games.
    Jason was thrilled he was finally going to be able to use what he considered to be his superior sporting skills.
    As soon as she saw the course, Anastasia started limbering up as though she was about to launch into a gymnastics routine. The height above ground and the strength required were obviously not going to be a problem for her.
    Mimi turned to Declan after Bindi had shown the group the course, and said, ‘I’m not feeling so well.’
    Declan patted her on the back. ‘You do look a little pale.’
    â€˜I have no trouble naming all the trees and theirgenera in this area but I don’t like climbing them!’ she said a little breathlessly.
    Once the cameras were rolling, Bindi turned to the contestants. ‘So, you will have gathered that challenge number three is a treetops challenge.’
    The camera panned to Mimi, who was still wearing a panicked expression.
    â€˜Hey Mimi, you’ll be wearing a harness the whole time,’ soothed Bindi, noticing that she looked a little strained. ‘You won’t be in any danger. It will be the contestant who finishes the circuit first that will win this challenge.’
    â€˜Do I lose points if I take three hours longer than anyone else?’ Mimi asked, only half-joking.
    Bindi grinned. ‘Of course not, but you’ll understand if the film crew decide to go off and have lunch in the meantime.’
    Mimi almost smiled. ‘That would be fine with me. I’m not so keen on my fear of heights being displayed for all to see on national television.’
    Jason overheard this last comment. ‘Well, perhaps you should have thought of that before you auditioned for the Wildlife Games,’ he said bluntly.
    Declan wasn’t impressed. ‘Leave it alone, Jason,’ he said.
    Mimi interrupted. ‘No, he’s right, Declan. I knew what I was getting myself in for.’ She took a deep breath, steeling herself.
    Anastasia sidled up to the group, not pleased to see Mimi the centre of attention. She gave her competitors and the camera a shrewd look. ‘It might just be an act, you know. Mimi might be a totallyexpert climber and she’s gaining a