Kubu's Great Escape

Kubu the hippo lived in a special enclosure at Chobe National Park. She was a big, round hippo with smooth, grey skin and kind eyes. She wore a bright pink collar. Kubu loved watching the zebras, giraffes, and elephants roam free. "I want to be free like them!" she sighed one day.

She tried squeezing under the fence. Too big! She tried climbing over. Too heavy! Then, she saw a clever solution. The park keepers often used a small gate to bring in food. Kubu watched patiently. As the keeper walked away, Kubu gently nudged the gate open with her nose.

She slipped out, her pink collar flashing. She saw the other animals and splashed happily in a cool watering hole. They cautiously approached. A friendly zebra named Zola nuzzled her. Kubu was finally free! But the feeling faded when she realized she was alone, and the sun began to set. Kubu missed her keepers and delicious meals. Remembering their kindness, Kubu slowly walked back to her enclosure. The keeper was thrilled to see her, gave her a big, juicy melon, and promised she could join the other animals during supervised visits.

Kubu learned that even though she enjoyed being free, friendship and safety were important too.