Houdini

         This exhibit temporarily empty the sign read.

          “Aw, Mom,” Alex moaned.  “I really wanted to see the turtles.”

          “I know, hon,” she comforted.  “Let’s look at the rest of the animals and maybe the turtles will be back.”

         The two continued around the herpitarium, looking into each glass enclosure.  “Look, Mom.  There’s a zookeeper by the turtle cage,” Alex pointed out.

“Let’s go see,” she suggested.

         Alex ran ahead and greeted the zookeeper.  “Are you going to put the turtle out now?” he asked, excited.

          “Well, son, we’re trying to figure out how the turtle keeps escaping.  Every night we make sure the cage is closed tight, and every morning, he’s gone again.” 

          “How do you put him in?” Alex asked, searching all around the enclosure for an opening.

         The zookeeper smiled at the little boy’s curiosity.  “Where’s your Mom?” he asked.

          “I’m his Mom.  Alex is so excited to see the turtle; I’m sorry if he’s been pestering you with his questions.”  The woman smiled and took her son’s hand.

          “Not at all, ma’am,” he said, extending his hand.  “I’m Roger.”

          “It’s nice to meet you, Roger.  I’m Patrice and this is my son, Alex,” she said.

          “Alex was just asking how we get the turtle into his habitat.  I’d be happy to show him.”  Roger gestured for them to follow.  He took out a ring of keys and opened a door painted the same color as the wall.

          “It’s a secret door,” Alex whispered in awe.

         Roger smiled and Alex’s mom and she smiled back.

         They went down a hallway and Roger pointed out the kitchen where they prepared food for the animals and the room where they received care from the veterinarian.

          “Here we are,” he said, pointing to the back of the turtle enclosure.  “Every morning I come in here and look for the turtle, but somehow he manages to get out overnight.  I always find him over here by the refrigerator.”

          “Maybe he’s hungry at night and goes for a snack,” Alex suggested.

          “That could be,” Roger replied.  We’re trying to figure out how he does it.  Turtles don’t climb.”

          “We’re also trying to pick a name for him,” said another keeper.

          “I think Houdini would be a good name,” Alex said with a smile.

          “Yes, that would be perfect.”

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:::TO  BE  EXPANDED:::