by Bindi Irwin
‘Ah, that’s Betafo. Watch it, he may be –’ Bindi stopped as the lemur started checking out Anastasia’s pockets – ‘looking for food,’ Bindi finished as Betafo pulled out a hair-tie, a mascara wand and a plastic-covered mint from Ana’s jacket.
Anastasia wasn’t fazed. ‘Hey, this guy is a major pickpocket,’ she said as she grabbed back her items.
Bindi handed out some grapes to the four kids. ‘Try giving him these instead.’
Anastasia handed Betafo a grape. ‘This is much better for you than the mint, okay?’
The lemur snatched the grape and quickly popped it into his mouth.
Bindi grinned. Anastasia really was a natural around animals. It was that other species, humans, that she rubbed up the wrong way.
The other ringtails saw food and came running. A lot of their enrichment activities involved food and finding it, and they had just worked out that these children were their latest enrichment activity.
The kids dissolved in giggles as the lemurs climbed over them in a bid to get to the most food first. The film crew were also laughing and poor Ginny the camerawoman had to try hard to keep her camera steady and in focus.
The competitors no longer looked like competitors – they looked like a group of kids who were getting tickled to death by a gang of ring-tailed lemurs. It was television magic.
Once all the grapes had gone, Bindi asked the contestants to line up in a row. She called Betafo and his little mate Mandabe over to her. ‘Now, these two are our smartest lemurs. They’ll be deciding the order in which you complete the treetops challenge. Guys, go to it.’
The lemurs seemed to know exactly what was asked of them. They both jumped directly onto Declan, one on each shoulder.
‘Okay, Declan’s first up.’
Declan moved away from the rest of the group, pleased, and the lemurs next moved onto Anastasia, then Jason, then Mimi.
Then they jumped back onto Bindi’s shoulder, job done. Bindi gave them a couple of grapes. ‘Great work, guys. Thanks for your help.’
As they headed back to the treetops challenge, Declan said to the group, ‘I think those lemurs are incredible. Did you know that they evolved at a different pace from other simians on the African mainland when Madagascar became an island?’
Bindi smiled. ‘Yes, they’re called prosimians for that reason, meaning “pre-monkey”. It’s thought that because Madagascar didn’t have many predators, the lemurs didn’t have to work as hard to stay alive as the other species that were left on the African mainland with carnivores that would think nothing of eating a monkey or two for lunch.’
Mimi frowned. ‘It makes me think, you know. Would humans evolve quicker if we were threatened by a large predator?’
Bindi raised her eyebrows. ‘That’s an interesting question, isn’t it?’
Declan added, ‘Perhaps we have a predator already, and it’s just taking its time to strike?’
Anastasia shivered. ‘Uggh, you’re freaking me out. What do you mean? Like an alien invasion or something?’
Jason shook his head. ‘I think he means climate change.’
Declan nodded as Jason continued. ‘Or overpopulation. In both cases we’re creating our own “predator”. Something that may end up wiping us out if we don’t change the way we live.’
Mimi looked serious. ‘It’s all about learning how to live sustainably. That’s what I’m always telling the tourists at our eco-resort.’
Anastasia looked over at Mimi, thoughtful. ‘It’s all very well to say things like that when you’re walking through a rainforest or whatever, but it’s harder to do when you live in a big city and everything seems to involve using petrol or electricity or plastic.’
‘I agree with you. It’s hard, but it’s still important to be aware of it, and make changes where you can.’
Anastasia nodded. ‘Yeah, I know what you’re saying.’
There was a pause in conversation as the group exchanged looks. Whatever had just passed between them, it felt important. It wasn’t about the TV cameras. This conversation had come from the heart.
Bindi felt a welling of pride. Not only were these teenagers here to help raise money for the wildlife hospital, they were taking the time to talk about serious issues. These were different people from different parts of the country, and they could look totally self-obsessed or introverted but were still able to discuss subjects that really mattered to them and to all humanity in the decades to come.
She rounded up the team in an impromptu group hug. ‘You guys are awesome,’ she said, a lump in her throat.
They shared a quiet hug until Anastasia announced, ‘Don’t think just because we’re all loved-up that I’m not going to whip your hides in the treetops challenge.’
Jason laughed. ‘Bring it!’
The kids all raced towards the flying fox, re-energised.
THERE WERE NO SURPRISES IN this challenge, although Mimi was pleased to find she quite enjoyed it in the end, as long as she tried to concentrate on birds that were flying overhead and made sure she never looked down. But Jason finished with the fastest time, followed closely by Anastasia, Declan and then Mimi.
Bindi also let the contestants know the results of the food challenge.
Anastasia had won this challenge, getting full marks. Mimi came a close second, followed by Declan and Jason in joint third place.
‘So Anastasia is in the lead at this point, with Jason running a close second,’ announced Bindi, ‘but as you know, the audience will vote on your performance so the overall winner won’t be known until the Wildlife Games have been televised.’
The group was left to chew on this as Bindi grabbed a quick sandwich before meeting her friend Josie and Josie’s cousin at the main entrance.
Tara, after the morning’s mishap with Jason, was trying not to let any of the talent out of her sight. ‘Bindi, it would be better if you stayed put.’
‘Tara, I won’t be long, okay?’
The coordinator frowned. ‘All right. But you need to be at the cheetah run at 1.15, which is in 45 minutes.’
Bindi nodded. ‘No problem, I’ll be there. These guys will be fine wandering around by themselves. I just want to say hi to Josie.’ She waved bye to the contestants and headed to meet her friend.
Bindi arrived at the main entrance to the zoo moments later, a little hot and sweaty. Which turned out to be a bit embarrassing. Josie hadn’t mentioned that her cousin was a guy, and was, you know, not bad-looking. The cousins were both looking immaculate in crisp T-shirts and clean shorts. It was clear their morning had not involved feeding crocs, mixing up zoo food for the animals and getting climbed on by lemurs.
Josie had an inkling of what was going through Bindi’s mind and gave her a reassuring smile. ‘Bindi, this is my cousin, Andrew. Andrew, this is Bindi Irwin.’
‘Hi Bindi. Really nice to meet you.’ He held out his hand for her to shake. She surreptitiously wiped her hand on the leg of her shorts but she knew her hand was still pretty clammy when she shook Andrew’s.
‘Hi Andrew, I didn’t realise Josie’s cousin was a boy,’ she said, glancing pointedly at Josie.
Josie’s grin just got bigger. ‘Well, now you do.’
‘How’s the filming for The Wildlife Games going?’ Andrew asked. ‘Josie told me it was your idea. That’s so awesome.’
Bindi was finally starting to cool down, which was a big relief. But the relief was short-lived. She now realised she hadn’t been to the toilet for hours and hours, and that she really needed to go.
‘Yes, good,’ she said vaguely, after remembering that she’d been asked a question.
Josie looked quizzically at her friend. ‘Um, how long do you have before you need to go back to your TV show?’
Bindi’s bladder was saying ‘TOILET, NOW!’ It was not sa
fe to ignore it any longer. ‘Umm, look, I just need to head over there –’ she pointed in the general direction of the bathrooms – ‘Why don’t you start with the rhinoceros iguana, followed by the alligators over in that direction, and I’ll catch you up, okay?’
‘Okay. See you soon then.’ The cousins walked off, Josie beginning to point out various landmarks.
Bindi berated herself. Why and when had it become embarrassing to mention that you needed to go to the toilet in front of a good-looking guy? Totally ridiculous! If it had just been Josie, it would have been no big deal. She sprinted off towards the toilet.
Josie and Andrew were checking out the ancient alligators when Bindi caught up with them a few moments later.
‘Hi guys, I’m back.’
Josie gave her friend a hug. ‘Great. We were just talking about how amazing it is that reptiles live to be so old.’
Andrew nodded enthusiastically. ‘Yeah, Bindi. Imagine, if these guys could talk, what could they tell you about all the things they’ve seen?’
Bindi smiled. ‘That’s such a good question. Up until a few years ago we had Harriet the giant Galapagos tortoise with us. She had been brought to Australia in 1842 by a friend of Charles Darwin’s. I remember celebrating her 175th birthday! That tortoise had firsthand knowledge of white settlement in Australia!’
‘It’s incredible that these reptiles are built to last so long and we only last around 80 years if we’re lucky,’ said Andrew.
Bindi’s walkie-talkie buzzed. ‘Bindi, are you there, over?’
It was Tara. Bindi picked up and pressed the receive button. ‘Yes, I’m with Josie, Tara. Everything okay?’
There was a moment’s hesitation before Tara continued. ‘Well, not exactly. There’s been a slight . . . incident, over?’
Bindi gripped the walkie-talkie, worried. ‘What kind of incident, over?’
‘It would be better if you came over to the food hall and saw for yourself . . . before the ambulance gets here,’ said Tara meekly.
‘Oh my gosh! I’ll be there in two seconds, over!’
She turned to Josie and Andrew guiltily. Josie gave her a quick hug. ‘Go, we’ll be fine.’
‘I’m so sorry, I –’ started Bindi.
Josie shook her head. ‘Go!’
Bindi nodded, gave an apologetic half-wave to Andrew and took off, tearing across the grounds of the zoo once more, this time back in the direction of the food hall.
BINDI ARRIVED IN THE FOOD hall to see The Wildlife Games director, Stan, getting carried away in a stretcher.
‘Stan, what happened?’ The paramedics carrying the stretcher held still as Bindi spoke to Stan.
Stan shook his head, annoyed. ‘My assistant was rigging lights for the next challenge and swung a ladder round, knocking me on the back of the head.’
‘Are you concussed?’ asked Bindi.
‘I was unconscious for a few seconds, I think, but I also twisted my ankle when I fell.’
Bindi shook her head. ‘That’s terrible. I’m so sorry.’
Stan gave a wan smile. ‘These things happen, Bindi. Instead of saying “break a leg” as they do to performers on stage, I’m thinking about introducing a variation for film crews along the lines of “Don’t break a leg or knock your director unconscious.”’
Bindi laughed despite herself. ‘It’s definitely catchy!’
Stan’s assistant came up to him, looking seriously guilty. ‘I’m so sorry, boss.’
Stan gave him a mock-stern look and then slapped him on the arm. ‘Don’t worry about it, mate. Could’ve happened to anyone. I shouldn’t have been standing behind you.’
The paramedics carted Stan away.
Declan was standing nearby, watching the crowds gathering. ‘I bet the tourists think somone’s been bitten by a croc.’
Mimi grinned. ‘Or stampeded by a rhino.’
Declan turned to the crowds. ‘Don’t worry, everyone. Nothing too serious. It was a concussion caused by a wayward ladder.’
There were a few relieved giggles from the crowd and they slowly dispersed.
Mimi looked at Declan. ‘You are so natural in front of a crowd.’
Declan shrugged. ‘It’s no big deal to me. I’ve always enjoyed school speeches and debating.’
‘You’re like the total opposite of me, you know,’ said Mimi.
‘Opposites attract,’ said Declan with a smile.
Mimi looked at her feet, trying to hide her smile.
Anastasia and Jason were discussing whether The Wildlife Games would or could continue without a director.
‘I was already questioning his direction during the treetops challenge anyway. I’m not sure he was positioning his crew right,’ said Ana. ‘I’m sure when I was doing the course the cameras were focused somewhere entirely different!’ she noted, outraged.
Jason raised an eyebrow. ‘I don’t know where the film crew was, I just knew I won,’ he said boastfully.
Ana cast him a competitive sidelong glance. ‘You remember who’s coming first overall though, don’t you?’
‘It ain’t over till it’s over, baby, and I’m not far behind you.’
Ana looked alarmed. ‘Eww, did you just call me “baby”?’
At that moment Tara jumped on a table to get their attention. Jason was pleased that he didn’t have to explain himself.
‘Okay, everyone, gather round.’ Tara called the competitors, the crew and Bindi into a huddle. ‘The show will go on, as they say. Ginny, who’s operating the camera, is going to take over as director for the rest of the day’s events.’ Tara glanced at her phone. ‘We’re not yet behind schedule so let’s keep it that way. There are a few golf buggies waiting downstairs to take us over to the cheetah walk area, so let’s hop to it!’
As the group headed towards the carts, Bindi sidled over to Ginny. ‘Is this going to be okay for you, Ginny?’
Ginny shrugged. ‘It’s fine. All pretty straightforward. As long as I duck out of the way of any low-flying ladders, I’ll be sweet.’
Bindi still looked concerned.
‘Bindi, it’ll be okay. Stan and I had already discussed the shooting schedule for the whole of today, so there’ll be no surprises,’ said Ginny reassuringly.
‘I hope he’ll be all right.’
‘Stan’s been hurt on every shoot I’ve ever worked with him but he’s never been badly injured,’ Ginny whispered to Bindi. ‘Seriously, he is the most accident-prone guy you will EVER meet.’
‘You’re not just saying that to make me feel better?’ asked Bindi.
Ginny smiled. ‘Yes, I am, but it’s also the complete and utter truth!’
They jumped in a golf buggy with a few more crew and Bindi was holding her stomach with laughter by the time they got to the cheetah walk. The crew were sharing random Stan incidents and they just got more and more bizarre.
‘Honestly,’ said the clapper loader, ‘I’m surprised when the paramedics turned up today Stan didn’t already know them by name. They’re practically a taxi service for him.’
‘Stop it,’ said Bindi, wiping away tears of laughter.
The hair and make-up artist came and fixed up Bindi a little. She didn’t say much but there was a bit of head shaking and tut-tutting. Bindi’s hair had come loose from all the running around she’d done and any make-up she’d been wearing had dripped off hours ago.
Tara must have thought Bindi needed a bit of a freshen up too, as she’d brought a change of clothes for the afternoon’s filming. Still the khakis, of course, but newer, less sweaty ones. Bliss!
Soon after, the camera was ready, the microphone was fitted to her new shirt and Bindi was ready to begin the afternoon’s shoot. Ginny had already organised Bindi’s co-presenter for the afternoon – a very sweet and sleepy k
oala who happily grabbed onto Bindi as though she were a gum tree.
‘Welcome back to the afternoon session of the Wildlife Games. I have with me one of the games’ adjudicators, Keith Koala. He takes a very dim view of . . . well, practically everything because he doesn’t really have great eyesight, but he’ll be helping me keep a tally of points gained and will be refereeing any disputes that arise, won’t you, Keith?’
Keith chewed on a gumleaf tip lazily, his eyes half-closed.
‘Yes, he’s a very sharp character so the contestants better beware.’
The camera panned over to the four contestants, who were in various stages of warming up, although they were completely in the dark about what they were warming up for.
‘This challenge will be a running race with a difference. You will need to be quick, you will need to be smart and you will need to be good at teamwork.’
The contestants looked surprised when two of the crew came out and separated the boys from the girls. Ana and Mimi were asked to jump into an unusual zebra-striped jumpsuit. The tricky bit was that there were only three legs, and the two girls had to share the middle one.
Ana did not seem thrilled. ‘Don’t we get to choose our partners? Wouldn’t that be fairer?’
Although Mimi didn’t voice it, the look on her face hinted that she was feeling the same way.
A make-up artist came over to the girls.
‘Ah, finally. Do you have any concealer, or just a foundation touch-up would do?’ Ana asked.
The make-up artist grinned, and drew a quick black and white striped zebra pattern on both girls’ cheeks.
Ana looked grumpy.
‘The black and white stripes sort of act as concealer, don’t you think?’ suggested Mimi.
Ana laughed. ‘I guess so.’ She was beginning to realise Mimi’s quiet optimism might be a good thing in a partner.
Jason and Declan were getting into a tiger jumpsuit with only three legs, not speaking or looking at each other. They both managed to overbalance, trying to get their leg into the jumpsuit and looking accusingly at each other, before trying again. This time they managed.