#planckendael

Derring-do

“I went through the most terrible ordeal,” the lion cub whispered. “I ventured into a different continent, and there were dragons out there that stared at me as if I were prey!”

“Do you remember when you thought the spiky piece of wood in our enclosure was a dragon, too?” his mother asked mildly.

The cub shivered and burrowed deeper into the safety of the den. “I’m never going on another adventure. In fact, I’m never setting foot outside again!”

“Not until the next time the zookeeper takes you on a field trip,” his mother agreed. “Wasn’t that little backpack he made for you the most precious thing you’ve ever seen?”

“Mum,” the cub complained, “you know all our visitors call me the king of the jungle because I’m so brave and strong—I don’t need anything precious.”

“Of course, and I’m happy to have you back home,” his mother said, placing a long, wide lick over the top of his head.

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In this picture from Planckendael, we see a packy who looks like she’s about to stomp up some dust for a nice fresh coat.