CHAPTER TEN
Carrie, Lindsay, Hannah, and Hazel got off the small boat at the island for the animals. They’d volunteered to go out and help feed the animals since the others were so busy.
Each animal had its’ own private enclosure but they could easily move about the island if they desired. Somehow, and they suspected it was Irene, the animals didn’t see one another as enemies or food sources. They got along just like those on the human islands.
Semu enjoyed feeding time as much as anyone. Not just for herself but for the other animals as well. She was the consummate mother, worrying for all those around here.
If animals were being stubborn, not getting into their enclosure for feeding time, Alvin was the one that herded them to where they needed to be. Even the larger animals, the elephants, hippos, and rhinos did what Alvin told them to do.
They spotted Gaspar on a bench talking to two male Russian wolves and a female tigress.
“Gaspar? Are you alright?” asked Hazel. He jumped, startled a bit and nodded.
“I think so,” he smirked. “I’ve been asking the animals questions about humans being sick. It’s interesting what I can hear and understand when I focus and listen. All this time I was calling my mother crazy and I think I’m the one who is crazy now.”
“You’re not crazy,” smiled Hannah. “I think you’re amazing. I think all of you are amazing. The fact that you can communicate with the animals is pretty awesome in my book.”
“Well, thank you,” he nodded, smiling at the women. “You out here for feeding time?”
“We are,” smiled Lindsay. “We offered so that Lucy, Claire, and the others could take care of the other animals at the clinic.”
“Are they sick?” he asked frowning.
“Oh, no,” said Hazel. “They got a group of horses in from a farm that burned down and they’re treating some minor injuries. Also, they have another group of dogs they’re training for K-9 services.”
“Good,” nodded Gaspar. Benglash, the tigress let out a few low rumbles and one loud growl. “I understand. I’ll see what I can do.”
“Is something wrong?” asked Hannah.
“Not really. She just would like her enclosure to be warmer. I think we can probably add an area that’s heated for her. She’s older and her arthritis is bothering her.”
“Tigers get arthritis?” smirked Lindsay.
“Oh, definitely. Just about anything we get, they can get. Cancer, diabetes, heart disease, all of it.”
“All of it except whatever this virus is,” frowned Hazel. “Why is that?”
“That’s a great question,” said Gaspar turning to look at the wolves and the tigress. “Why do you think that is? Why aren’t you getting the virus like the humans?”
There were a series of loud grunts, roars, barks, rumbles and other sounds from the animals, then finally Gaspar nodded.
“It’s something to do with things humans do that the animals do not. So, we know we all eat, sleep, bathe, swim, walk, and commune with one another. What is there that we do that they don’t do?”
“Shop,” said Lindsay. “Drive cars, travel, lots of different things.”
“That’s true,” he mumbled. “I don’t know. Right now I just want to keep the animals safe and healthy. All of us as well, but it seems my retirement plan involves a zoo.”
“Well, for what it’s worth,” said Hannah, “I think that’s a pretty good plan. I mean, look at Elvis. I’ve never seen him so happy with that scarf on his neck.”
“Yeah, it is something to see,” he chuckled.
Crossing the small land bridge, Gaspar saw the pet supply delivery truck. Once a week they brought tons of food for the variety of animals, leaving them at the main gate for pick up and distribution.
“Mornin’ Gaspar. Ladies,” smiled the man.
“Morning, Calvin,” he said waving. Behind him the tigress roared and backed up. “Benglash! What’s wrong with you? You know Calvin.”
“She’s upset because I’m a few minutes late,” laughed the older man.
He got busy unloading the food, leaving it for someone else to move to the appropriate holding areas. When he was done, Gaspar signed the sheet and waved at the man.
“Gaspar, there’s something wrong with the animals,” said Hazel.
Sure enough, Gaspar turned to see them pacing back and forth, some growling, others trumpeting. He frowned at them, walking toward them to calm them.
“What do you think that’s all about?” asked Hannah.
“I’m not sure,” said Carrie. “We’ll let Gaspar deal with that. Our job is to make sure they’re fed before they see us as food.”
The women just laughed, going about their duties to ensure everyone was fed properly, while Gaspar calmed the animals. But for Carrie, she suspected that something was happening that they just didn’t put together yet.
Time was ticking and they needed to figure out this problem.