Junior Zookeepers

Early the next morning, Ashley, Michelle and her mom drove to the city zoo. Michelle's mom had been a zookeeper there for 10 years.

"Today might be a special day," Michelle's mom said.

"Why?" Michelle asked.

"Well, you know that I take care of the primates."

Ashley interrupted. "What are primates?"

"Primates are monkeys, apes and lemurs," Michelle's mom said.

"Cool!" exclaimed Ashley.

"One of my monkeys is expecting a baby. I think it may be born today."

"That would be the best thing in the whole world!" Michelle exclaimed.

"It sure would!" Ashley said.

"The first thing we have to do is check on our mommy-to-be," Michelle's mom said as she pulled into her parking place. "Are you two ready?"

"Yes!" They jumped out of the car.

"I'll lead the way," Michelle's mom said.

She unlocked the back gate of the zoo. They headed directly for the Primate House.

"Here we are." They had stopped outside a building with a green door. "We must be very quiet when we go in. Mommies-to-be can be very nervous." She unlocked the door. They stepped into a cool, dark hallway. A row of small doors lined the wall. Pointing to the doors, she explained: "This area is the night house. Each monkey has his or her own cage. Right now they are all in the exhibit."

Ashley, Michelle and her mom walked quietly to the side of the large exhibit. Several adult monkeys were sitting in various areas of the exhibit.

"All I see are big monkeys," Ashley whispered. "I don't see a baby anywhere."

"I don't either," Michelle said. Her eyes continued to search the corners of the exhibit.

"Wait! Mom, what is that? Over there--in that water dish."

Thursday: What has Michelle seen?

* Joyce Glazier enjoys writing stories about animals. She is working on a new book about the cheetahs in Namibia, Africa.

* This story will be on The Times' Web site at http://www.latimes.com/kids.

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