In a winding jungle river, where golden sunlight danced on the surface and rainbow fish leapt like jewels, lived a young crocodile named Cleo. She wasn’t like the other crocodiles, who preferred sunbathing and slow swims. Cleo was an explorer at heart, dreaming of adventure, discovery, and heroism.

One stormy night, thunder cracked the sky and heavy rain flooded the banks. The next morning, Cleo blinked in disbelief. The river had changed completely. Trees were toppled, muddy whirlpools had formed, and thick branches blocked the main flow. Even worse, animal friends were stranded on islands of mud and rock.

“This river needs a hero,” Cleo said, narrowing her eyes. And with a deep breath and a powerful swish of her tail, she launched into the current.
The River Run had begun.

A Splash into Trouble

Cleo swam like a green streak through the swirling water. As she rounded a bend, a small voice called out, “Over here!”

Clinging to a bobbing log was a trembling turtle named Tula. “The storm washed away my path home,” she squeaked.

Cleo lowered her back. “Hop on, Tula! I’ll get you there safely.”

With careful balance and gentle paddling, Cleo delivered Tula to her burrow just beyond a fallen log bridge. “You’re amazing!” said Tula, waving. Cleo just smiled. “Adventure waits!”

The Dark Water Cave

The river turned narrow and strange. Vines hung low, blocking the light. Frogs croaked softly as Cleo entered the Shadow Stretch.

In the eerie silence, a squeak echoed. “Hello?” Cleo called.

Inside a mossy cave, she spotted a baby otter trapped behind a tangled mess of branches and reeds. “Hold on,” Cleo said.

With one strong swipe of her tail and a careful tug from her jaws, she cleared the path. The otter swam to her and climbed onto her head, snuggling between her eyes.

“You smell like eucalyptus,” he mumbled, yawning. Cleo chuckled. “Thanks, I think.”