Deep in the lush Mangrove Jungle, where vines dangled like streamers and birds sang all day long, four curious friends loved to explore the wild: Maya the monkey, Tiko the toucan, Zane the zebra, and Luna the leopard. Together, they called themselves the Jungle Scouts.

Every afternoon after their lessons with Elder Elephant, they would roam the trails, play near the riverbanks, and solve little mysteries in their jungle home.

The Splash and the Map

One sunny day, as the Jungle Scouts were playing near Crocodile Creek, a loud splash startled them.

“Did you hear that?” Tiko asked, circling overhead.

They peeked through the tall grasses and saw Old Craggy, the grumpy crocodile, disappearing into the water. But something else caught their eye, a piece of tree bark floating on the surface with markings on it.

Zane scooped it up. “It’s a map!” he exclaimed. “And it shows a cave behind the waterfall!” “But no one ever goes near the Crocodile’s side of the river,” Luna said cautiously. Maya grinned. “That’s what makes it an adventure!”

A Crocodile’s Warning

It was Craggy. His eyes glinted as he stepped into the light. The Jungle Scouts froze.

“I warned animals not to come here,” Craggy said slowly. “But… you’re not just any animals, are you?” Zane stepped forward. “We thought this was a secret hideout. We didn’t mean to intrude.”

Craggy studied them, then let out a deep sigh. “This cave was once for all animals. But when the floods came last year, everyone forgot… except me.” Maya nodded. “Then maybe it’s time we remember, together.” Craggy blinked, then gave a toothy grin. “Maybe you’re right.”