Shikari, the mamma hippo, was happy and proud of her baby. So, she called for a big celebration for the naming ceremony. She made a guest list, and elaborate arrangements for the party. The birds and the animals in the forest were thrilled to get the invitation.
Some of them were curious to know what would be served at the feast.
The crane commented, “It would be only grass, so it won't be interesting.”
The parrots chided the crane saying, “Don't be mean. The hippos are herbivores, so obviously they will be able to give only plant food.”
Party!The day arrived and all the birds and the animals turned up for the party with gifts. Mono the crocodile was also invited, but not the lion and hyena. They watched the fun from the banks of the river, and said they would be ready to feast on the young hippo soon.
The senior friends admonished mother hippo for inviting the crocodile, who was their enemy. Mother hippo said she wanted to keep the crocodile in her good books. Throughout the party, the crocodile looked happy, and wished the baby hippo a long life.
The baby was named Roger and he grew up fast and could always be seen playing in the water. One day mother hippo called Roger, and said, “My son it is time for you to go to school.” Roger was not happy. He said. “Mamma, I am not a human. How can I go to school? The children are naughty. They threw stones at us the other day.”
Shikari laughed and said, “I will be sending you to Hippo school, where wise hippos will teach you how to protect yourself from enemies such as the lion, hyena and crocodile.” Roger was surprised. “But mamma, crocodile uncle promised to take me to the other side to eat fine green grass,” he said. Shikari was worried and took him to the school.
Danger aheadSchool went well and Roger learnt how to tackle his enemies. One day the crocodile offered to take the baby hippo to the other side at night to graze. Roger was well-armed, and went with the crocodile, without telling his mother.
As they were nearing the banks of the river, Roger noticed the hyena and lion. The hyena howled and the lion roared. Roger sensed danger, and asked the crocodile where they were going. The crocodile told Roger that they were his friends. “You go ahead and enjoy your feast. I will chit chat with them.”
Roger remembered his teacher’s words and mamma’s warning about the crocodile. He said. “Uncle, since it is very hot, I would like to get off your back, and swim ashore.” Saying this, he got off the crocodile’s back and began swimming back fast. The crocodile reached the river bank and realised that Roger had fooled him. The disappointed lion and the hyena were angry.
They said, “Just like your grandfather was fooled by a monkey, you were fooled by the baby hippo today.”
Roger returned home safely. Shikari was happy to see him and commended his bravery.
