This Monkey Jumps Straight Into a Crocodile’s Trap
Deep in the heart of the jungle, where the dense canopy filtered golden beams of sunlight onto the forest floor, a mischievous young monkey named Kiki swung effortlessly from branch to branch. He was a lively little primate, full of energy and curiosity, always looking for his next adventure. But Kiki’s playful spirit often got him into trouble, and today would be no exception.
The jungle was home to many creatures, some friendly, some dangerous. Among the most feared was Garu, the old crocodile who ruled the murky waters of the river that cut through the rainforest. His scales were thick, his eyes sharp, and his jaws powerful enough to crush bones in an instant. The other animals knew better than to go near his territory, but Kiki—being young and reckless—rarely paid attention to warnings.
That morning, Kiki and his troop were foraging near the riverbank. The elder monkeys kept a watchful eye on the water, knowing that Garu often lurked just below the surface, waiting for an unsuspecting meal. But Kiki, more focused on his own games, spotted something exciting—a group of brightly colored mangoes floating on the river’s edge. Their golden skin glistened in the sunlight, and their sweet scent made his mouth water.
Without thinking, Kiki leaped down from the trees, landing on a low branch that stretched over the water. His troop chattered nervously, trying to warn him, but Kiki wasn’t listening. His mind was set on the delicious mangoes, and in one swift motion, he jumped straight toward them.
The moment his feet left the branch, the water below erupted. A massive set of jaws burst from beneath the surface—Garu had been waiting. The crocodile had carefully positioned the mangoes as bait, knowing that a hungry animal might be tempted to reach for them. Kiki had fallen right into his trap.
Time seemed to slow as Kiki realized his mistake. Mid-air, he saw Garu’s monstrous jaws widening, his sharp teeth gleaming in the sunlight. Panic surged through the little monkey’s body, but instincts kicked in. Twisting in the air, he flung his arms outward, grabbing onto a nearby vine just as Garu snapped his jaws shut—right where Kiki had been only seconds before.
The monkey swung wildly, his heart pounding in his chest. Below him, Garu thrashed in frustration, his tail sending waves crashing against the shore. He had come so close to making Kiki his meal, but the quick reflexes of the little primate had saved him—just barely.
Kiki scrambled back up into the trees, his limbs shaking from the near-death experience. His troop surrounded him, some scolding him, others relieved that he was safe. An older monkey, wise and stern, grabbed Kiki by the scruff and pulled him close, giving him a warning look.
“You must listen,” the elder monkey said. “The jungle is not just a place for games. Danger hides where you least expect it.”
Kiki, still breathless, nodded. For the first time, he truly understood the warnings he had ignored for so long. He glanced back at the river, where Garu was now slipping silently beneath the surface once more, his yellow eyes still watching. The mangoes floated idly, still tempting, but Kiki knew better now.
He had been lucky. Next time, he might not be.
From that day on, Kiki was more cautious. He still played, still explored, but he always listened when the elders spoke of danger. The jungle was a wondrous place, but it belonged to the wise as much as the bold. And he had learned—sometimes, an adventure could lead straight into the jaws of a waiting predator.
