It was a typical morning in the jungle, with the animal detectives rising early to begin their day. They started with morning exercises, took a bath in the lake, and then gathered for a shared breakfast. This time, Giraffe Zofia had prepared a delicious spread—palm pancakes with honey, banana leaves with ginger sauce, and fresh fruits straight from the treetops. Even Lion Kuba appreciated Zofia’s culinary skills and asked for an extra portion.
After breakfast, the animals made their beds, aired out their rooms, and began their morning consultations. The air was humid, but there was no sign of rain. The sun shone brightly, and the birds sang cheerfully. However, the jungle dwellers whispered among themselves that reportedly, swallow birds were predicting heavy rains, though they hadn’t issued an official statement yet.
In the queue for consultations, three jungle residents were waiting. The first was Rabbit Karol, who looked worried.
„Dear detectives,” he said, „I’m concerned about the flood barriers along the river. No one has checked them in a long time, and I’ve heard rumors of upcoming rains. Can you help us?”
Patrycja immediately pulled out her notebook.
„Of course, Mr. Rabbit. This is a very important matter. We will check everything thoroughly.”
Next came a group of excited and a bit nervous squirrels.
„We have a question!” they chimed in unison. „Where’s the best place to hide our nuts so they don’t get wet if it really rains?”
Alfred, who had experience in storing supplies, advised: „Best to hide them in hollowed tree trunks on the hill, away from the river. Secure them with palm leaves—that’s the best protection against moisture.”
As the third visitor, Mr. Badger Borys appeared, carrying a thick book under his arm.
„I read something disturbing,” he said, showing an open page. „Apparently, digging burrows near the dikes can weaken them. I live very close to a dike, so I’d like to move to a safer place. Can you help me?”
The detectives looked at each other with approval. This was a very responsible attitude.
„That’s an excellent decision, Mr. Badger,” Patrycja said. „Indeed, burrows dug too close to dikes can create tunnels and weaken the structure, especially during heavy rains. Similarly, beaver activity can affect dike stability by building dams and tunnels.”
Kuba jumped up with enthusiasm: „This sounds like a real rescue mission We’ll check the dikes and help with the move!”
When the animals arrived at the dikes, Patrycja pulled out her magnifying glass.
„Let’s check if the dikes are in order,” she said. „They must be strong to protect our jungle from flooding.”
Alfred sniffed along the dike, looking for signs of beavers. Zofia observed from above, checking for cracks. Kuba, despite his sore paw, helped everyone.
„Oh There’s a hole here!” Zofia exclaimed.
The animals found several more problems: Patrycja discovered small cracks in the dike, which she and Alfred filled with a mixture of clay and grass. Zofia noticed that the water had eroded the bottom of the dike, so they brought large stones to line the edge, preventing further erosion. On top of the dike, large trees grew, whose roots could weaken it, so the rabbits helped transplant them to another location. Alfred discovered standing water in some areas, and the animals dug small drains for the water to flow out.
Patrycja explained to everyone: „The dike must be wide at the bottom so it doesn’t topple over—like building a sandcastle on the beach!”
„The best is clay because it doesn’t let water through,” Alfred added. „Sand would just crumble.”
„Grass on the dike isn’t just decoration,” Kuba explained. „Its roots hold the soil together like a net.”
„And the most important thing is to check the dikes regularly,” Patrycja said. „Like brushing your teeth—better to do it often than wait until there’s a problem!”
The animals decided: „Frogs will patrol the dikes and report any changes,” „They will prepare supplies of stones and clay for repairs,” and „Rabbits will make a map of safe places.”
Thanks to their combined effort, the dikes became strong and safe. All jungle dwellers could sleep peacefully!
After all the repairs, Kuba announced: „The dikes look solid, but indeed, Mr. Badger, your burrow is very close. It would be better to move it.”
Now began the real puzzle—where to move Mr. Badger’s home? Patrycja spread out a map of the area and began analyzing different possibilities. Alfred checked the scents in various spots to ensure no other animals were there. Zofia measured distances, and Kuba tested the hardness of the soil.
Suddenly, Rabbit Karol came up with a brilliant idea: „I invite Mr. Badger to our meadow We have plenty of space, and we’ll be neighbors!”
Mr. Badger was delighted. All the animals got to work. The rabbit showed the best spot for the new burrow, squirrels brought soft leaves for bedding, and the detectives helped dig and move Mr. Badger’s belongings.
When the new burrow was almost ready, it was time to move the heaviest piece of furniture—a massive oak dresser that Mr. Badger had inherited from his grandfather. Kuba, as the strongest, decided to lift it alone.
„Don’t worry, Mr. Badger,” he called confidently. „One dresser is no problem for a lion!”
However, as Kuba lifted the dresser, a loose stone fell from above and hit him right on his front paw. The lion cried out in pain and dropped the furniture.
„Ouch My paw!” he groaned, holding the sore limb.
All the animals rushed to him with concern. Fortunately, nearby lived Mrs. Lizard Lucja, who was renowned for her medical skills.
„I’ll treat you right away, Kuba,” she said calmly, pulling out bandages and pain-relieving ointment. „It’s just a bruise, but you need to rest for a few days.”
After Kuba’s paw was treated, everyone wondered how to move the heavy dresser. Patrycja looked through her magnifying glass at the piece and sighed.
„This is really a heavy piece. None of us can lift it.”
Then Alfred had an idea: „What about the rhino family? They live nearby and are very strong!”
Zofia immediately ran to ask for help. Soon, a rhino couple—Mr. Ryszard and Mrs. Regina—arrived. When they saw the situation, they agreed to help right away.
„No problem!” Mr. Ryszard said. „Such a dresser is a piece of cake for us!”
Together with Mr. Ryszard and Mrs. Regina, they easily moved the heavy piece of furniture to Mr. Badger’s new burrow. Kuba, despite his bandaged paw, cheered them on from the side, while Mrs. Lizard ensured he didn’t overexert himself.
When the new burrow was ready, Mr. Badger invited everyone for a herbal tea he had prepared in his new kitchen. The animals sat in a circle, sipping the aromatic tea and laughing about the day’s adventures. Kuba, with his bandaged paw, told dramatic stories about his „heroic” fall.
In the evening, it turned out that the rain forecasts were false. The frogs explained that the swallows were flying low not because of impending rains but because someone had scattered fish food on the lake, which they were eager to collect.
Everyone laughed at the harmless mistake, but they were proud to have prepared for any eventuality together. The animal detectives returned to their base, where comfortable hammocks under palm trees awaited them.
They settled in comfortably, closed their eyes, and indulged in a pleasant nap, listening to the peaceful sounds of the jungle. Kuba, despite his sore paw, smiled contentedly—another day full of adventures and mutual help had come to an end.
Moral: Sometimes the best protection against problems is preparing for them together with friends, and when one of us needs help, others will always lend a helping hand.