“One day I will return
the favor and help you.”

One sunny morning, Zebra visited the river to get a cool drink. As he dipped his mouth into the water, he heard a tiny voice coming from nearby. “Help me, Zebra!” cried Wasp. “I’m caught in a spider web.”

Zebra f licked his ears and peered into a thornbush. He spied Wasp tangled in a web of silver thread. Carefully, Zebra reached into the branches to free her. But the thorns jabbed his lips.

“Why would I need help from a little wasp?” said Zebra.

“Ouch!” wailed Zebra. He jerked his head back. “If I save you, I’ll hurt myself.”

“Please help me,” said Wasp. “One day I will return the favor and help you.”

Zebra laughed. “I’m fast and strong. No spider can trap me in its web! Besides, I have a whole herd of friends. Why would I need help from a little wasp?”

“Please try one more time,” Wasp said.

Zebra stared at the little insect. She was struggling to beat her wings. With a sigh, Zebra poked his head into the bush again and knocked at the web. Luckily, it was enough to free Wasp. She tumbled to the ground.

Wasp spied Lion hiding quietly in the leaves.

“Thank you, thank you!” Wasp cried.

“Try to stay out of trouble,” Zebra said to Wasp. “I might not be nearby the next time a spider gets hungry.” Then Zebra turned around and galloped back to his herd.

All day, the herd wandered across the plain. They quietly munched on grass. Zebra stayed with his herd until he noticed some berries. Licking his lips, Zebra went to taste the berries.

Wasp was resting in the bushes when she saw Zebra walking in her direction. She also spied Lion hiding quietly in the leaves. If Zebra got too close to Lion, Lion would catch him!

“Roooooaaar!”

Thinking quickly, Wasp zoomed down and stung Lion.

The surprised lion howled. “Roooooaaar!”

Zebra heard the loud cry. In a f lash, he whirled around and galloped back to his herd.

A moment later, Wasp buzzed around Zebra’s head. “Try to stay out of trouble,” Wasp said with a chuckle. “I might not be nearby the next time a lion gets hungry.”