The Wildlife Games by Bindi Irwin

threatened by a large predator?’
    Bindi raised her eyebrows. ‘That’s an interesting question, isn’t it?’
    Declan added, ‘Perhaps we have a predator already, and it’s just taking its time to strike?’
    Anastasia shivered. ‘Uggh, you’re freaking me out. What do you mean? Like an alien invasion or something?’
    Jason shook his head. ‘I think he means climate change.’
    Declan nodded as Jason continued. ‘Or overpopulation. In both cases we’re creating our own “predator”. Something that may end up wiping us out if we don’t change the way we live.’
    Mimi looked serious. ‘It’s all about learning how to live sustainably. That’s what I’m always telling the tourists at our eco-resort.’
    Anastasia looked over at Mimi, thoughtful. ‘It’s all very well to say things like that when you’re walking through a rainforest or whatever, but it’s harder to do when you live in a big city and everything seems to involve using petrol or electricity or plastic.’
    â€˜I agree with you. It’s hard, but it’s still important to be aware of it, and make changes where you can.’
    Anastasia nodded. ‘Yeah, I know what you’re saying.’
    There was a pause in conversation as the group exchanged looks. Whatever had just passed between them, it felt important. It wasn’t aboutthe TV cameras. This conversation had come from the heart.
    Bindi felt a welling of pride. Not only were these teenagers here to help raise money for the wildlife hospital, they were taking the time to talk about serious issues. These were different people from different parts of the country, and they could look totally self-obsessed or introverted but were still able to discuss subjects that really mattered to them and to all humanity in the decades to come.
    She rounded up the team in an impromptu group hug. ‘You guys are awesome,’ she said, a lump in her throat.
    They shared a quiet hug until Anastasia announced, ‘Don’t think just because we’re all loved-up that I’m not going to whip your hides in the treetops challenge.’
    Jason laughed. ‘Bring it!’
    The kids all raced towards the flying fox, re-energised.

THERE WERE NO SURPRISES IN this challenge, although Mimi was pleased to find she quite enjoyed it in the end, as long as she tried to concentrate on birds that were flying overhead and made sure she never looked down. But Jason finished with the fastest time,followed closely by Anastasia, Declan and then Mimi.
    Bindi also let the contestants know the results of the food challenge.
    Anastasia had won this challenge, getting full marks. Mimi came a close second, followed by Declan and Jason in joint third place.
    â€˜So Anastasia is in the lead at this point, with Jason running a close second,’ announced Bindi, ‘but as you know, the audience will vote on your performance so the overall winner won’t be known until the Wildlife Games have been televised.’
    The group was left to chew on this as Bindi grabbed a quick sandwich before meeting her friend Josie and Josie’s cousin at the main entrance.
    Tara, after the morning’s mishap with Jason, was trying not to let any of the talent out of her sight. ‘Bindi, it would be better if you stayed put.’
    â€˜Tara, I won’t be long, okay?’
    The coordinator frowned. ‘All right. But you need to be at the cheetah run at 1.15, which is in 45 minutes.’
    Bindi nodded. ‘No problem, I’ll be there. These guys will be fine wandering around by themselves. I just want to say hi to Josie.’ She waved bye to the contestants and headed to meet her friend.

    Bindi arrived at the main entrance to the zoo moments later, a little hot and sweaty. Which turned out to be a bit embarrassing. Josie hadn’tmentioned that her cousin was a guy, and was, you