The Queen of the Bonobos

All characters are over the age of 18.

Tom Coady — Day of the Escape

I was walking back to my car from the primate house when it all started.

My parents used to take me to the zoo all the time when I was young, and I grew to love seeing the animals in their “natural” habitats. So, as an adult, when I moved to a city with a first-rate zoo, one of the first things I did was get an annual membership.

My reverie was interrupted by shouting behind me. When I looked back, I saw several people running in my direction. Then I spotted what I thought at first was a kid coming towards me, except that the kid was covered with black hair and running with its hands on the ground.

A chimpanzee escaped! I guessed, and then dodged to my right just as the chimp veered to its left. The result must have looked like a cornerback tackling a fullback. Even though the animal weighed less than me, its momentum bowled me over. We both were stunned, but the chimp recovered quicker and scrambled over me, heading for freedom.

As I sat there trying to gather my wits, I saw a dark-haired woman carrying a pistol in her hand dash passed me. “Hey, don’t shoot that monkey!” I yelled, just as another woman ran up and stopped.

“It’s not a regular pistol, it’s a tranquilizer gun,” she reassured me as she knelt down. “And it’s not a monkey, it’s a bonobo.”

Before I could respond, she continued, “I’m Leila Tan, with the zoo staff. Are you hurt?”

As I checked myself for injuries, I checked her out as well. She was young and slender, with fine black hair that fell below her shoulders, attractively framing her pretty Asian face. Then I noticed her name badge. “Are you a doctor?” I asked.

She blushed. “Sort of. I’m a veterinarian doing an internship at the zoo.”

“Okay, that’s cool,” I replied. “Anyway, I may have a bruise or two, but I’m fine.”

She pointed at my arm. “You’re bleeding. I think she bit you.”

I hadn’t felt the bonobo nip me, but now I could clearly see the bite mark on my forearm. I splashed a little water from my canteen on it and rubbed off the blood. The punctures weren’t all that deep. “It’s nothing,” I reassured her. “I’ll wash it with soap when I get home and put some antibiotic cream on just to be safe. I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?” she said doubtfully.

“Absolutely.”

“Well, nevertheless, I’d like to get your name and contact information so we can check in with you later, just to be certain.”

At that point I just wanted to get back to my apartment, so I gave her my name, phone number and address, and then stood to go.

“I’m really sorry about all this,” she apologized. “I don’t know how Malkia managed to escape.”

“Malkia?”

“That’s her name — the bonobo.”

“Oh, okay. Well, anyway, I guess I’ll head on home now. It was nice to meet you, Dr. Tan, even under the circumstances.”

She gave me a shy smile. “I hope you’ll come back to the zoo. I can pretty well guarantee you won’t get run over again.”

I chuckled and left. But I did take one more look at her over my shoulder. Nice.

When I got back to my apartment, I stripped down and got a shower. Afterwards I took a few minutes to inspect myself in the mirror. It looked like I might have a couple of bruises and a scrape, but nothing serious. The bite on my arm had stopped bleeding and was already closing. It didn’t hurt, but I put some antibiotic cream on it and covered it with a bandage, just to play it safe. Well, that’s one I can tell the flight crew about, I chuckled, and forgot about it for the rest of the evening.

But during the middle of the night I woke up with my head pounding and my muscles aching. I managed to get out of bed and stagger into the bathroom to get some aspirin. As I reached for the bottle, I realized that my forearm was throbbing, and when I pulled off the bandage, the area where I’d been bitten was red and swollen.

I gulped down two aspirin and peered at my face in the mirror. My skin was pale and my eyes looked sunken. Maybe I should go to the emergency room, I thought, but I was so exhausted that returning to bed won out. I can go in the morning, I thought as I fell asleep.

The sun shining through my window woke me, and when I cautiously opened my eyes, I was surprised to discover I felt fine. I took my temperature just to be sure, but it was normal. I got another shower to clean the dried sweat off from the night before, then had breakfast.

Normally, I’d go for a run on my off days, but after what I’d gone through, I opted to take it easy instead. I changed into my board shorts and walked over to the swimming pool to relax in the sun. By now I was pretty sure whatever had hit me last night was over. Must have been some kind of 12-hour virus, I decided. In fact, once I got in the pool I felt so good that I wound up swimming a few laps just to burn off some energy.

By now the pool area was filling with the usual crowd from the apartment complex. Soon enough, I spotted the “K-Pop” roommates come into the area, followed by their entourage of girls and guys. Some wag had given Kelly and Kasey their nickname, and it stuck because they were definitely the most popular in the complex.

It was hard not to like them. Kelly, the brunette, and Kasey, the blonde, had bubbly, fun-loving personalities. They also had smoking figures they unfailingly showed off in tiny bikinis every time they went to the pool. No wonder they drew a crowd whenever they appeared.

I was no less attracted than any of the other guys cavorting around making fools of themselves trying to attract their attention. But I was smart enough to know that hot 25-year-olds weren’t likely to be won over by a 35-year-old pilot — not with all the younger competition around.

Nevertheless, the girls waved in a friendly fashion when they saw me walk past on the way back to my lounge chair. I even thought I noticed a second glance from one of them, but that was probably wishful thinking on my part.

Usually after a day of swimming and sun, I’ll feel a little low on energy. But that wasn’t the case today. Instead, as the hours went by, I felt my energy growing. By the time I went inside, I felt as good as I ever had in my life.

That same sense of well-being stayed with me when I got up the next morning, and I decided that I definitely needed some serious exercise. Accordingly, after lunch I drove over to the city park where I like to run. There’s a level, mile-long path that weaves through areas of sun and shade, making it a lovely spot for jogging.

I set out at my usual pace, but soon found myself going much faster. I tried to slow down, but I still seemed to finish my normal 2 miles in no time.

While I was running, I overtook an athletic young woman jogging on the course. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and tucked through the back of a baseball cap. As she ran, it trailed out behind her like a pennant. As I passed her, I saw her long shapely legs effortlessly eating up the distance. What a babe!

At the end of my 2 miles, I realized I still had plenty of energy. Accordingly, I ran another mile and then added a fourth, marveling at my new-found stamina. When I completed my last circuit, I slowed to a trot, allowing my body to cool down. Passing a water fountain off to one side, I headed over to get a drink. Then I spotted a bench under a nearby pair of eucalyptus trees. The shade was deep, and I plopped down to relax and enjoy the day. As I watched others running by, I wondered idly, Do they all feel so energized today, or is it just me?

In a short while, I saw the woman in the ball cap come running by, and once again I admired her lean, athletic figure. Only minutes later she jogged by again, this time going in the other direction. Wonder why she cut her run short? As she passed where I was sitting, she glanced over and gave a little wave, which I returned. I was tempted to get up and follow her, but I figured she was only being friendly. Somebody who looks like that must get hit on all the time. I don’t want to be a creep and mess up her run.

But before I could finish that thought, she jogged back into view, and this time she stopped and began walking toward me. Do I know her? Does she know me? She doesn’t look familiar.

When she came up to me, I started to stand, but she put her hand on my shoulder to keep me from rising. I tried to speak but she pressed her fingers to my lips. knelt down in front of me before I could rise. Then she knelt in front of me and hooked her fingers into the waist of my running shorts. When she tugged, I instinctively lifted up, and she deftly pulled my shorts and boxer briefs down to my knees.

As I sat there stunned, she laid her head on my thigh, then slid forward to take a deep breath through her nose. I must smell like a locker room down there, I thought, but it didn’t faze her in the least. She nuzzled my crotch, and I realized that, despite all my running, I now had a full-blown erection. While I gaped at her, she ran her tongue up my length, making me groan in pleasure.

Without hesitation, the runner slid her mouth over my cock and began to worship it with her lips and tongue. I’ve had my share of blowjobs, but I’d never felt anything this good. After a few minutes, she startled me by leaning forward and slipping my cock into her throat. I couldn’t help arching off the bench, and I thought sure I’d choke her. But she continued to bob up and down as though I was some special treat she couldn’t live without.

I looked down in time to see her brown eyes peering up at me. Then she abruptly closed them and shuddered. Did she just have an orgasm from blowing me? Regardless, my own climax was fast approaching, and when she suddenly accelerated her pace, I went off before I could warn her.

Over and over I pumped my seed into her mouth, and while she struggled to swallow it all, she didn’t seem upset. On the contrary, she continued to suck on me even as I began to lose my erection, seemingly eager not to miss a single drop.

Finally she pulled off of me and sighed contentedly. Then she leaned forward to give the head of my cock a quick kiss before scrambling to her feet. I wasn’t sure what to say, but when she saw me open my mouth, she smiled and once again pressed her fingers to my lips. Then, while I struggled to pull my briefs and shorts back up, she turned and jogged out of sight.

As I drove home, my thoughts were all over the place. That was the best blowjob I’ve ever had. That was the weirdest experience I’ve ever had. That was… what was that, exactly? Could it have been some kind of sorority initiation thing, or a “never have I ever” sort of prank? But who would do that? Still, whatever it was, I’m sure glad she picked me.

Once I got home, I took a quick shower and put on some jeans and a t-shirt. I was just trying to decide what to do about dinner when my doorbell ring. “Maybe it’s another college girl,” I laughed to myself, but when I opened the door, I recognized my visitor.

“You’re the vet from the zoo,” I blurted out in surprise.

She blushed. “Um, that’s right, I’m Leila Tan. We met when you had that unfortunate encounter with our bonobo.”

After I’d let her in, I asked, “So what can I do for you, Doctor?”

“It’s Leila, please. And I just wanted to follow up to be sure you haven’t suffered any ill effects.”

“Well, thanks, Leila, but you didn’t have to drive all the way out here.”

She blushed again. “I… I was in the area, so I thought I’d try to catch you. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, not at all. It’s nice to see you.”

She blushed yet again, and I wondered if that was some sort of Asian thing. “So,” she went on, “have you experienced any after-effects from the other day?”

I decided not to mention the headache and fever because I was pretty sure that was just a virus. “No, no problems.”

“And you’ve had no unusual sensations or experiences since then?”

If you don’t count a hit-and-run blowjob from a total stranger, I thought to myself. “No, nothing out of the ordinary.”

“What about where Malkia bit you?”

It took me a moment. “Oh, yeah, the bonobo. No, it’s already almost completely healed, see?” I held out my arm and she ran her fingers over the faint mark. “That’s remarkable,” she said. “Do you always heal this fast?”

“I’m not really sure, but I don’t think it’s anything special.”

She looked up at me and it appeared she was trying to think of something more to ask. I gently took my arm back. “Was there anything else?”

She hesitated a moment longer, then shook her head. “No, I guess not. But I may check back with you again, just to be sure there’s no change.”

I walked her to the door. “That would be fine. I appreciate your concern.”

She gave me a nervous smile. “Well, thanks again, Tom. Maybe I’ll see you at the zoo again,”

I smiled back. “I’d like that.”

She blushed one last time, turned and left.

With all the unusual events of the last two days, I’d forgotten I had a morning flight tomorrow. That meant packing for four days away. As I pulled out my carry-on bag and began to stuff it with my clothes, I thought about Leila. Well, it wasn’t a blow-job ambush in the park, but it was still nice to see her. She’s cute when she blushes.

Dr. Frieda Becker — Day of the Escape

I stood waiting irritably at the entrance to our anthropoid environment for the high school class tour. Goddamit, I’m the Director of Primatology at this zoo. I’ve got better things to do than play tour guide to a gaggle of adolescents. But our esteemed executive director loves hosting such outings, so I knew I had no choice.

Just then I heard the irritating voice of Celeste Hightower, the zoo’s community relations manager. I chuckled in anticipation. “I’ll bet that PR bimbo won’t ask me to lead any more tours after today.” As her chattering charges came into view, the blonde woman introduced me. When she’d finished, I beckoned the unruly mob of teenagers to gather around.

“Today we’ve got a treat for you, children. (I knew they hated to be called ‘children.’) Larry, our silverback mountain gorilla, is out of his shelter.” The gorilla spotted me and charged over to the thick plastic wall, slapping his chest with cupped hands. The group instinctively recoiled, but I only smiled. “He’s a fearsome creature, alright, 6 feet tall and over 400 pounds. But I can handle him.” With that, I held up the metal rod I’d kept concealed by my side. “I like to call this my magic wand,” I said dramatically, and pressed a button on the handle. Instantly a spark leapt across the forked end of the prod. At the sight of it, Larry roared in fear and scurried away to the far side of the enclosure. “He’s not so fierce when I have my gorilla prod with me,” I laughed as the kids oohed and aahed.

“Now, step this way, everyone,” I went on. “In this compound we have a very different type of ape.” I pointed to a group of creatures that looked like small chimpanzees covered in black hair. “These are bonobos. They may not look very impressive, but in fact they are the most intelligent of all the apes.”

I smiled knowingly at the students. “How do we know they’re so smart? One way is the fact that bonobos live in a matriarchy. Unlike the mountain gorillas you just saw, the leader of the bonobos is a female. That’s a clear sign of high intelligence.” The girls in the group tittered in delight, while several of the boys made disparaging remarks. Just the response I expected, I thought. Wait till they hear what I have to say next.

After they quieted down, I went on. “See that bonobo over there? That’s Malkia. ‘Malkia’ is the Swahili word for ‘queen,’ and she is, in fact, the queen of this group.

“There’s one other aspect of bonobo life that is especially noteworthy. Bonobos are highly sexual creatures. A bonobo may have intercourse multiple times in a day. And it doesn’t matter whether the other bonobo is male or female. In fact, if we stay here long enough, you’ll probably get a chance to see…”

“I’m sure that would be very educational,” interrupted Celeste hastily, trying to be heard over the snickering students, “but we’re on a tight time schedule so I’m afraid we have to move on.” As she attempted to herd the reluctant teens, she glowered at me. “Was that really necessary, Dr. Becker?”

“Oh, come on, Celeste, you don’t really believe all these kids are virgins, do you?”

The PR woman huffed and hurried on with her tour. I laughed gleefully. “She’s going to love fielding all the calls from outraged parents tomorrow.”

Once they were gone, I turned my attention back to the research I’d been pursuing so long, the research that would ultimately ensure my place in the vanguard of primatologists. Goodall and Fossey will be long forgotten, I predicted.

Returning to the present, I beckoned to Leila Tan, our veterinary intern, who’d been waiting nearby. “Leila, have the keepers bring Malkia to the lab. I want to continue my work with her.”

Leila’s face fell. “But Dr. Becker, don’t you think she’s…”

“I have no intention of discussing the matter with an intern, Dr. Tan. Just see that she’s brought to me, and be quick about it.” With that I stalked away, leaving the flustered young woman to carry out my orders.

Back in the lab, I pulled on a white coat and then checked my notes on my computer. As I did so, I couldn’t restrain my frustration. “There has to be a reason why one particular female in the tribe becomes dominant. I don’t care what those idiots at Cambridge say, it has nothing to do with physical size or familial lineage. There’s got to be some unique aspect of the queen’s body chemistry, and I’m going to find it — even if I have to dissect Malkia!”

Just then, two of the keepers wheeled in a small cage containing the bonobo queen. Working together, we extracted the squirming animal from the cage, stretched her out on the examining table and strapped down her arms and legs. Malkia slumped back, seemingly acquiescing to the helplessness of her situation. Satisfied, I nodded to the two men. “She won’t fight any more. You can go now — I’ll take it from here.”

The keepers left, and I leaned over to strap Malkia’s head down. As I did so, the ape lifted up and savagely bit the heel of my hand. I recoiled instinctively, howling in pain and surprise at the unexpected attack. While I was washing my wound in the sink, out of the corner of my eye I saw the bonobo somehow slip out of one of the arm restraints and begin rapidly undoing the other straps. Before I could get to her, she had jumped from the table and headed for the lab door just as Leila entered.

“Close the door before she escapes!” I yelled, but the startled girl was too slow. In a moment Malkia was through and gone. “Alert the staff and follow me,” I ordered. “We’ve got to get her back.” Cursing under my breath, I grabbed a tranquilizer gun and scrambled for the door, motioning for the gaping intern to follow.

Once I got outside the building, the commotion up ahead told me all I needed to know about the animal’s escape route. I took off running, and even though she was ten years younger, Leila was hard pressed to keep up with me. We caught sight of Malkia up ahead on the walkway, just in time to see her barrel headlong into a visitor. “Make sure he’s okay,” I ordered to Leila, and ran on in pursuit of the fleeing bonobo.

While Leila checked on the man who’d been knocked over, my longer legs began to gain ground on my prey. The bonobo glanced back to see how close I was and ran straight into the net the security team had strung up. Immediately the beast began to struggle and howl, but she was too well entangled in the netting to get free. As soon as I was close enough to be sure of my aim, I fired a tranquilizer dart into her hindquarters. Within seconds the frenzied bonobo collapsed, making mournful sounds as the crew picked her up in the net.

“We’ll take her back to the bonobo enclosure and let her sleep it off there,” I ordered in disgust. “I won’t be able to do any tests until the tranquilizer clears her system.”

Our little party started back toward the primate house, looking for all the world like a jungle safari after a successful hunt. Leila came hurrying toward us, then stopped in alarm and pointed at the blood dripping from my hand. “It’s nothing,” I told her. “The goddam beast bit me when I wasn’t looking.” She still looked apprehensive. “I’ve had a lot worse bites than this,” I reassured her. “I’ll be fine.”

Once Malkia was in the bonobo enclosure sleeping off the drug, I headed back to the lab. My first order of business was to check out the restraints on the examining table. How in the hell did she manage to get free? I wondered. She’s a clever little bitch, I’ll give her that.

But when I shook my head, I felt a wave of dizziness, and only then did I remember the ape’s bite. I don’t think she could have given me anything; we did a complete physical on her only last week. Still, safety first.

After cleansing the wound again, I gave myself a shot of a broad-spectrum antibiotic as a precaution. “That ought to take care of any microbes in her mouth,” I muttered. But I still felt worn out from my mad dash, so I walked out to see the departmental secretary. “I’ve had quite enough excitement for one day, Anna. I’m going to leave early.”

Despite my precautions, I had a difficult night, complete with a high fever and severe headache. But both were gone before dawn, and when my alarm went off I decided I was fully capable of returning to work. Indeed, by the time I pulled into my parking spot next to the primate house, I felt completely well. Even Malkia’s bite had almost completely healed.

I stepped out of my car, took a deep breath, and felt a wave of well-being wash over me. I didn’t just feel normal, I felt great: powerful, dominant. This isn’t normal, I thought. What’s going on?

Rather than going to my office, I walked over to the bonobo enclosure. Malkia was nowhere in sight, but when the other bonobos saw me, they began acting strangely. Some started chattering to each other and pointing in my direction, others came over to the barrier and crouched, making gestures I recognized as signs of supplication. They’re behaving as if I was their queen, I realized.

Why are they acting like this? Why do I feel so powerful? Suddenly it came to me. It had to be Malkia! When she bit me, somehow her power and authority must have transferred to me. I’d long believed there was some hormone or protein in Malkia’s chemistry that set her apart from the other bonobos, and I’d been searching for it in every gland I could think of. But now it was clear: her saliva had held the secret all along.

Trying to comprehend this breakthrough, I walked further into the zoo. As I wandered along the walkway, I noticed the employees I passed stopped what they were doing and turned toward me with downcast eyes. People I’d never met paused and fell silent until I passed. When I walked into the cafeteria, a hush fell over the morning coffee crowd. They’re exhibiting the same behaviors as the bonobos, I marveled. Just like them, these people feel and respond to my authority.

Excited by this revelation, I turned to go back to my office As I passed the bonobo enclosure again, I spotted the old queen hiding in the shadows, peering out at me balefully. I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, Malkia, you made a terrible mistake when you bit me. Bonobos and chimpanzees are humans’ closest living relatives on the evolutionary tree. We share almost 99% of our DNA with each other. Not only did you reveal the source of your power, your bite bestowed it on me!”

My first impulse was to rush to my computer to record my discovery. But a new cunning made me pause. Perhaps it’s not wise to let others know about this yet. Academic recognition can wait. Besides, there’s too much I want to do around here with my new power.

As I walked past the secretarial station to my office, I noticed Anna staring at me fixedly. Is that awe in her eyes? I wondered. No, it hit me, it’s devotion. She’s responding to my power.

I had no further need for proof, and no reason to delay. “Anna, call Celeste Hightower. Tell her I want her in my office immediately.”

“She’s on her way,” Anna told me a minute later, “but she didn’t sound happy about being summoned.” I gave her a little smile. “Good.”

When Celeste stalked into my office, she was clearly upset. “What is the meaning of this? I don’t take orders from you, and…” I held up my hand and she halted abruptly. I stared at her, and she couldn’t look away.

“As a matter of fact, Celeste, you do take orders from me, starting now. You’re going to be a good girl and clear your schedule. Then you’ll attend to me here until I have need for you.”

She gazed at me with wide eyes and then bowed her head reverently. “Yes, Dr Becker.”

“That’s a good girl,” I said. “Come sit at my feet and await my bidding.” The blonde hurried over and knelt down. I smiled at her and patted her head. “I think I’m going to enjoy my new pet.”

As Celeste knelt there, silent and obedient, it was all I could do not to cry out in exultation. I’m not just queen of the bonobos — I’m queen of the whole, fucking zoo! I smiled. And there are a lot more changes I intend to make.

“Anna,” I called, “I need you.” When she scurried into my office, I gestured at my surroundings. “All this is entirely unsuitable. Have all my papers and personal belongings boxed up immediately. I’m moving to new quarters, and you’re coming too.”

Anna looked startled at my command, but quickly bowed her head. “Yes, Doctor Becker. And where shall I tell the maintenance staff to take everything?”

“To the Chief Executive’s suite.”

This time there was no hesitation. “Yes, ma’am, right away.”

“Come with me,” I ordered Celeste, and started for the Administration Building. Our walk was exhilarating. Everywhere we walked, people stared and then bowed their heads, whether out of respect or fear I couldn’t tell. It was as though there was a regal aura around me that they all could sense.

The atmosphere changed when Celeste and I entered the Chief Executive’s suite. The old secretary who had worked for him for twenty years tried to stop us. “You can’t go in there — you don’t have an appointment. Besides…”

I didn’t have time for some functionary’s objections, so I cut her protest short with an imperious shake of my head. “Cancel all of Harold’s appointments for the rest of the day. In fact, you can cancel all his appointments — period. Harold is going to retire, effective immediately.”

As the woman sat there stunned, I calmly strode into Harold Newsome’s office. The zoo’s chief executive looked up from his phone call, shocked at the interruption. But when he saw me, his expression changed. “Listen,” he told his caller, “I’ll have to get back to you — something has come up.”

Trying to regain the advantage, he blustered, “See here, Dr. Becker, you just can’t barge in here. And what’s all this I hear about you embarrassing those students yesterday with your inappropriate anecdotes? Do you have any idea how many calls from parents I’ve had…”

Impatiently I held up my hand, and his complaints caught in his throat. As he stared in shock, I walked around his desk to stand behind him. He tried to turn, but I held his chair in place. He stopped resisting and sat there as if he was hypnotized.

I ran my fingers over the high back of his ornate desk chair. “I like your chair, Harold. The rest of the office furniture will have to go, but I’ll keep that.” He gasped.

I leaned over his shoulder and spoke in his ear. “Now, Harold, I’ve decided to make some changes around here. And my first decision is that it’s time for you to retire, effective immediately.”

“What! I have no intention of…”

I’d expected him to resist; he’d been the king for a long time. “We’re in a new era here, Harold, one that requires big changes. You understand the need for those changes, and you think I’m the right person to implement them.”

When I finished, it was clear he was now having trouble voicing his thoughts. But I still sensed a spark of resistance, so I reached down to his waist and calmly unzipped his trousers. Then my fingers slipped into the opening of his boxers and deftly extracted his little cock.

He stared down and was astonished to find himself fully erect in my hand. As I began stroking him, I leaned close to his ear again and told him, “Celeste here will put out an announcement that you’ve decided to retire for personal reasons. She’ll also announce that I’ve been named acting CEO, effective immediately. Don’t worry: I’ll take care of making the appointment permanent. All that matters is that you and your secretary leave at once. My things are being brought over even as we speak.”

All the while I continued stroking the gasping executive, and he found himself unable to control his sexual excitement. He closed his eyes, arched his back and ejaculated all over himself. Exhausted, he slumped in his chair as I wiped my hand off on his shirt.

“Wake up, Harold!” I spoke sharply. “It’s time for you to go. I want you to stand up, walk out of this office, leave the zoo, and never come back.”

Eyes unfocused, he slowly arose, trundled around his desk and shuffled out of his office. His secretary saw him and rushed to his side. Hastily she tucked his cock back in his pants and zipped him up to preserve whatever dignity he had left.

I stood there reveling in the excitement of my little exercise of power. But it wasn’t just a sense of power, I was also now filled with raw lust. I can’t ever remember feeling so aroused. I need to do something about it immediately.

Just then, Anna arrived, followed by a worker carrying some boxes. I recognized him: the fellow was a college student we’d employed for the summer. I nodded to myself. He’ll do quite nicely.

“Have your helper put my belongings in the conference room for the time being, Anna, then send him in to me. Oh, and find a desk for Celeste as well.” A few minutes later the young man walked in uncertainly and stood waiting for orders. I closed the door behind him, then turned and stared into his eyes.

“I’m thinking of making some changes in here,” I told him, “starting with the carpet. Lie down on your back so I can see how soft it is.”

He obediently stretched out, and I quickly knelt beside him. He started to speak, but I hushed him and then began tugging at his belt. Once I had it open, I pulled his jeans and boxer briefs down to his knees, and cooed when I uncovered his erect cock. Very nice indeed! Unable to wait any longer, I pulled my skirt up to my waist and straddled him. Reaching down, I tugged my panties to one side and impaled myself on his straining rod.

The young man groaned and reached up for my breasts, but I slapped his hands away. When he lay back passively, I put my hands on his chest and began to pump up and down on him. At first I started slow but soon began accelerated as I felt my pleasure build. In no time, I began to grunt like an animal, taking my pleasure from his strong young body. His need was building too, and soon his moans echoed mine.

When I felt myself coming to the point of no return, I began slamming my hips up and down as fast as I could, forcing him deeper. He exploded in me just as I threw my head back and howled at the ceiling in my own ecstasy.

In the area outside, Anna heard my cry and grinned. Later, when the young man emerged from my office, she watched him go with a hungry expression. Then she looked at me and we smiled knowingly at each other. I guess regal power isn’t the only bonobo attribute Malkia passed on to me, I laughed to myself.

It took me several days to consolidate my power and complete my takeover of the zoo. When I finally got around to organizing my new throne room, I happened across Leila’s account of Malkia’s escape. This time I saw something that startled me. Stalking out to Anna’s desk, I ordered, “Fetch Leila Tan to me immediately.”

When the nervous young veterinarian was ushered into my office, I lit into her. “Why didn’t you tell me Malkia had bitten this… this Tom Coady?”

“But I did, Dr. Becker, right there in my report.”

Angrily, I slapped the paperwork on the desk. “And you didn’t think to call it to my attention?”

Before the frightened girl could respond, I went on. “Never mind that. I want you to bring Tom Coady to me immediately, understand?” I stared into Leila’s eyes, and the veterinarian felt the instruction imprint on her consciousness.

“Yes, ma’am, right away.”

Tom Coady — One Week Later

As I drove away from the airport, I was definitely glad to be back home. This last four-day circuit had had its usual share of frustrations, but what had really bothered me was how often I’d been hit on.

It isn’t unheard of for women to come on to me at bars, especially when I’m wearing my pilot’s uniform. But I’ve always made it a rule to avoid such encounters, and with good reason. Sleeping with a complete stranger in another city is a risky proposition: I’ve heard too many tales of unwary men being robbed, drugged or infected with disease. It just isn’t worth it.

This trip had been worse than normal. I’d been approached all three nights when I’d gone out. A couple of the ladies got pretty insistent, and I’d actually had to leave to avoid a scene. Just to make it more awkward, those two were wearing wedding rings — an even bigger no-no for me.

All that temptation was bad enough. What made the situation worse was my libido, which was off the charts the whole trip. What is wrong with me? Why am I so horny all the time? I wondered. Maybe that drive-by blow-job I got in the park last weekend flipped some kind of switch in me. Whatever it is, I don’t know how much longer I can resist!

I was still thinking about my problem when I pulled into the parking lot of my apartment complex. While I was getting my bag out of the back seat, a female voice yelled at me, “Tom, hey Tom!” Looking up, I spotted Kasey, the blonde K-Pop, waving and hurrying towards me. “Welcome home,” she effused, giving me an uncharacteristic hug.

Then she stepped back and cocked her head. “Hey, I’ve got a big favor to ask. Could you come over to our place after dinner and help rearrange some furniture? We got a new sofa and love seat that are too much for Kelly and me to handle.”

“Well, uh, sure, I’d be glad to help. What time do you two want me?”

She shook her head. “It’ll just be me, ’cause Kelly’s going out, but why don’t you come about 8:00?”

When I promised, she thanked me warmly and then pranced away. I stared at her cut-off jeans shorts and blouse tied at the waist until she turned the corner.

That was kind of random, I mused as I hauled my bag up the stairs. I can think of half a dozen guys in the complex who’d love to be asked. But if she wants my help, I’m not gonna question it.

It was a little after 8:00 when I got to the girls’ apartment, and Kasey must have been waiting because she opened the door the moment I knocked. She showed me in and pointed out the big sofa and loveseat that they wanted me to move. As we were talking, Kelly appeared out of the bedroom wearing a black clubwear outfit with a low neckline and a short skirt slit high up one leg. I tried not to stare. “Hi, Kelly, looks like you’re ready for a good time tonight.”

She acknowledged the compliment with a smile and then stepped to the door. “Have a good time, Kells,” Kasey said, pulling the door open.

The dark-haired beauty paused for a moment, looking at the two of us, and finally nodded. “Okay, thanks, I will. Nice to see you, Tom.”

Once she was gone, Kasey showed me how she wanted the furniture arranged, and it took little time to move the sofa at a right angle to the loveseat. “That’s perfect,” the blonde gushed. “It would have taken Kelly and me forever to do that.”

She smiled at me. “Why don’t you try out the sofa while I get you a drink?”

She quickly returned with two glasses of wine and sat down close to me to make small talk about the apartment complex. We had just finished our glasses when we heard a rattle at the door. A moment later, in came Kelly.

“What are you doing back here?” Kasey demanded in a less-than-welcoming tone.

Kelly plopped down on the other side of me. “I decided that going out wouldn’t be half as much fun as staying here.” With that she threw one shapely leg across my knee and pulled my face toward hers for a deep kiss.

I heard Kasey give a huff of irritation, but I guess she decided she wasn’t going to be left out. She began running her hand over my chest while planting hungry kisses on my exposed neck. Soon her hand had made its way south to my crotch, and seconds later she was on her knees tugging at my belt buckle and zipper. Kelly, meanwhile, had pulled her blouse off her shoulder and invited my fingers to explore her breasts.

The two-way sensual assault momentarily caught me off guard, but now the lust that had built up in me all week exploded beyond any possibility of control. I pulled both the girls tight against me and began to kiss and caress every part of them I could reach. The level of arousal in the room soared, and in a moment all three of us were panting with desire.

I slipped my hand between Kelly’s legs and began to explore. She groaned, “God, I’m so hot. Don’t make me wait any longer!”

“Me too!” Kasey begged. “Do me.”

But my desire had more extravagant plans. “I’m going to do both of you,” I said lustily. “Come here.” I got to my feet and grabbed both girls by the hands, leading them around to the back of the sofa. When I had them facing forward side by side, I bent them over the sofa. Reaching down, I flipped up the back of Kelly’s dress to reveal a tiny thong. Impatiently, I yanked at the waistband, and the flimsy material gave way.

She began begging me to hurry and fuck her, but I had other plans. With a lustful grin, I turned to Kasey, bent down and tugged off her jeans shorts. She too had on a thong, and I tore it off as well. Both of them, I saw, were moist, ripe and ready.

For a moment I stood there reveling in the sight of those two beautiful backsides lined up and ready for me. Then, with a growl, I freed my cock and plunged it deep into the blonde, who cried out in delight. As I began probing her depths, I reached my hand over to slide my thumb into Kelly’s pussy. Next I stretched my middle finger down to fondle her clitoris, and the brunette moaned at the stimulation.

After two dozen strokes in and out of the blonde K-Pop, I moved over and plunged into the brunette, while keeping Kasey aroused in the same way with my other hand. From there I began to alternate: a series of strokes into one girl, then the same number for the other. The room was filled with the smell of sex and the cries of the two roommates. At one point I looked down to see the girls holding each other’s hand and kissing.

As our passions neared a climax, I reached down to grab Kelly’s long dark hair, pulling her head back so she partially lifted off the sofa. “Yes, yes, don’t stop!” she pleaded. “It feels so good I can’t stand it. Oh, you’re making me cum, I’m cumming, I’m… aaah, aaah!” Her body convulsed, and then flopped limply on the sofa.

My own climax reached its peak moments later. With the brunette beneath me momentarily passed out, I pulsed jet after jet of semen into her, releasing the lust that had built up in me over the past week. Temporarily exhausted, I slumped over Kelly’s back, trying to catch my breath.

But even as I lay there recovering, I kept my right hand busy in Kasey’s pussy, and I could feel her squirming and moaning as she reached for her own climax. To my amazement, I felt myself beginning to harden again. Kelly felt it too, and gave a weak moan, but now I knew what I wanted. I pulled out of the brunette vixen and thrust myself to the hilt in the blonde. Kasey cried out and then began to cry out again as my hard rod resumed pistoning into her.

She’d already been at a high plateau of arousal; my new assault soon pushed her over the top. “Oh, fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck, yes, right there, yes, almost, almost, oh god, NOW!” When she screamed and spasmed, I felt myself once again pumping my seed from a reserve I didn’t know I had.

Somehow, the three of us made it to one of their bedrooms and collapsed in a tangle of arms and legs. And somehow, despite our earlier bacchanalia, the three of us awoke during the night and repeated our debauchery, this time with the two nymphs taking turns riding their satyr until all our lusts were sated.

I awoke before the K-Pop girls and slipped out of bed. After admiring their long limbs and firm breasts one last time, I pulled the sheet over them, then tiptoed out to the living room to get dressed. Leaving a note of thanks, I dragged myself back to my apartment and took a much-needed shower. After finding something to eat in the refrigerator, I went back to my bedroom and was soon deep asleep.

When the doorbell rang, I glanced at my alarm clock and saw it was early afternoon. If that’s the K-Pops, I don’t think I can take another round, I groaned to myself. But when I opened the door, I was startled to see Leila Tan, the cute veterinarian from the zoo.

“Oh, hi, Leila. It’s nice to see you again. But you don’t need to check on me. I’m still doing fine, honest.”

She had an odd expression on her face. “That’s not why I’m here. I’ve come to take you to Dr. Becker. She wants to see you.”

“Who’s Dr. Becker?”

Leila stared at me intently. “She’s the director of… I mean the chief executive of the zoo.”

Now I began to feel uneasy. “The chief executive? Why does she want to see me? Did I do something wrong?”

She shook her head. “It’s nothing like that. When she learned you’d been bitten, she told me to bring you to her.” Her expression was pained. “I’ve been trying to reach you for several days.”

“Don’t you remember? I’m a pilot. I’ve been out of town the last four days, flying my route. I only got home late yesterday afternoon.”

For a moment I thought the pretty Asian woman was going to cry in frustration. “That doesn’t matter now. All that matters is that Dr. Becker wants to see you immediately. I’m supposed to take you straight to her. That’s all I know. Please, Tom, please come with me. You’ve just got to.”

I couldn’t understand what was going on with Leila, but I could see she was under a lot of pressure. I didn’t want to stress her out anymore, so I quickly told her, “Sure, Leila, sure, it’s no problem. I’ll be glad to come with you.”

While I pulled my socks and shoes on, she made a quick phone call back to the zoo to let them know we were coming. Then she led me out to her small car. As she drove, I could tell she was still upset, so I tried to make conversation to get her mind off of whatever was eating on her. She began telling me about her background and why she wanted to be a veterinarian. It all sounded pretty normal to me and frankly a little endearing. But when I asked about Dr. Becker, she grew agitated again, so I dropped the subject. By then, we were almost at the zoo anyway.

Dr. Frieda Becker

When Anna came to tell me that Leila was returning with Tom Coady, it was all I could do to contain my excitement. I definitely wanted to see the only other human Malkia had bitten. But more than that, I wanted him to know who he was dealing with. Accordingly, I made special preparations. With everything was the way I wanted, I buzzed Anna to have Leila bring him in. When I saw his face, it was all I could do not to chortle in glee.

As Leila led Tom into my new office, I saw him halt in surprise at the tableau before him. There I was, seated on a high-backed chair like a throne in the middle of a raised platform that filled half the room. I was wearing an ornate robe that covered me from neck to ankles. The material was an emerald green with black and gold shapes entwining and swirling in mystical patterns. Around my forehead I’d donned a black leather band with a large ruby centered on my forehead. I looked like the queen I’d become.

But I wasn’t alone. In one corner of the room stood my attendant. He was an athletic-looking man wearing a white loin-cloth and carrying a metal wand approximately 4 feet long. One end of the wand had a handle; the other ended in a two-pronged metal fork.

In addition, curled at my feet was a young blonde woman also dressed in white. (“That’s Celeste Hightower!” Leila gasped in surprise.) As I sat there, Celeste nuzzled my leg while making purring sounds. A thoroughly fitting position for her, I thought smugly.

I gave Leila’s companion a long, piercing stare, and then motioned him to step forward. “So, you’re the elusive Tom Coady,” I intoned, and he could only nod. “And when our naughty bonobo escaped, you’re the one she bit, correct?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said hoarsely

“And afterwards, did you feel any effects from your encounter?”

“No, ma’am. I mean, yes, ma’am. That night I had a fever and a bad headache, but I was fine by morning.” I continued to stare at him, and he felt compelled to add, “Actually, I’ve felt even better since then.”

I cocked my head and stared at him. “What are you not telling me, Tom?”

“Nothing, ma’am, honest.”

“No other symptoms after her bite?”

“No, ma’am, I don’t think so.”

“No response… sexually?”

He was startled, and I didn’t wait for him. “Didn’t you feel an increase in the level of your sexual desire? Did you perhaps have an unusual sexual encounter?”

He stammered and I stopped him with a wave of my hand because the answer was obvious. “And what about now, Tom Coady? Are you feeling sexually aroused? Is your penis erect?”

Involuntarily he glanced down and was embarrassed to see his erection bulging against the front of his jeans.

“And what has provoked your libido today?” I asked, my voice low and seductive. “Could it be the queen in front of you?”

“No, ma’am, I would never…” Again I stopped him.

“Step forward,” I commanded, and he found himself in front of the platform where my throne sat. I smiled in triumph and motioned Celeste away. Then I flipped one fold of my robe open. It fell away to reveal my leg all the way to my hip. I smiled again. “I can see how fascinated you are. Why don’t you kneel down and take a closer look?”

Without hesitation he went to his knees.

I extended my foot until it was in front of his face, and I saw his cock lurch. “Now show me your appreciation with your lips and tongue. Worship my foot, starting at my toes.”

Instantly he began to kiss and lick my foot, but soon he started moving further north. As his lips moved past my ankle and up my calf, he closed his eyes to concentrate on his ministrations.

But now my own desire had grown too strong for patience. I flipped open the other side of my robe and parted my legs. The aroma of female sexual desire washed over him, and his eyes went wide when he saw I wore nothing underneath the robe. He stared rapturously at me. But I didn’t want his admiring gaze, I wanted his mouth.

“Come, feast,” I ordered, and draped my legs over his shoulders, opening myself completely. At the sight of my bare sex spread before him, an irresistible urge to worship at the delta of this royal Venus overcame him. He lunged forward, furiously licking my vagina, pressing his lips to my clitoris.

I’d felt my lust building since he arrived, and now it exploded. “Give me what I want!” I cried out, and grabbed the back of his head to pull him even tighter to me. He didn’t falter; if anything he increased his efforts.

In ecstasy I began to pump my hips up and down, fucking this man’s mouth with my pussy. The violence of my thrusts threatened to tip me over, but the youth in the corner sprang forward to support my throne.

Part of me wondered if my new lover could breathe under my onslaught, but the pleasure he was giving made that unimportant. All I wanted was for those sensations never to stop. Whatever happened to my worshiper was irrelevant.

Yet my passion couldn’t remain that high forever, and moments later I climaxed, letting out a scream more bestial than human. When I slumped down in satiation, releasing Tom’s head, the man fell back gasping for breath. Then he stood and reached for me, desperate to satisfy his own savage desire. But his need was of no interest to me; I dismissed him with a wave of my hand. When he balked, still filled with lust, my minion brandished my electric wand at him. Frustrated, Tom backed away.

Now that I had established my dominion over Malkia’s other victim, I felt my desire rising once again. I waved my hand in Celeste’s direction, and she eagerly approached my throne, kneeling where Tom had been. I noticed the scowl on his face and laughed. With a smirk I told him, “Leave now, Tom Coady. I require nothing more from you tonight.” Then I pointed at Leila. “Take him away. I’ll notify you the next time I want him.”

Tom Coady

As I stood there stupidly in front of Queen Becker’s throne, Leila grabbed my arm and tugged me toward the exit. She led me out of the building to her car. There she belted me in like a young child and hurriedly drove away.

As we rode, I felt sanity slowly return. Along with it came shame at what I had done and how crazily I’d acted. What must Leila think after witnessing that? She probably despises me now. I wanted to say something, but she wouldn’t even look at me. I felt certain I knew what that meant.

When we reached my apartment complex, she led me up the stairs and into my apartment. Once inside, she stared at me with wide, haunted eyes, and I felt another wave of shame wash over me. “I’m so sorry, Leila. I was completely under her control; whatever she wanted was what I wanted too. I just couldn’t help myself. I know you must hate me. You probably never want to see me again. But…”

“Be quiet!” she said loudly, and I flinched. “You don’t know…” She took a shaky breath and her expression changed in a way I couldn’t read. “What I want, Tom Coady, is for you to make love to me — right now.”

It took me a moment to process what she’d said. Then I picked her up in my arms and carried her into my bedroom. All the desire that had bled out of me as we drove home came rushing back in an instant. But this time I retained my sanity. I knew I didn’t want to treat Leila the way I’d acted with the wild-eyed queen back at the zoo.

I kissed her softly while I removed her clothing and my own. When I was finished, I laid her out on the bed and stared at her beautiful slim body. But when I began to kiss my way down her neck and breasts, she stopped me. “Please, Tom, I’m so ready. Don’t make me wait — take me now.”

Quickly I scrambled to kneel between her legs and run my rampant cock across her labia, wanting to be sure her body was ready. I needn’t have worried: her vagina was lubricated and open wide for me. Carefully I bent down and slid myself gently into her depths.

When I was fully embedded, I checked to be sure she was okay. Her head was tilted back to the ceiling and her eyes were tightly closed. She gave a little moan as I pulled out, and grabbed the sheets in her hands as I thrust forward again. From then on, my every stroke was met with a little whimper. She seemed lost in the sensations she was feeling, enraptured by what I was doing to her.

Hearing her whimpering fueled my passion, but I remembered the vow I’d made to myself. Instead of pounding at her, I focused on making long, smooth strokes. That must have been doing the right thing because she tossed her head from side to side and clutched at her breasts. Her whimpers grew into little cries. “Oh, Tom, oh, Tom, oh, oh,” she chanted in time with my rhythm.

Her pleasure stoked my own, and I began to stroke faster. She stiffened beneath me, as if her body were tensing for an explosion, and her cries grew more desperate: “Oh, yes, oh, yes, oh, don’t stop, Tom, oh, God, don’t stop!”

My own orgasm had been building, and just as I exploded I felt her entire body go rigid and then quiver uncontrollably before she collapsed on the sheets. When I raised my head to kiss her, she wrapped her arms and legs tightly around me, clinging to me like the only lifesaver in a stormy sea.

Finally she opened her eyes to stare up at me with wonder. “I’ve never, I mean it’s never…” She pulled me tight again. “Thank you, Tom, thank you,” she whispered over and over in my ear.

Later she left to go back to her own apartment. I didn’t want to her to go, but she only went to pick up some clothes and other necessities before coming straight back. We spent the next three days together, making love often, talking about our lives and dreams, feeling all the happiness of a new and deepening relationship.

But there was a dark cloud looming on my horizon: I could still feel the hunger lurking within me. When Leila and I made love, the hunger was kept in check. But I knew that as soon as I left on my next trip, it would be back. Could I restrain it? I didn’t want to cheat on Leila, but the hunger didn’t care.

When it was time for me to head for the airport, I forced a smile on my face and kissed her soundly. “I’ll be back before you know it,” I promised. I just prayed I’d feel worthy of her when I returned.

Flying my route was like running the gantlet. Shapely female passengers kept rubbing up against me in the airport; waitresses wrote their phone numbers on my check everywhere I ate; women bought me drinks at bars, and on two stopovers, hopeful flight attendants showed up at my hotel room. I’d never faced temptation like this, but somehow I managed to resist. It was exhausting, and as I drove home from the airport late that afternoon, I wondered how I could possibly resist if this went on flight after flight.

My only consolation was the knowledge that I’d soon be back with Leila and could satisfy my ever-growing passion. But when I found het waiting for me in my apartment, her face wore a solemn, even foreboding expression. “What is it, what’s wrong?” I asked, fearful that she had somehow sensed my secret lust.

I was wrong; it was worse than that. “We’ve been summoned again,” she told me. “You need to change your clothes, then we need to go to the zoo as quickly as possible. Dr. Becker is waiting.”

As I changed out of my flight uniform, my thoughts were conflicted. The idea of being back under that woman’s control was harrowing. I could already feel her eyes peering into my soul, and I feared what she might make me do, especially with Leila watching. But even worse, I knew I couldn’t wait to go. My hunger roared higher at the thought of participating in whatever new debauchery Queen Becker might have planned.

When we reached the zoo, a guard blocked the main entrance and a large sign informed us it was “Closed for a Private Celebration.” Leila showed her credentials, and the guard directed us to one of the employee parking lots. “Go to the Safari Restaurant,” he instructed. “That’s where everything is happening.”

We walked through the double doors of the restaurant and were confronted with a scene that could have come right out of Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights. Many of the zoo’s younger and more attractive employees was crowded into the serving area, and most were already in various stages of undress. Some were dancing drunkenly; others were groping at each other. It looked as if some pagan orgy was just about to start.

Presiding over it all was the Queen, smiling majestically from her throne chair on a platform near the far wall. Once again she was wearing her royal robes, and once again it was obvious she wore nothing underneath.

When she spotted Leila and me, she rose and pointed at us. “Ah, good, you’re here. I’ve been waiting for you — we have unfinished business.”

When she beckoned, I took a step forward, but she shook her head with a smirk. “Not you, Tom Coady. I’ve been waiting for her.” With that she pointed at Leila.

I didn’t want Leila put on display and debauched in front of all these people, but when I tried to protest I found I couldn’t. I turned back and saw that Leila’s expression was trance-like. She was in the process of removing her blouse.

At that moment, a tremendous crash came from the rear of the restaurant. One of the exterior doors flew off its hinges and smashed to the floor. In the doorway stood the imposing figure of Larry, the mountain gorilla. Behind him I could just make out a small dark figure. That’s Malkia! I realized.

For an instant, the whole room was silent. Then a woman screamed, and the great ape shuffled forward. When he spotted Dr. Becker, he roared in anger and turned in her direction. But the queen wasn’t cowed. Quickly she went to a shelf in the corner and returned waving her magic wand in the air.

“Do you want another little taste of my fire stick, Larry?” she taunted the gorilla, switching on the electricity. But when she thrust it at him, he angrily batted it away with the back of his hand, sending it skittering and sparking against the wall. Then he sprang up on the stage and seized the woman by her shoulders, easily lifting her almost to the ceiling. She screamed at him, and he shook her violently like some annoying toy. Her head snapped back and forth, and we all heard the sickening crack. When he realized that his enemy was no longer struggling, Larry threw the body against the wall, and when it slid down, the neck was bent at a stomach-turning angle.

With another roar, the ape bounded off the stage as people scattered in all directions. When he headed in my direction, I pulled Leila behind me and stood waiting for my fate. But a small arm grabbed his large one, and he looked down to see Malkia chattering at him. He paused uncertainly, then followed the bonobo toward the door where they had entered.

Behind them it was utter chaos. People were yelling and screaming as they struggled to get to the doors and flee. Someone cried out, “Fire!” and I looked back at the stage to see flames climbing a curtain. At the base of the fabric was Becker’s cattle prod, its tip still sparking.

There was no way to get through the entrance, so I used a chair to smash out a window. Then I grabbed Leila and we somehow made it out of the restaurant without injury. Around us, people were running in all directions. Then a new cry arose, “The animals have escaped — run for your lives!” In disbelief I watched a Thomson’s gazelle vault over a fleeing couple while a black panther padded between two exhibits.

I really don’t know how we found our car in the madness. I do know that when I saw the inevitable traffic jam at the exit, I turned and drove across a field, somehow traversing a ditch before reaching the highway. And I do know that Leila and I held onto each other the whole way back to the apartment.

Given all the insanity, it was amazing there were only two fatalities. Dr. Becker, of course, had died instantly when her neck snapped. The other death was Larry. When the police who arrived to investigate came face to face with the 400-pound giant, their natural instinct was to shoot. The coroner dug 37 bullets out of the big gorilla’s body.

“The Great Zoo Jailbreak” was the talk of the internet for weeks. Most of the animals that had been freed were captured in the next few days. The TV news carried dramatic footage of a zebra grazing in the median of the interstate and a family of peccaries loose in a mall. A few were never found. But, as a prominent zoologist told reporters, “It’s highly likely that none are still living. Animals that have spent most or all of their lives being fed and cared for in captivity are poorly suited to survive in a metropolitan environment.”