[Emory](SLVDWP64) and [Ben](W6W6JGVP) woke up early, excited for their special day at the zoo. "Let's see all the animals today!" said [Emory](SLVDWP64), as he held [Ben](W6W6JGVP)'s hand.

At the zoo entrance, the boys saw the big sign that said, 'Welcome to the Zoo!' Fluffy critters and colorful birds danced on the posters around it.

First stop: the monkey jungle! [Emory](SLVDWP64) giggled as a tiny monkey swung from branch to branch and waved at them.

Next, they visited the elephant enclosure. [Ben](W6W6JGVP) loved how the elephants splashed water with their trunks to cool off.

"Look at their long necks!" said [Emory](SLVDWP64), as they marveled at the giraffes stretching up high to eat leaves from the tree tops.

The boys couldn’t stop laughing as the penguins waddled and splashed in their icy pool at Penguin Cove.

"Roar!" said [Emory](SLVDWP64), pretending to be a lion. The real lions were much bigger and lazier, snoozing in the sun.

At lunchtime, they had a picnic under a shady tree. [Ben](W6W6JGVP) munched on a peanut butter sandwich shaped like an elephant!

As the day ended, the zookeeper brought out a friendly tortoise for everyone to meet. The boys got to gently pat its smooth shell.

On the way home, [Emory](SLVDWP64) and [Ben](W6W6JGVP) couldn't stop talking about their favorite animals. "The zoo is the best!" said [Ben](W6W6JGVP) with a big smile.