The Halloween Experiment

It’s the zoo’s big **Halloween Science Night**. Paper lanterns sway, kids in costumes chase each other, and the main stage counts down to a “totally safe” demonstration. A scientist trips near the stage. A canister of glowing orange serum rolls, clinks through the fence, and plops into the little stream that winds through the exhibits. The lights flicker. Somewhere, a hiss. Somewhere else, leathery wingbeats. A sign on the stage blinks: **“DO NOT PANIC.”** What do you do? * [[Check on the glowing python exhibit->Python Exhibit]] * [[Head to the Bat Dome where a shadow just blotted a lantern->Bat Dome]] * [[Search Lemur Grove—someone says one turned invisible->Lemur Grove]] * [[Run to the Science Tent for answers->Science Tent]]

You duck under a striped tent smelling of ozone and caramel corn. Tables are covered with bubbling beakers, safety goggles, and “Absolutely Harmless” posters. Three frazzled scientists whisper in panic. “Okay,” says one. “We can fix this. Probably.” They slide you a tray. “Pick ONE tool. Use it wisely.” * [[Take the UV flashlight (reveals hidden stuff)->UV Flashlight Taken]] * [[Take the sound recorder (plays any sound you capture)->Recorder Taken]] * [[Take the insulated net (safe for delicate rescues)->Net Taken]] * [[Forget the gear and dash back out->Crossroads]]

Sirens whoop somewhere (it’s just the carousel, stuck on “Emergency”). Lanterns sway, casting jack-o-lantern faces on the paths. The zoo divides ahead. * [[Python Exhibit]] * [[Bat Dome]] * [[Lemur Grove]] * [[Return to the main stage to look for grown-ups->Main Stage]]

The emcee taps a dead microphone. “We are experiencing a tiny, minuscule, nothing-to-worry-about setback.” Families huddle; a fog machine wheezes behind him. * [[Head for the Python Exhibit->Python Exhibit]] * [[Head for the Bat Dome->Bat Dome]] * [[Head for Lemur Grove->Lemur Grove]]

You click on the chunky flashlight. The beam looks normal—until you pass it over your sleeve and a dozen stamp-ink lemur handprints glow violet. Something nearby chitters. * [[Back to the paths->Crossroads]]

You pocket a recorder labeled **“CAUTION: VERY LOUD.”** You test it—your “Hello?” echoes like thunder through the tent. Bottles tremble. * [[Back to the paths->Crossroads]]

You heft the insulated net. Light, but faintly warm, as if it remembers the last thing it caught. * [[Back to the paths->Crossroads]]

The reptile house glass pulses with orange shimmer. Inside, the **Sunbeam Python** coils like molten rope. The glow leaks across the tiles. A keeper shouts, “Back! Give it space!” You spot two options: * A narrow service door labeled **FILTERS**. * A bucket of ice by a lemonade stand, sweating in the heat. * [[Slip into the FILTERS room to cool the water->Filters Room]] * [[Use the ice to chill the floor and lure the glow back->Cold Tiles]] * [[Call for a zookeeper’s help instead->Ask a Pro]]

Pipes hum. Gauges bob in the orange light. A wheel marked **FLOW** squeaks. A note: “TURN SLOWLY.” * [[Turn the wheel left (reduce heat)->Cool Flow]] * [[Turn the wheel right (increase flow)->Hot Flow]] * [[Back out before you break anything->Python Exhibit]]

The glass fogs. The glow thickens, then drains backward like syrup into the water. The python settles, gleaming faintly. The air smells of warm stone. A keeper gives you a crisp thumbs-up. “Nice thinking.” * [[Head to the Bat Dome->Bat Dome]] * [[Head to Lemur Grove->Lemur Grove]] * [[Check back at the main stage->Main Stage]] * [[Call it a night and find your family->ENDING - Pumpkin Badge]]

The pump coughs. The glow surges—then splashes across the floor like orange jelly, creeping toward the gift shop socks display. * [[Grab a squeegee and push the glow back->Squeegee Shuffle]] * [[Run to find help->Ask a Pro]]

You stomp and sweep. The glow hisses but slides into the floor drain with a sigh. A souvenir sign clatters down and bonks you lightly. The clerk grins. “Hero discount!” * [[Head to the Bat Dome->Bat Dome]] * [[Head to Lemur Grove->Lemur Grove]] * [[Check back at the main stage->Main Stage]]

A zookeeper jogs up with a cool-pack. Together you chill the tiles until the glow retreats. “Two more problems out there,” they warn. “Choose your battleground.” * [[Bat Dome]] * [[Lemur Grove]] * [[Main Stage]]

You scatter ice across the floor. The glow slinks back into the tank like dusk into water. The python yawns—showing far too many teeth for comfort. * [[On to the Bat Dome->Bat Dome]] * [[On to Lemur Grove->Lemur Grove]] * [[Back to the main stage->Main Stage]]

Inside the geodesic dome, fruit-scented air hangs thick. A giant shadow loops the ceiling—then swoops low. A sign once reading **MEGABAT** now reads **MEGA-MAYBE-TOO-BIG**. You spot: * A crate of overripe bananas. * A ventilation control panel. * A speaker softly playing rainforest sounds. * [[Lure it with bananas->Banana Lure]] * [[Adjust ventilation for a downdraft->Gentle Downdraft]] * [[Crank the rainforest sounds louder->Soothing Sounds]] * [[Retreat for now->Crossroads]]

You heap bananas under a netted corner. The bat circles once, then lands. The net slips—snagging a wingtip. It shrieks, echoing through your ribs. * [[Slowly free the net->Careful Freeing]] * [[Call a keeper->Keeper Wings]]

You open the vents. A cool wind pushes down. The bat glides lower, wings brushing air like curtains. It clings to a perch, settling. “Smart airflow!” a keeper says. * [[Head to Lemur Grove->Lemur Grove]] * [[Head to the Python Exhibit->Python Exhibit]] * [[Report to the main stage->Main Stage]] * [[Claim your reward—a commemorative sticker->ENDING - Bat Whisperer]]

You raise the rainforest track. Frogs croak, thunder rolls. The bat slows its frantic loops and hangs near the speakers, swaying to the rhythm. * [[Lemur Grove]] * [[Python Exhibit]] * [[Main Stage]]

You inch closer and lift the net. The bat blinks, then folds its wings like a cloak. Its eyes gleam gold in the dim. * [[On to Lemur Grove->Lemur Grove]] * [[On to Python Exhibit->Python Exhibit]] * [[Back to main stage->Main Stage]]

A keeper arrives with heavy gloves. Together you free the wing. The bat flaps once and settles, muttering squeaks that sound suspiciously like “thanks.” * [[Head to Lemur Grove->Lemur Grove]] * [[Head to Python Exhibit->Python Exhibit]] * [[Back to main stage->Main Stage]]

The path twists beneath flickering lamps. Leaves rustle, but the enclosure looks empty. A sign: **“Ring-tailed Lemurs: 8 Curious, 1 Extra Curious.”** Tiny chalky handprints mark the rail. You notice: * Faint pawprints that vanish when you stare too long. * A treat puzzle swinging from a branch. * A logbook reading “LEMUR 9 – ESCAPE ARTIST.” * [[Shine a special light->Need a Light]] * [[Bait the treat puzzle->Treat Puzzle]] * [[Use sound to mimic lemur calls->Mimic Calls]] * [[Ask an adult for help->Get Help]]

* [[Yes, use the UV flashlight->UV Track Reveal]] * [[No, I’ll try something else->Lemur Grove]]

Under the beam, glowing handprints scamper up the fence—then one lands on your shoulder. A whispery “mrrrp?” brushes your ear. The invisible lemur is perched on you. * [[Kneel by the treat puzzle so it climbs off->Puzzle Transfer]] * [[Hold very still and call a keeper->Still as a Tree]] * [[Gently sweep it into the insulated net->Net Scoop Success]]

You crouch near the puzzle, holding your breath. The invisible weight leaves your shoulder, reaching for the treats. Banana scent fills the air; glitter dust sparkles around its outline. * [[Guide it toward the habitat door->Lemur Return Door]] * [[Stay to watch it finish its snack->Sparkly Snack Time]]

You lift the net carefully. The air ripples; a striped tail flickers into view. The keeper gasps, delighted. * [[Escort it back to the habitat door->Lemur Return Door]] * [[Set the net near the treat puzzle and step back->Puzzle Transfer]]

You open the hatch. The invisible shape hops inside. A trail of glowing handprints forms a neat signature. * [[Return to the main stage->Main Stage]] * [[Check another exhibit->Crossroads]] * [[Take a bow; you’re done here->ENDING - Lemur Legend]]

You load banana chips. Something tugs, whirs—then POOF! Banana dust outlines a startled lemur in golden sparkles. * [[Guide it through the door->Lemur Return Door]] * [[Let it finish first->Sparkly Snack Time]]

The lemur munches happily, sneezes glitter, and hops inside with a satisfied tail flick. * [[Back to the main stage->Main Stage]] * [[Another exhibit->Crossroads]]

* [[Yes, play lemur chatter on the recorder->Chatter Playback]] * [[No, I’ll try a different plan->Lemur Grove]]

You hit play. Your earlier “HELLO!” booms like thunder. Every lemur head pops up—including one that wasn’t visible before. It scrambles to the perch, wide-eyed. * [[Guide it to the door->Lemur Return Door]] * [[Celebrate a little too loudly->ENDING - Startled Stampede]]

You freeze. A keeper approaches quietly. “You’re doing great.” The lemur hops to their shoulder, leaving a faint, glowing handprint on yours. * [[Main Stage]] * [[Crossroads]]

A parent radios a keeper. While you wait, the invisible lemur pokes its head into the treat puzzle. When the keeper arrives, it’s already halfway home. * [[Lemur Return Door]]

Back at your family’s blanket, the emcee hands you a sticker shaped like a pumpkin with a tiny lab beaker. “Tonight’s **Cool Under Pressure** award!” * [[Play again->Start]]

“The Bat Dome is calm again!” the emcee announces. A volunteer crowns you with paper bat ears that rustle in the breeze. * [[Play again->Start]]

A zookeeper stamps your hand with a tiny ringed tail. “For services to snack-based diplomacy.” From the trees comes a faint, friendly “mrrrp.” * [[Play again->Start]]

You cheer—and every lemur sprints in circles, glowing trails whipping through the dark. A keeper sighs. “Next time, use your indoor Halloween voice?” * [[Try another path->Start]]