Bee from Behind

The air was getting cooler as fall was starting to set in. Leaves turned colours, and the zoo staff were often found with pumpkin flavoured beverages. It was the best season. It was also an excuse to dress up some of the animals in funny Halloween outfits. 

One of the red panda males was deemed a perfect target for this outfitting. He was tame enough and generally tolerant of its handlers. The costume came from one of the staff who had previously had it for their dog. It was a little bee harness with wings, strapping onto both front and back legs to stay attached. The red panda was a little confused as the costume was equipped, but he thought he’d see it out. 

“Oh my, he’s so cute!! Let me take a photo for social media-“ His zookeeper exclaimed as she scrambled to take her phone out.

By the time she had opened the camera app, the panda had turned away from her. He paused for a moment before scratching and picking at the bee outfit. The panda, unable to remove it, and a little weirded out by the wings, began to dash around the enclosure.

“Oh, oh dear,” the zookeeper said. They quickly put their phone back in their pocket and ran after the panda to provide aid. Eventually she caught him and removed the costume. The red panda was relieved but must not have been too bothered by the ordeal, as he stuck right by the zookeeper.

After giving those in the enclosure some treats, the staff member left the red pandas to go about their day. She continued to the next enclosure she had to check up on, but eventually made her way back to a staff room. Sitting down for a break, they checked their phone. Most of the photos she had taken of the red panda were blurred and unusable. This one from behind would just have to do.