Emily had worked at the zoo for almost six years. She knew every animal, every feeding schedule, and every safety rule. But there was one creature she never completely trusted—
a massive crocodile named Brutus. One quiet morning, Emily entered the feeding area carrying a metal bucket filled with raw meat. Brutus lay beside the water with his eyes almost closed. He looked calm, but Emily knew that crocodiles could attack without warning. Using a long pair of feeding tongs, she picked up a large piece of meat and lowered it toward him.
Thinking he hadn’t noticed the food, Emily leaned slightly closer. The meat slipped from the tongs and landed near the edge of the enclosure. Without thinking, she reached forward to grab it. Suddenly, Brutus exploded from the water. His powerful jaws closed around Emily’s arm.
