Cryptid Zoo

by Gerry Griffiths

  The giant octopus spotted the offering and propelled over to the drum. It wrapped the tip of one of its arms around the container and held it firmly with its suction cups. It gripped the lid with another arm and began to twist the cover.

  “That’s incredible,” Nick said. “It’s unscrewing the cap.”

  Everyone watched as the top came off—a cable with some slack was attached to the inside of the lid so it wouldn’t drift away—and brown krill floated out.

  The octopus greedily sucked up the crustaceans.

  Once the ravenous creature was finished, the drum was hoisted back up and out of sight.

  Christine thanked Tilly for the demonstration and motioned for everyone to follow her to the nearest exit.

  “That was really something,” Nick said to Meg as they shuffled out.

  “Finally, something positive for your report.”

  “Let’s hope it keeps up.”

  9

  SEA MONSTER COVE

  Nick and Meg were the last ones to come out of the aquarium. As soon as Christine saw them, she said to the rest of the group, “Well, I hope you enjoyed the Tank.” A few people commented that they had.

  “What’s the next exhibit called?” Nick asked.

  “You’ll see, it’s just up there,” Christine said, pointing to the flagstone pathway sloping up a hummock covered with artificial turf.

  It was an easy stroll up the hillock and only took a couple of minutes. A large sign was posted at the top: SEA MONSTER COVE.

  As soon as Nick passed by the sign he realized that the hillside was the backside for rows of elevated bleachers that looked down on a body of murky water with a small island in the center. A cave was tucked back from a sandy beach.

  Christine stood on a platform, directing everyone to sit in the front row of the bleachers, which was roughly thirty feet above the water.

  Nick noticed a rippling effect as the water sloshed against the sides of the high surrounding concrete retaining wall and on the shore near the cave that was cut into a landscape of artificial rock. The motion was like a whirlpool, which meant that something very big was swimming around the island beneath the surface.

  “Welcome to Sea Monster Cove,” Christine said. “If you look closely, you might catch a glimpse of Caddy.”

  “What’s Caddy?” Nick asked.

  “She’s a cadborosaurus. Our sea serpent.”

  Nick kept his eyes on the water until he saw a long shape under the surface. It had a long neck and flippers, and was the length of a small whale. He could tell by the murmurings that others had spotted it as well.

  “Where in the world did you find that?” Meg asked Christine, after spotting the sea creature.

  “Off the coast of British Columbia.”

  “You mean these things actually exist?” Nick asked.

  “Seeing is believing, right?”

  “That isn’t real!” Shane said. “It’s like that mechanical shark at Universal Studios, the one that was in Jaws.”

  “I’m going to have to agree with my son,” Bob said.

  “Oh, it’s real, I assure you.” Christine walked over to a glass holding tank set up on the platform, filled with two-foot long fish. A chute was under a sealed opening in the side of the glass and extended ten feet out over the cove.

  Christine grabbed a handle and lifted the plate on the side of the tank, releasing some water and a few of the fish before closing it. The freed fish slid down to the end of the chute and flew into the air.

  The sea serpent burst out of the water. It had a horse-like head and an extremely long neck. It opened its gigantic mouth, scooped up the feeder fish in midair then slammed back down into the water, splashing the platform and some of the visitors.

  “Jesus, did you see that?” Bob said.

  “I have to say, that looked real to me,” Nick answered back.

  “They actually captured that thing?” Meg said to Nick.

  “Must have. That’s truly unbelievable.”

  “While we let Caddy enjoy her little snack, I would like to direct everyone’s attention to the beach area. Does everyone see our zookeeper?”

  Nick saw a young man standing by the cave entrance.

  “Everyone, let’s all wave to Cam,” Christine said. The group did as instructed.

  Cam waved back. He turned and walked inside the cave. A few seconds passed before he came out, followed by what looked like a miniature brontosaurus with a long neck and tail and was five feet taller than Cam. Three more identical looking creatures came out of the cave and they all gathered at an embankment covered with white-blossomed liana and began chomping on the foliage like cattle grazing on a pasture.

  “These docile creatures are sauropods also known as mokele-mbemebe.”

  “My God, you found dinosaurs?” Meg said.

  “That’s right.”

  “But from where?” Nick asked, totally blown away.

  “The Congo River Basin.”

  “How much does one of those weigh?”

  “Close to 1,000 pounds.”

  “How come we’ve never heard of them?” Bob asked.

  “That’s because they’ve never really existed until now.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “I’ll explain later. In tomorrow’s tour.”

  Nick checked his watch. It was a few minutes before six. He noticed that the stadium lights were not as bright. As it was approaching dusk outside the dome he figured that the same condition was being simulated inside to conserve power as everything was run on solar energy.

  “Before we return to the hotel,” Christine said, “I would like to introduce you all to Patrick.”

  “Who’s Patrick?” Gabe asked.

  Nick heard a woman gasp. He turned and saw a hideous blob creep across the platform. “What the hell is that?” he blurted, unable to contain himself.

  “Patrick is what’s known as a globster.”

  “A what?”

  “Have you ever gone to the beach and found something dead that has washed ashore and wondered what it was?”

  “Sure. One time we found a jellyfish in some kelp and wasn’t so sure what it was at first.”

  “Well, that’s Patrick—the mysterious carcass.”

  “This is a joke, right?” Nick said. He glanced back at the thing on the platform. It was gray and slimy and had a strange glob face with two deep-socket eyeholes and a puckered mouth. The bizarre abomination had only two stubby front legs with webbed feet. It dragged itself toward Christine. The tour guide grabbed a pole that was leaning against the fish tank and used it to keep Patrick at bay.

  “But how is it alive if it’s dead?” Meg asked.

  “Like I said, that’s the mystery.”

  “What happens if you touch it?” Shane asked.

  “I wouldn’t recommend doing that,” Christine said.

  “Why’s that?” Nick asked.

  “And that concludes our tour for today.” Christine drew everyone’s attention to the exit path at the end of the bleachers and stood by as the tour group got up to leave.

  Nick didn’t know if Christine had purposely ignored his question or simply hadn’t heard him.

  By the time they reached the pool area of the hotel, the dome had completely darkened. Lights came on around the hotel and the swimming pool and along the walkways.

  “I’m a little hungry, how about you?” Meg asked Nick.

  “I don’t know, after seeing that thing.”

  “That was definitely creepy.”

  “Spooky is more like it.”

  10

  NIGHT OWL

  After freshening up in their rooms, Nick’s family and Bob’s all met down at the lobby for dinner. This time when they went to the dining room there was a hostess to greet them and escort them to their table.

  As soon as Nick sat down, he noticed that a screen partition had been drawn across the far wall, discreetly blocking off the buffet counter. Two bottles of compli
mentary wine and glasses were in the center of the table.

  He picked up a bottle and inspected the label. “Anyone for Chardonnay?”

  “Please,” Meg said and picked up a wineglass.

  “I’d like some,” Rhonda said.

  Nick looked at Bob, but he was already pouring himself a glass from the other bottle, which was a red wine.

  “Well, this is a step up from lunch,” Bob said, taking a sip from his glass.

  “Should we toast?” Nick said.

  “What about us?” Shane whined. “Don’t we get some?”

  Gabe gave his father an expectant look.

  Nick glanced around the dining room at the other patrons. No one seemed to be interested in what they were doing, as they were too busy socializing amongst themselves or eating their meals. “Sure, why not. But just half a glass.”

  Meg gave him a look, but she didn’t object.

  Once the wines were poured, Nick raised his glass. “To the most weirdest vacation ever!”

  “And it’s only just started,” Bob said with a laugh.

  Everyone clinked their glasses together.

  A waiter came to their table with menus and explained the specials of the day.

  The service turned out to be impeccable, so much, that Nick felt guilty after he’d finished his meal he wasn’t able to show his appreciation and give the waiter a big fat tip as there was no bill, everything being paid for by the company.

  “I brought along a malt scotch if anyone’s interested,” Bob said.

  “All right Dad!” Shane said.

  “Sorry, son.”

  Shane frowned, but stayed quiet.

  “Why don’t we hang out on our balcony and have a few?” Bob said. “We have a great view of these trees.”

  “Really. Our room looks out over the pool.” Nick turned to Meg. “Up for a drink?”

  “Sure,” Meg said.

  They got up from the table and ambled through the dining room. Nick glanced out of a large picture window and saw some adults and kids swimming out in the pool and a young couple soaking in a Jacuzzi.

  An elevator opened and guests stepped out. Nick and the others got in and rode the lift up to the fourth floor.

  The Pascale’s suite was conveniently located next to the ice machine in the hallway. Bob opened the door to their room and everyone went inside. The layout was similar to Nick and Meg’s room. Bob handed Shane a white plastic bucket to fill with ice and also gave his son money to get soft drinks from the beverage machine.

  When Shane returned with the sodas and ice, he and Gabe snuck off into their own room through the adjoining door connecting to the next suite.

  “What are they doing in there if they don’t have their phones or iPads?” Nick asked.

  “There’s a movie channel,” Bob said, standing at a table, dumping ice cubes in their glasses. “Don’t worry I checked it out first. Nothing R-rated.”

  “I’d hope not,” Nick said. “This is supposed to be a family resort.”

  “Yeah, and who came up with this wacky place? Tim Burton?” Bob twisted the cap off the bottle of scotch and poured some into each of the glasses. He handed Meg and Rhonda their drinks then gave Nick his glass.

  Bob opened the sliding glass door to the patio area for Meg and Rhonda. They went over to the padded lounge chairs, put their drinks on a small glass table between them, and sat on the cushions.

  Nick walked over to the edge of the balcony to peer down over the railing, and almost bumped his head on a large pane of glass. He looked around and saw that the entire patio area was sealed in. “Nice to see they took precautions to make the balcony child safe.”

  “I don’t think that’s why they did it,” Bob said, coming over and standing next to Nick.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t think the glass is meant to prevent someone from falling over the edge. It was designed to keep something from getting in. That’s one-inch thick double pane glass. The same kind they use for glass enclosures at zoos.”

  “Well, this is a zoo.”

  “Yeah, so what’s out there?” Bob went in and switched off all the lights, eliminating the reflecting glare of the mirrored image of the interior of the suite.

  It took a moment for Nick’s eyes to adjust to the gloomy outside and soon he began to make out the shapes of trees. The canopy stretched high above the hotel. He could see shadows moving between the branches.

  A large shape swooped right across the front of the glass.

  Nick jumped back and spilt his drink on his shirt. “Jesus, did you see that?”

  Bob had turned away briefly and Meg and Rhonda had been too busy talking to each other so no one noticed. The three gawked at Nick.

  “Whatever it was, it was huge!” Nick said.

  The women got up from their chairs to get a closer look.

  Bob pressed his face against the glass to peer outside.

  Rhonda screamed and Meg yelled out, “Oh my God!”

  “Jesus, Nick,” Bob said, half laughing. “What the hell is that?”

  Nick watched the creature hovering a foot away from the glass.

  It had a wingspan of about six feet with three talon claws on the front of each wing like a bat or a pterodactyl’s, though it looked more like a giant owl as its small rounded head, short body, and wings were covered with gray feathers. It had gangly legs that bent back at the knees like a human, and four-toed feet.

  Strangely, it had no beak or any nasal passages. Instead, it had an O shaped mouth that looked like it was about to wrap its lips around the end of a garden hose.

  The eyes were the most alarming things about the creature, as they glowed bright red like two taillights on the back of a car.

  “Is that thing eerie or what?” Bob said.

  “What in God’s name is that?” Meg asked.

  “Damned if I know,” Nick replied.

  “I’m going back inside,” Rhonda said and took her drink into the room.

  Nick could see his reflection in the window haloed in red from the glow of the creature’s eyes. He had a weird sensation, like a tight cap had just been placed over his brain. He could feel pressure building up behind his eyes. It was as if something was pulling at his subconscious.

  “Honey, are you okay?”

  Nick thought he heard a voice but couldn’t be completely sure as his head was swimming...

  His shoulders were violently shaken. Nick jerked his head like he’d been slapped and saw Bob staring at him with a bewildered look on his face.

  “Snap out of it, man,” Bob said, releasing Nick’s shoulders.

  “What just happened?” Nick looked down at his drink in his hand and saw that most of it had spilled out on the deck.

  “I think that thing was playing mind games with your head.”

  Nick stepped back like he might fall over and flopped down on the chair Rhonda had been sitting in. Meg grabbed his glass from his hand before he dropped it.

  “Should we get a doctor?” Meg asked.

  “No. Give me a sec.” Nick closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He leaned forward and rocked back and forth.

  “What’s going on?” Rhonda asked, rushing onto the patio.

  “We’re not sure,” Bob said.

  “I’m okay,” Nick said. He sat back in the chair and opened his eyes. He put out his hand and Meg handed him back his near-empty tumbler.

  “Do you have a headache?” Meg asked.

  “No, nothing like that,” Nick said, rubbing his temple with his fingertips. “It’s hard to explain. I’m fine now.”

  “Guys care for another round?” Bob asked.

  “Sure,” Nick said. He downed the rest of his drink and handed Bob his glass.

  “I’m still good.” Meg raised her glass and showed Bob. He gave her a nod and shuffled into the suite.

  “What did that thing do to you?” Meg asked.

  “I have no idea.”

  “This place is really starting to
freak me out.”

  “You and me both,” Nick said and looked out the glass.

  He was relieved to see that the creature was gone.

  11

  THE AVIARY

  After another bland breakfast at the buffet, Christine had everyone muster in the lobby for the next tour. As the observation deck was on the fifth floor of the hotel and there were twenty people in the tour group, she opted to take the stairs rather than split everyone up taking the elevator.

  Nick and Meg took up the rear following Bob and Rhonda and the others up the stairwell. Gabe and Shane were somewhere up ahead and had developed a bond, enjoying the freedom of having their own room, which seemed to make the teenagers more tolerable to be around, even when they were forced to spend so much time with their parents.

  “At least we get to walk off that grand breakfast,” Nick joked as they reached the landing for the second floor and kept going up.

  “My Belgian waffle was like rubber,” Meg said. “I don’t get it. If they can serve such a wonderful dinner, why not the breakfast?”

  They reached the third floor and trudged past the fire door to the next level.

  Nick could hear a heavyset man higher up, panting, and struggling up the stairs, sounding like he was on the verge of having a coronary and knew the guy would surely slam Christine’s decision not to use the elevator on his evaluation.

  When they finally reached the fifth floor, Christine held the fire door open so everyone could pass through onto the observation deck, which was completely glassed in.

  Once everyone was inside, Christine walked up and gazed out through the massive window that looked out over an area of tall trees inside a giant enclosure of stainless steel netting supported by long cables attached to the underside of the dome’s girded ceiling.

  “This is day two of our tour. If you would please spread out, there should be enough room for everyone to get a good view of our next attraction—the Aviary.”

  “What’s so special about it?” Bob asked. “I think we’ve all seen exotic birds one time or another.”

  “Not like these you haven’t.”

  Nick spotted what he thought was a Cessna flying between the trees. It had a wingspan of 18 feet and soared through the air like a glider. The giant bird landed on a thick bough fifty feet above the ground. Perched on the limb, it stood about twelve feet tall. The head and beak were sleek like an eagle.