One day, an out-of-work mime visited the zoo and decided to make some money as a street performer.
He stood near the entrance and began his silent routine.
Within minutes, a large crowd gathered around him.
The mime pretended to climb invisible walls, pull invisible ropes, and juggle imaginary balls.
Everyone was laughing and applauding.
Suddenly, the zoo director walked over.
Zoo Director:
“Come with me to my office.”
The mime became nervous. He thought he was about to be kicked out.
Instead, the director smiled.
Zoo Director:
“You’re incredibly talented. I’d like to offer you a job.”
The mime looked surprised and asked with his hands what kind of job it was.
The director explained that the zoo’s most popular attraction, the chimpanzee, had unexpectedly died.
Zoo Director:
“We can’t afford to lose visitors. Would you be willing to wear the chimpanzee costume and perform for a few days?”
The mime agreed.
The next morning, he put on the costume and entered the chimpanzee enclosure.
He swung from ropes, climbed trees, and entertained the visitors.
The crowd absolutely loved him.
Soon, he became even more popular than the original chimpanzee.
One afternoon, the mime got carried away. He climbed higher and higher until he suddenly slipped and fell into the lion enclosure.
Terrified, he began waving his arms and shouting for help.
Mime:
“HELP! HELP!”
The lion slowly walked toward him.
Then the lion whispered:
Lion:
“Shut up! You’ll get us both fired!”