The Leopard and the Meerkat

One hot day in a remote area of the Kruger National Park in South Africa, a Leopard was enjoying a snooze under a huge marula tree. He had just dozed off when a passing Meerkat accidently brushed against him. The Leopard woke with a start, saw the Meercat and growled, “How dare you wake me! I am going to eat you!’

The terrified Meerkat pleaded, “Be kind! Don’t hurt me. One day I may repay your kindness.”

The Leopard laughed scornfully, “How can a tiny meerkat ever help a leopard? Be off with you!” And so, the Meerkat escaped.

A few days later the Leopard was caught in a net laid by hunters. Fearing the return of the hunters the Leopard screamed for help. Not far off the Meerkat heard the Leopard’s cries, found the Leopard and bit through the net and set the Leopard free.

Lesson: Never underestimate where you might find help in time of dire need.

Based on an Aesop Fable