Excerpt from 'Olga - A Daughter's Tale' by Marie Campbell
On a cold, clear, sunny day in London, Olga, 34, Jamaican, an unmarried mother to Marie, 7, dark hair, olive skin, and maid to Madeleine, 7, long blonde hair, slim who walks with the aid of calipers had on her day off brought the two young girls to the London Zoo as a treat. Marie is holding her mother's hand.
As they entered the zoo, they were immediately struck by the sights and sounds of all the different animals; lions, tigers, and bears. They saw monkeys, zebras, and giraffes. And all sorts of birds, reptiles, and fish.
In the distance, a large crowd had gathered. Excited chatter and youthful enthusiasm were dominated by the laughter and giggles of children.
Curiosity etched on her face, Madeleine turned to Marie, her voice rising above the crowd, "Marie, what's happening up there?"
Without a moment's hesitation, Marie darted forward, eager to catch a glimpse of the spectacle unfolding. Olga gently held Madeleine's hand, and together, they walked slowly toward the source of the commotion.
A zookeeper, uniformed, wearing a cap, friendly, is talking to the people gathered around. The girls squeeze their way to the front of the enclosure. Before them lay a pen containing an unexpected family: a black and white collie named Jessie and three playful tiger cubs, a mere five weeks old.
The Zookeeper tells his captivated audience, "Them triplets are five weeks old and 'ave bin rejected by their mum so Jessie 'ere is fostering 'em fer a bit."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPlRRTwabGI
Giggles and laughter surrounded the enclosure as children, including Marie and Madeleine, peered over the railing. The cubs, full of boundless energy, frolicked and tumbled with one another, occasionally clambering over Jessie, who sat patiently in the corner, allowing the playful antics.
Little hands from excited children reached down, attempting to pick up a cub, while the cubs, in turn, strained to reach the small hands dangling over the pen. Olga, captivated by the scene unfolding below, observed with wide-eyed wonder.
Madeleine, unable to contain her enthusiasm, leaned precariously over the pen, attempting to scoop up one of the furry cubs. In an instant, her precarious position became perilous, and just as she teetered on the edge, the vigilant Zookeeper swooped in, grabbing her just in the nick of time.
Olga, a mix of relief and concern etched on her face, joined the Zookeeper in rescuing Madeleine.
Marie looked at her mother, "Isn't that sad?" her gaze shifting to the frolicking cubs below, "Their Mummy left them when they were babies."