Encounter 1/36

@ Laughing Leopard
Benji has been looking forward to meeting the huge variety of other animals on this Summer Safari. What a treat to find Big Blu here, too!
Laughing Leopard
I love to laugh. Wanna hear some cat jokes?
Why can’t cats play poker on the savanna?
Because they are cheetahs!
Why was the cat afraid of the tree?
Because of its bark!
Why do cats always get their way?
Because they are purr-suasive!

Encounter 2/36

@ Brown Bat
Benji was very happy to meet FLEECE here! They both swapped tales of their experiences of their travels so far!
Brown Bat
With all the recent news about bats being the source of the novel coronavirus called COVID-19, some people have forgotten how important bats are to us. A single bat can eat up to 3,000 insects in one night! That’s a lot of annoying mosquitoes that we don’t have to be bothered by.

Encounter 3/36

@ Soaring Eagle
Benji and Choose a name had shaken paws and were now introducing themselves to the next critter who had come to meet them on this leg of the quest, who was eager to make friends and to show off a carefully tidied natural habitat!
Soaring Eagle
My size and status in the avian world has earned me the title of apex predator. I really am the master of all I survey. I could spend my entire day up here soaring and admiring the beautiful forests I get to call home. Don’t you wish you could fly and enjoy it too?

Encounter 4/36

@ Bearded Dragon
Both Jazzabell and Benji love the scenery at the next stop, and they both enjoy introducing themselves to their new friend, who has been waiting to meet them!
Bearded Dragon
I just finished my morning basking in the warm sunshine; now I think I’m going to munch on some of these yummy green plants and then take a little nap in my little hide-away where no one will bother me. I’m just a bit introverted and prefer my solitude.

Encounter 5/36

@ Black Scorpion
“You never know what sort of critter to expect next, do you, Arthur?" whispered Benji. “You know, small, cute and furry or really quite, um, large, with—er—very sharp teeth.” Arthur reassured Benji that all the critters were looking forward to meeting them, regardless of size, furriness, cuteness and/or type of teeth.
Black Scorpion
Yes, I have a venomous stinger but do not use it much; I prefer to grab with my pincers. My favorite foods to eat are the bugs you find a nuisance anyways so I don’t think you’ll mind having me around now that you know that.

Encounter 6/36

@ Wolf Pack
“I’ve written a postcard to my aunty to tell her about our amazing safari!” said Benji. “She’ll wish she was here! Where’s the nearest postbox?” Lucky shielded his eyes and rotated 360°, elaborately scanning the horizon. “I don’t think they’ve thought to provide a postbox here, Benji. How remiss of them!” Seeing Benji’s ears beginning to droop, Lucky added, “Don’t worry, you can post your card after this leg of the safari.”
Wolf Pack
Hello traveler! We were just settling down for our afternoon nap in this patch of grass. If you are weary from your travels and need a little rest, please feel free to join us. There’s plenty of room and there’s a lovely breeze wafting through the forest.

Encounter 7/36

@ Leery Lizards
Benji and blade shook paws and said “How do you do?” to the next creature who had come to meet them, and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Benji. “Let’s change sides.” “No,” said blade. “This side shows my best side.”
Leery Lizards
We thought that teaming up together to tackle this labyrinth would make things easier, but these mazes are HARD! We’re not sure if it’s the pile-ups when all three of us slam into a maze’s dead-end together, or not being able to decide whether to go left or right as one of us is always undecided instead of being the tie-breaker! Now we’re really “on edge” at this point, trying to figure out who’s going to climb over and see where this path leads.

Encounter 8/36

@ As The Crow Flies
While Benji paused to drink in the view, Sephira started scrabbling in her rucksack for her portable, foldable camping chair. “What are you doing with that, Sephira?” asked Benji. “We’ll need to get going in a minute or we’ll be left behind!”
As The Crow Flies
If you’ve ever wondered how far it is from point A to point B this bird is often associated with the phrase “as the crow flies” describing the distance as if it were measured in a straight line. When one says this it usually implies it is a much longer distance if one must travel by the constraints of a road.

Encounter 9/36

@ Resting Mole
“What have you got in your tote bag, Nutsy Mouse?” asked Benji. “It looks very full!” “I’ve come prepared for anything, Benji,” responded Nutsy Mouse. “There’s deck shoes, snowshoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, flippers, walking boots, Wellington boots—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Resting Mole
Nope, I’m not stuck, I’m just resting. I’ve been quite busy digging around trying to find as many wormies as I can. I really love wormies and I have a whole underground room with hundreds of them stored away for later. I really do! If I could show you I would but you are too big to fit in my burrow.

Encounter 10/36

@ Posing Bobcat
“Ooh, that’s a scary looking creature!” whispered Firefly. “It’s bigger than me! I’ll stay here and wait for you to come back.” “C’mon, Firefly, it’ll be fine—it’s not so very big; it's a trick of perspective, and anyway, it’s looking forward to meeting us!” said Benji.
Posing Bobcat
‘Bob’ isn’t my name; it refers to my cute stubby tail which you can’t see because the photographer thought my gorgeous face should be photographed instead. Don’t you agree that it’s my best feature?

Encounter 11/36

@ Pond Snail
Benji was very happy to meet Bluey~* here! They both swapped tales of their experiences of their travels so far!
Pond Snail
Heading somewhere, eh? Well, I am too. They say there’s a prize at the end of this trail, but I think I am going to be the last one to get there because I am such a slowpoke. Good thing it’s a journey and not a race. You go on ahead, I’ll be there later… much later!

Encounter 12/36

@ A Crash of Rhinos
Benji was very happy to meet **** here! They both swapped tales of their experiences of their travels so far!
A Crash of Rhinos
Rhinos are HUGE, weighing over 95 stone (1330 lbs/600 kg). A rhino horn is made of the same substance as human fingernails. They have poor vision and rely on their sense of smell.

Encounter 13/36

@ Zebra Spider
Benji was very happy to meet Specks here! They both swapped tales of their experiences of their travels so far!
Zebra Spider
Hi. Whatcha doin? BOING. You hungry? BOING. I can catch you some dinner. Do you like bugs? BOING. I like to jump. Can’t you tell? BOING. Ooh, I see a mosquito. Gotta go! BOING.

Encounter 14/36

@ African Leopard
Benji and Kalapi agreed that the variety of environments on their expedition was the best ever! Benji and Kalapi exchanged opinions on which their favourite terrain had been so far, and which was the most interesting creature they had met in their travels!
African Leopard
You might find it a bit scary but climbing down a tree head-first is quite an easy task for us leopards. We can also jump very high (3 m or 10 ft) and leap over a 6 m (20 ft) expanse. With all those abilities, our outlook on life can be described with the saying Hakuna Matata! Yes, we really do say that in Kenya! It is Swahili and it is translated “there are no troubles.”

Encounter 15/36

@ Swallowtail Caterpillar
Both Chloe Rose and Benji love the scenery at the next stop, and they both enjoy introducing themselves to their new friend, who has been waiting to meet them!
Swallowtail Caterpillar
It’s a good thing I taste bad to predators because that ensures more of us will live to go through metamorphosis. After I emerge from my chrysalis I will become a beautiful Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly.

Encounter 16/36

@ Atlas Moth
“Let’s pose with one of us each side of our new friend and I’ll set the self-timer to take a group shot,” said Benji to Shanti. “It’ll be a fab souvenir of our time here!”
Atlas Moth
One of the grandest moths to grace the forests, the atlas moth has an impressive wingspan of up to 24 cm (9.4 inches). Strangely enough, they don’t have mouths and do not eat once they emerge from their cocoon, spending their entire one to two-week lifespan living on fat storage.

Encounter 17/36

@ Brown Agama Lizard
“Shall we take a selfie?” Benji asked Puddle Rumchuckle as they drank in the scenery and admired their new friend next to them.
Brown Agama Lizard
Many of us lizards are quite good at camouflage. We’re so good that you almost didn’t see me here! We can even change color depending on our mood! What mood do you think I might be feeling right now?

Encounter 18/36

@ Blue Damselfly
“I’ve written a postcard to my aunty to tell her about our amazing safari!” said Benji. “She’ll wish she was here! Where’s the nearest postbox?” Sif shielded her eyes and rotated 360°, elaborately scanning the horizon. “I don’t think they’ve thought to provide a postbox here, Benji. How remiss of them!” Seeing Benji’s ears beginning to droop, Sif added, “Don’t worry, you can post your card after this leg of the safari.”
Blue Damselfly
The damselfly may be delicate but is definitely not a damsel in distress. Similar to, and often mistaken for dragonflies, they are found on every continent except Antarctica. If you dislike mosquitoes (isn’t that everybody?), then you will find these insects to be especially useful in controlling the mosquito population, as damselflies find them very tasty.

Encounter 19/36

@ Ribbon Snake
Benji is enjoying the view when Mollie comes along. "Look! A special prize!" says Mollie. Benji looks down and sees something valuable. Well Benji WAS here first ...
Ribbon Snake
Ribbon ssssnakes are a common sssspecies of the garter ssssnake, but isn’t our coloring more sssstriking with our beautiful golden yellow sssstripes? I think sssso.

Encounter 20/36

@ Fire Ant
Benji was excited to meet up again with slider. They both took a moment to admire the amazing scene around them.
Fire Ant
When I sting it feels like fire burning on your skin. I pack quite a punch for being so small, don’t I? I am one tough little insect because I can survive extreme heat and freezing cold temperatures. If we happen to get trapped in a flood, we will all (often 100,000 or more) band together into a raft shape and float en masse until we find land again.

Encounter 21/36

@ Sensitive Strawberry Poison Dart Frog
“Shall we take a selfie?” Benji asked Snarky as they drank in the scenery and admired their new friend next to them.
Sensitive Strawberry Poison Dart Frog
You have no idea what I have to overcome as part of this labyrinth community. First, try playing hide and seek with the neighborhood frogs who all blend in with the browns, greys, and greens of the rocks, grasses, and lands along this maze! I mean – have you seen my colors?? How am I supposed to hide with all of this on me?? And try having new pets to get to know you with a name like “Strawberry Poison Dart Frog!” Not a name that you just want to play leapfrog with, let me tell you!

Encounter 22/36

@ Spotted Owl
Benji and Sabrina shook paws and said “How do you do?” to the next creature who had come to meet them, and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Benji. “Let’s change sides.” “No,” said Sabrina. “This side shows my best side.”
Spotted Owl
Spotted owls make their homes in old-growth forests and hunt small mammals by perching quietly on a branch and listening for something rustling in the grasses beneath them. Owls cannot digest fur and bones and cough them up in a pellet about six hours after they eat. Scientists learn about an owl’s diet by examining the contents of the pellet.

Encounter 23/36

@ Ladybird Beetle
Both cuddles and Benji love the scenery at the next stop, and they both enjoy introducing themselves to their new friend, who has been waiting to meet them!
Ladybird Beetle
Also commonly referred to as a “ladybug,” the ladybird is obviously neither a “lady” or a “bird.” The ladybird’s unusual name came from Britain, a reference to “our lady’s bird.” Its seven spots are said to symbolize the seven joys and seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary (“our lady”).

Encounter 24/36

@ Jewel Beetle
“Shall we take a selfie?” Benji asked Fiddlesticks as they drank in the scenery and admired their new friend next to them.
Jewel Beetle
No need to spend large amounts of cash to buy fancy jewelry. Adorned with vivid iridescent colors, the jewel beetle is all dressed up and ready to go to any posh party.

Encounter 25/36

@ Busy Bee
Benji and Marmite were entranced at reaching this stopping place and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side of the attractive creature they had just met!
Busy Bee
Yes, you heard correctly that bees are good at knowing which direction to go to find nectar. We even have little wiggles to communicate to each other. So, if you need directions to the center of this labyrinth just watch. What, you don’t understand my bee wiggles? I guess you’ll just have to ask someone else for help. I've got to get back to gathering nectar. Good day!

Encounter 26/36

@ Common Chameleon
Benji and 2020 shook paws and said “How do you do?” to the next creature who had come to meet them, and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Benji. “Let’s change sides.” “No,” said 2020. “This side shows my best side.”
Common Chameleon
Uh oh, something is wrong! I keep trying to change color to blend in with this branch so I can hide from predators, but it’s not working. I need to hurry along and find something green. Bye!

Encounter 27/36

@ Longhorn Beetle
Christina was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Benji unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which he succeeded in knocking Christina’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” snapped Christina. “We’re about to pose with this amazing creature—the picture will be of your map if you don’t fold it up pronto!”
Longhorn Beetle
Well, hello there! I decided to crawl onto this mossy rock to see what was on the other side and I run into you! What are you doing crawling on the ground anyways? Aren’t you supposed to be walking? You need to move, or else I’m going to crawl right over you.

Encounter 28/36

@ Green Hairstreak Butterfly
“I could stay here forever, Benji,” said Jeff. “This is an amazing place!” “Well, you never know what lies ahead, Jeff. I wouldn't be surprised if the next stop is even better!” said Benji.
Green Hairstreak Butterfly
The genus name of the green hairstreak is Callophrys, a Greek word meaning “beautiful eyebrows.” Doesn’t that make me the envy of all who struggle with having “imperfect” eyebrows!

Encounter 29/36

@ Great Kingfisher
“Ooh, that’s a scary looking creature!” whispered Kokoro. “It’s bigger than me! I’ll stay here and wait for you to come back.” “C’mon, Kokoro, it’ll be fine—it’s not so very big; it's a trick of perspective, and anyway, it’s looking forward to meeting us!” said Benji.
Great Kingfisher
Yesterday when he returned from fishing, he bragged that he caught one “this big,” stretching out his wings fully. It appears that it is a common trait of all who love to fish to exaggerate the size of the catch to keep up your reputation of being the king of fishing

Encounter 30/36

@ Scarlet Ibis
“I’ve written a postcard to my aunty to tell her about our amazing safari!” said Benji. “She’ll wish she was here! Where’s the nearest postbox?” Brigit shielded her eyes and rotated 360°, elaborately scanning the horizon. “I don’t think they’ve thought to provide a postbox here, Benji. How remiss of them!” Seeing Benji’s ears beginning to droop, Brigit added, “Don’t worry, you can post your card after this leg of the safari.”
Scarlet Ibis
The scarlet ibis is a vividly colored bird with a personality that matches its bright plumage. It is an extremely extroverted bird, often found in colonies of thousands of other ibises. The ibis are also very inclusive of other flocks of large birds, such as storks, egrets, and herons. “Birds of a feather flock together” and “There is safety in numbers” are two sayings the ibises and their friends live out every day.

Encounter 31/36

@ Yellow Macaw
“I could stay here forever, Benji,” said Sir Precious McPrance. “This is an amazing place!” “Well, you never know what lies ahead, Sir Precious McPrance. I wouldn't be surprised if the next stop is even better!” said Benji.
Yellow Macaw
Ahoy, me hearties! It be a fine day for a journey, eh? I’ve been hoping for some mateys to tag along with and here ye be! Let’s sing the chantey to pass the time as we journey into unchartered territory. Can ye peer into this spyglass and see if you can see the end up ahead somewhere? They tell a tall tale of some grand coffer to be had. Blimey!

Encounter 32/36

@ Rainbow Lorikeet
Both Otto and Benji love the scenery at the next stop, and they both enjoy introducing themselves to their new friend, who has been waiting to meet them!
Rainbow Lorikeet
I love all the colors of the rainbow, the brighter the better! What is your favorite color? There’s a good chance I’m wearing it. Maybe that’s why everybody loves me! I’m not shy or afraid, so I’ll come right up and land on you, especially if you have some yummy fruit, seeds or nectar to feed me.

Encounter 33/36

@ Hummingbird Buffet
Benji and Dani shook paws and said “How do you do?” to the next creature who had come to meet them, and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Benji. “Let’s change sides.” “No,” said Dani. “This side shows my best side.”
Hummingbird Buffet
Zipping and sipping; those are my two favorite things to do! Oh my, look at all those beautiful flowers! What sweet nectar awaits. Oh, if I could just decide which flower to sip first! This one? ZIP. No, that one. ZIP. Yes, that’s the one. SIP. SIP. SIP. Ahhh!

Encounter 34/36

@ Indian Peacock
“I’ve written a postcard to my aunty to tell her about our amazing safari!” said Benji. “She’ll wish she was here! Where’s the nearest postbox?” Bentley shielded his eyes and rotated 360°, elaborately scanning the horizon. “I don’t think they’ve thought to provide a postbox here, Benji. How remiss of them!” Seeing Benji’s ears beginning to droop, Bentley added, “Don’t worry, you can post your card after this leg of the safari.”
Indian Peacock
This species of peacock has the most iridescent plumage of all the peacocks. Their blue and green plumage are the most spectacular of all birds with their elongated tail feathers called the train. These feathers are displayed in a fan shape to attract females during mating season. This actually has a purpose! Females prefer the males that have more eyespots on their feathers and the resulting chicks usually weigh more and therefore survive better in the wild.

Encounter 35/36

@ Harvest Moon Cat Silhouette
Benji is enjoying the view when Jewel comes along. "Look! A special prize!" says Jewel. Benji looks down and sees something valuable. Well Benji WAS here first ...
Harvest Moon Cat Silhouette
Perched on a bare branch, this silhouetted kitty gazes at the fiery ball in the night sky and remembers all the wonderfully fun things about summer and contemplates the autumn season that will soon be here.

Encounter 36/36

@ The Labyrinth x
Benji has had a wonderful day, and has met lots of animals for the very first time, but now it is time for Benji to go back to your page and relax.
The Labyrinth x
Your pet faces a challenging time negotiating the bewildering path to the middle of a twilit labyrinth, with only a few flickering flares lighting the way. Just as the end appears nigh, the track doubles back on itself and leads even further away . . . The tree-lined route is dark and a little eerie! All sorts of creatures are waiting to greet your pet along the way. Some have a scary reputation—but have no fear! The little spider is quite cute and the snake and scorpion might alarm with their appearance but rest assured, they will not hurt a single hair of your pet’s fur or a single wing feather! And on successfully reaching the centre of the maze, what exciting treasure awaits your pet there?
Benji has completed the quest! The Summer Safari is now over, but PnF will hold a new event again soon!