Zian the Zebra: The Tale of the Zoo of Gratitude

In the busy and lively zoo, animals from all around the world came to make it their home. There were lions that roared, bears that snored, and dolphins swimming in hoards. Every animal had a perfect pair, except Zian the Zebra, who had no one—and he was aware. Zian felt an emptiness inside him, a longing for a companion to share his days with. He decided to find a partner, believing it was the key to his happiness.

Zian went to the flamingos, dancing in pairs, and exclaimed, - Where's my partner with whom I could dance? The flamingos just giggled and twirled around him, too busy in their own world. Zian felt his heart sink a little as he realized they couldn't help him. Undeterred, he set off to find someone else who might. The search for a friend continued as he moved through the zoo.

He visited the elephants, splashing in the water, and cried, - Where's my friend to play with me in the pool? The elephants playfully sprayed water in the air, but none offered to join him. Zian's hope dwindled further as he watched them having fun without him. He felt a pang of loneliness more profound than before.

Then Zian saw the monkeys swinging in trees and whispered, - If only I had someone to swing with me. The monkeys chattered and swung from branch to branch, oblivious to Zian's plea. Feeling more alone than ever, he began to wonder if he would ever find someone to share his days. The realization that he might not find a partner began to weigh heavily on his heart.

Everywhere he looked, Zian saw pairs and groups, and it made him feel lonelier with each step. His heart grew heavy with each passing moment, and he began to lose hope. With a weary sigh, he found himself drawn to the old oak tree at the edge of the zoo. There, he sat down and hung his head, feeling utterly defeated.

All alone, the disheartened Zian went to cry under the old oak tree. However, an old and wise tortoise noticed Zian sulking under the old oak tree. - Why the long face, young zebra? she asked kindly. - I have no partner like all the other animals, Zian replied. - I feel so different and left out.

The tortoise smiled gently. - Tell me, Zian, what do you enjoy the most in the world? Zian thought for a moment. - I love running through the grassy fields when the sun rises. It makes me feel alive. The tortoise nodded, seeing the spark in Zian's eyes. - Do you think the flamingos, the elephants, or the monkeys could run as swiftly as you do? she asked.

Zian shook his head. - No, they're too busy dancing, splashing, or swinging. - Exactly, said the tortoise. - Every animal has something special that makes them happy. Comparison is the theft of joy. Perhaps you don't need a partner to enjoy what you love. Zian pondered the tortoise's words and felt a glimmer of understanding begin to dawn.

That evening, as the sun dipped low, Zian galloped through the grassy fields. The cool breeze on his face and the sound of his hooves felt magical. As Zian ran, he realized he wasn't truly alone. The fields, the wind, and the sky were his companions, and they were perfect in their own way. He felt a joy he hadn't known before, realizing that happiness was within his reach all along.

From that day on, Zian stopped looking for a partner and started appreciating everything around him. The lions, the bears, the flamingos, and even the wise tortoise—all his friends—noticed Zian was happier and brighter than ever. Zian the Zebra had learned the most important lesson of all. Happiness isn't found in being like others but in loving what makes you unique. And from then on, Zian was content, galloping joyfully through the fields of the lively zoo.