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Novel

Wild Hearts at the Zoo

Author:Ava Merrick
Age:16+
👁 10004.5
Enemies to LoversFriendship and LoveSlow BurnSelf-DiscoveryHeartwarming

Synopsis

Amidst a zoo on the brink of collapse—a place where dwindling crowds and outdated enclosures speak to its struggles—a story of resilience takes center stage. Between Elena, the passionate lead veterinarian determined to save the home she has devoted her life to, and Luca, a charismatic muralist with a knack for storytelling, a clash of priorities becomes inevitable. Where Elena sees wildlife emergencies and structural decay, Luca envisions art as a bridge, holding the power to transform perceptions, spark connections, and ensure survival. Luca’s assignment appears as an audacious experiment, one that Elena initially eyes with sharp skepticism. What can a mural offer where funding and infrastructure have failed? Yet, as Luca sets to work painting the zoo’s soul onto its fading walls, something begins to shift. Each animal he immortalizes, each staff member he depicts with his brush, tells a story of perseverance and undying connection—a sentiment that weaves through the lives of everyone involved, from a hopeful zookeeper apprentice to even the skeptical Dr. Hart. Their collaboration is anything but smooth. While Luca’s art inspires the crowds and ignites a swirling buzz of donations, it also reveals the inner vulnerabilities of the people it portrays. For Elena, being placed in the mural alongside her beloved animals forces her to confront the toll of her endless fight for the zoo’s survival. And for Luca, the pressure to “deliver” becomes more than just creating a beautiful mural—it’s about channeling a deeper emotional truth, one that risks exposing parts of himself he’d much rather keep hidden. Bound by their shared dedication to the zoo’s fate, Elena and Luca find themselves in an unexpected dance of contrast and harmony. The mural becomes a living testament to their efforts, capturing not only the zoo's unique beauty but also its challenges. As light begins to dawn over this sanctuary’s uncertain reality, a greater truth emerges—sometimes, it’s not the rescue effort itself that changes the stakes but the way hope is poured into it. This tale of devotion, creativity, and the search for balance resonates well beyond the confines of the zoo, reaching for anyone who has fought to save something they love.