The Wildlife Games by Bindi Irwin Page B

it’s for me. Mum thought I should get a cake just for waking up this morning, didn’t you, Mum?’
    Terri finished lighting the candles and gave Robert a light swipe on the head. ‘No, it’s for you, Bindi,’ she said.
    â€˜But how did you know? I only just got off the phone from Mr Harris.’
    Terri and Robert came over and hugged Bindi. ‘Because it was a terrific idea, honey,’ said Terri. ‘We knew the network would love it, didn’t we, Robert?’
    Robert nodded. ‘A beaut, bonza idea, Bindi. And I get to be part of it too, right?’
    Bindi eyed the cake, which looked like a delicious mango and coconut concoction. ‘You certainly do, little buddy. I’m going to need all the help I can get.’
    Two and a half minutes later, the Irwins were up to their elbows in delicious cake.
    Terri looked at her daughter. ‘Now, I just want to say, The Wildlife Games is a great idea and all, but I want you to make sure you don’t take too much on, okay? The next few months are going to be busy enough already . . .’
    Robert piped up. ‘Yeah, with the woma python research trip and the visit to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs . . .’
    Bindi and Terri turned to Robert, speaking in unison. ‘What visit to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs?’
    Robert’s eyes widened innocently. ‘Well, if there isn’t one planned, there definitely should be!’ he said, licking the leftover icing off his fork.
    Bindi smiled. ‘Mum, if I need help, you’ll be the first person I turn to.’
    They shared a hug. Terri looked at her only daughter with a grin. ‘Honey, that was exactly the right thing to say.’

    Preparation for the new TV show caused time to fly over the following month. There were visiting studio heads, network executives, location scouts, film crews and set builders. There were constant meetings and discussions about the type of program it would end up being. After that had been finalised, the Aurora Network put the call-out for contestants on its website, and advertised in newspapers and on TV. The response was terrific. Two weeks before theaudition, there were over 200 kids interested in participating.
    To whittle the numbers down, as they were only after four final contestants, they sent out questionnaires and shortlisted children who already had a track record of supporting wildlife conservation. Then, when the group was down to 30, the network explained the next step of gathering sponsorship from their friends and community. This was an important part of the process as the Aurora Network promised to match the total amount of money the final four contestants had raised.
    Bindi loved watching the audition tapes and helping choose the final four contestants. They were all quite different, with different strengths and weaknesses. She was going to enjoy gettingto know them as they competed in the inaugural Wildlife Games!

‘SO, TODAY’S GOING TO BE A BIG ONE. Am I ready for it? You betcha! It’s 6.30 am and the sun is already up and looking perky. I’ve had a great night’s sleep, I’ve had breakfast, I’m dressed and I’m talking to a rhino. You can’t be more prepared than that!’
    DJ looked at his favourite human, and gave his left ear a flick.
    Bindi sighed. ‘I know. You can tell, can’t you, DJ?’ She looked around her, and sure that no-one else was listening in, continued. ‘I’ll admit to being a teensy weensy bit nervous. But keep it to yourself, okay?’
    DJ was the type of rhino who was very happy to keep a secret.
    Bindi went on. ‘It’s just that it’s been a while since I’ve done this kinda thing. I know, I’ve done lots of other stuff, but it doesn’t stop me from getting a little scared when a whole new TV show’s about to begin because I thought it up!’
    DJ nodded and