Professor Nick Cutter

Class had been handwaivly notified to meet outside the front door of the school. Upon arrival, students would find that Ghanima was coaching Trebor through tying his shoes.

Was he only two? Yes. But her culture had children wielding knives at this age, so, she did not think it totally outside his capabilities to learn how to make a bunny-knot with enough practice. "I hope you brought your walking shoes," she said, looking up at all of them. "Because today, we are off to the zoo!"

"In particular, the San Diego Zoo."

"It began with a collection of animals left over from the 1915 Panama–California Exposition that were brought together by its founder, Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth. The zoo was a pioneer in the concept of open-air, cage-less exhibits that recreate natural animal habitats. It houses over 12,000 animals of more than 680 species and subspecies, and it is one of the most visited zoos in the United States."

"The reason I've selected the San Diego Zoo, over the many options, is both their wide range of exhibits, including multiple aviaries," was that private apology for Arden after last week had made her visibly uncomfortable? Yes. Absolutely. "--and because the zoo is active in conservation and species-preservation efforts. Its Institute for Conservation Research raises over a hundred and fifty endangered species and has helped increase populations of endangered animals worldwide, both in captivity and in the wild. As a result, they have reintroduced more than thirty endangered species back into the wild, and have conserved habitat at fifty field sites." Ghanima beamed at the assembled class. "I have a particular interest in wildlife conservation, and so you must all suffer."

After all, what good was teaching if not to force your special interests on impressionable students?

The Portalocity portal blinked into existence behind her, and Ghanima stood to begin distributing physical tickets to everyone, including tickets for the Inside Look and Animals in Action, and two gift cards -- one $25 card good at any restaurant in the park, and another $25 card good for the gift shop.

Ghanima was an Empress who almost never dipped into her royal stipend. If she wanted to use her salary to spoil her students all semester, she was allowed.

"I paid extra for a 'time skip,' so if you want to stay at the zoo all day, you will still make it back in time for second period," she laughed. "So have fun! Take pictures, sketch, explore... all I ask is that you go into the experience with an open heart and mind, and learn one new thing -- about the world, or about yourself."

She waived towards the portal. "Let us depart!"