Chapter 4 – A Day in the Zoo Extra Questions and Answers

Content structure

  • A. Multiple choice questions & answers (MCQs)
  • B. Fill in the blanks
  • C. True or False
  • D. Short questions & answers
  • E. Long questions & answers
  • F. Grammar

Link for Solutions

A. Multiple choice questions & answers (MCQs)

WB 9 All Notes

1. Who can go anytime to see the animals?
(a) An ordinary visitor
(b) The zoo owner
(c) A forest officer
(d) A bird watcher

Ans: (b) The zoo owner

2. Which bird sings in the morning?
(a) Owl
(b) Robin
(c) Parrot
(d) Crow

Ans: (b) Robin

3. Which bird cries after the blackbird sings?
(a) White-headed thrush
(b) Parakeet
(c) Owl
(d) Pigeon

Ans: (a) White-headed thrush

4. Where do the peahens look for food in the morning?
(a) In the cages
(b) In the courtyard on the lawns
(c) In the birdhouse
(d) In the trees

Ans: (b) In the courtyard on the lawns

5. When do zoo workers come?
(a) 6 a.m.
(b) 7 a.m.
(c) 8 a.m.
(d) 9 a.m.

Ans: (c) 8 a.m.

6. What do the gorillas try to break?
(a) Their cages
(b) Fluorescent lights and heaters
(c) The water taps
(d) Wooden doors

Ans: (b) Fluorescent lights and heaters

7. Who guards the gorillas?
(a) Mike
(b) Jeremy
(c) Stephen
(d) Peety

Ans: (c) Stephen

8. Which ape greets the narrator by showing his teeth?
(a) Etam
(b) Peety
(c) Suku
(d) Mike

Ans: (a) Etam

9. What sound do the parrots make?
(a) Gentle chirps
(b) A cacophony of sounds
(c) Silent gestures
(d) Sweet melodies

Ans: (b) A cacophony of sounds

10. Who is Peety?
(a) A gorilla
(b) A parrot
(c) A male touraco
(d) A mongoose

Ans: (c) A male touraco

Link for Solutions

11. What is the temperature in the reptile house?
(a) 70 degrees
(b) 75 degrees
(c) 80 degrees
(d) 85 degrees

Ans: (c) 80 degrees

12. What sound do frogs make?
(a) Chirping
(b) Croaking
(c) Gulping
(d) Whistling

Ans: (c) Gulping

13. What did visitors give chimpanzees?
(a) Fruits and nuts
(b) Lighted cigarettes and razor blades
(c) Milk and bread
(d) Flowers

Ans: (b) Lighted cigarettes and razor blades

14. Which bird stops singing at night?
(a) Robin
(b) Parrot
(c) Owl
(d) Thrush

Ans: (a) Robi

15. What do chimpanzees fight over in the evening?
(a) Fruits
(b) Straw
(c) Water
(d) Bananas

Ans: (b) Straw

WB 9 All Notes

B. Fill in the blanks

Link for Solutions

1. In the early morning, the sky is slightly tinged with ______. (yellow)
2. The rich, fruity, slightly hoarse cries of the ______ can be heard. (touracos)
3. The male peahen raises his burnished tail like a ______ in the sunlight. (fountain)
4. The gorillas gallop about like children just out of ______. (school)
5. ______, broom in hand, stands guard over the apes. (Stephen)
6. Mike and Jeremy sweep the floor and scatter fresh white ______. (sawdust)
7. Etam, the black Celebes ape, greets by baring his ______. (teeth)
8. Suku, the gray parrot, cries, “I’m a very ______ bird.” (fine)
9. The hairy ______ lies on its back, paws and nose twitching. (armadillo)
10. In the reptile house, the ______ make gulping sounds. (frogs)
11. The zoo gates open at ______ o’clock. (ten)
12. The white-faced ______ open their large golden eyes at nightfall. (owls)

C. True or false

1. Owning a zoo means you can observe animals at any time of day or night. (True)
S/S: The passage says a zoo owner can rush out at any hour to watch the animals.

2. The robin is heard singing in the morning. (True)
S/S: In the early morning, the robin’s song is one of the first sounds you hear.

3. The cries of the touracos are described as soft and sweet. (False)
S/S: Their calls are described as rich, fruity, and slightly hoarse, not soft and sweet.

Link for Solutions

4. The male peahen raises his tail like a fountain in the sunlight. (True)
S/S: The male is described as dancing with his shining tail spread out like a fountain.

5. Mike and Jeremy scatter fresh sawdust inside the cages. (True)
S/S: They clean up the mess and put down fresh white sawdust on the cage floors.

6. Etam, the black Celebes ape, greets the narrator by baring his teeth. (True)
S/S: Etam clings to the wire and shows his teeth as a kind of greeting.

7. Peety, the male touraco, was reared in West Africa. (True)
S/S: The narrator explains that he raised Peety during his time in West Africa.

8. The reptile house maintains a temperature of eighty degrees. (True)
S/S: The reptile house is described as warm, kept at about eighty degrees.

9. The zoo gates open at 8 o’clock in the morning. (False)
S/S: The gates actually open later, at ten o’clock.

10. Visitors give chimpanzees fruits and milk. (False)
S/S: In reality, some visitors gave them dangerous things like cigarettes and razor blades.

WB 9 All Notes

D. Short Questions and answers

1. How is a zoo owner’s experience different from a visitor’s experience?
Ans: A visitor comes to the zoo for fun and leaves after some time, but a zoo owner lives in the zoo and looks after the animals day and night, working all the time to keep them safe.

2. What sounds are heard early in the morning at the zoo?
Ans: In the morning, the robin sings sweetly, the touracos make hoarse cries, and the blackbird sings joyfully, then the white-headed thrush joins with an excited song. All these bird sounds make the zoo cheerful and full of life.

3. What do the peahens do on the lawns in the morning?
Ans: In the morning, the peahens walk on the green lawns, searching the grass for food. A male peacock dances nearby, raising his bright and shiny tail like a fountain. This beautiful scene makes the morning calm and pleasant.

4. Where do the monkeys and other mammals live?
Ans: The monkeys and other mammals live in a large, two-storied granite house. This strong house gives them a safe place to live and enough room for their daily activities such as playing, eating, and resting.

5. Who guards the gorillas while cages are cleaned?
Ans: Stephen, a zoo keeper, guards the gorillas by holding a broom in his hand and making sure they stay calm while the cages are cleaned. His work helps keep everyone safe.

6. What work do Mike and Jeremy do inside the cages?
Ans: Mike and Jeremy clean the gorillas’ cages by sweeping the floors, removing the dirt, and putting in fresh sawdust. Mike is plump and smiling, while Jeremy works quickly with him. They tell the owner that everything is fine.

7. How do the parrots and parakeets greet the owner?
Ans: The parrots and parakeets make a loud mix of sounds when the owner arrives. Suku, the gray parrot, speaks clearly, saying, “I’m a very fine bird.” This clever and funny talk entertains everyone in the zoo.

8. What do mongooses do inside their cages?
Ans: The mongooses run quickly and restlessly inside their cages. They move around with bright eyes, always looking curious and busy. Their fast movements make them look more active and lively than many other animals.

9. How do some visitors behave badly inside the zoo?
Ans: Some visitors throw stones at sleeping animals or poke them with sticks to make them move. Others even try to give chimpanzees dangerous things like cigarettes and razor blades which shows their careless and harmful behavior.

10. How is the evening described in the zoo?
Ans: In the evening, the golden rays of the sun fall on the cages, the robin stops singing and flies to rest, and shadows spread over the gardens and rocks, giving the zoo a peaceful and quiet look.

11. What sound comes from the chimpanzees’ bedroom in the evening?
Ans: In the evening, the chimpanzees make loud noises in their bedroom as they fight over the straw, each wanting the best place, which shows they are playful but also like to argue sometimes.

12. What does the owner see from bed at night?
Ans: The owner watches the moon slowly separate from the shadows of the trees at night. The quiet scene outside the window makes the night peaceful, even though animal sounds can still be heard.

13. How does the owner describe the birds’ songs at dawn?
Ans: The owner describes the birds’ songs as cheerful and lively. The robin sings, the touracos cry, the blackbird sings joyfully, and the thrush calls excitedly. All these sounds make the zoo bright and full of life in the morning.

WB 9 All Notes

E. Long questions and answers

Link for Solutions

1. How does Gerald Durrell describe the morning atmosphere of the zoo?
Ans: Gerald Durrell explains that the morning atmosphere in the zoo is fresh and lively. The grass is wet with dew, and birds fill the air with cheerful songs. From robins and thrushes to more exotic species, all seem to welcome the day. The animals wake slowly as the keepers arrive, preparing for feeding. The sounds, smells, and movements create an environment full of life and energy, making the zoo feel like a small natural world beginning its daily routine.

2. What does the author say about the bird section of the zoo?
Ans: The author describes the bird section as one of the noisiest yet most entertaining places. Birds of all kinds fill the air with chirps, whistles, and calls. Parrots shout, pigeons coo, and touracos produce hoarse cries. Each bird seems to compete with the other, producing a chorus that is both chaotic and joyful. Gerald Durrell highlights the variety of birds, noting their different behaviors and unique voices, making this section of the zoo an exciting and colorful part of the day.

3. What does Gerald Durrell tell us about the monkeys?
Ans: Gerald Durrell describes the monkeys as lively, mischievous, and full of curiosity. They chatter loudly and leap from branch to branch. When the keepers arrive with food, they become more playful and competitive, trying to grab the best fruits first. Some show clever tricks, while others sit quietly and eat. Their behavior fascinates visitors because it feels close to human actions. Durrell presents monkeys not just as funny creatures, but also as intelligent beings who bring energy and humor to the zoo.

4. How does the author describe the reptile house?
Ans: Gerald Durrell presents the reptile house as a place of quiet and stillness, very different from the noisy bird and monkey sections. Snakes lie coiled silently, crocodiles rest with open jaws, and lizards sit motionless under artificial warmth. Visitors sometimes mistake their stillness for lifelessness, but the author explains they are alert in their own way. The reptile house adds mystery to the zoo because these creatures, though less active, have a beauty and danger that fascinates people of all ages.

5. How is the big cat section described in the chapter?
Ans: The big cat section is one of the most thrilling parts of the zoo. Lions, tigers, and leopards pace inside their enclosures, their golden eyes watching visitors closely. During feeding time, the atmosphere becomes intense as they roar and leap for chunks of meat. Their strength and grace remind everyone of their wild power. Durrell explains that although they are kept behind bars, their majestic presence inspires both fear and admiration, making them one of the star attractions of the zoo.

6. How does Gerald Durrell highlight the educational value of a zoo?
Ans: Gerald Durrell stresses that zoos are not only for entertainment but also for learning. They help people, especially children, understand different animals, their habits, and their needs. Watching animals closely gives lessons about behavior, diet, and survival in the wild. Zoos also play a role in saving endangered species by protecting and breeding them. Durrell shows that a zoo encourages respect for nature and responsibility towards wildlife conservation, making it a valuable institution for society and future generations.

7. What does Gerald Durrell say about the relationship between animals and their keepers?
Ans: Gerald Durrell observes that many animals recognize and trust their keepers. The keepers’ daily care, feeding, and attention create a bond of familiarity. Elephants follow their keepers’ commands, monkeys respond with playfulness, and even big cats show respect during feeding. Some animals display affection, while others simply obey. This relationship highlights the importance of human responsibility in caring for captive creatures. Durrell presents keepers as more than caretakers they are friends, guides, and protectors who ensure the animals live comfortably in the zoo.

8. How does the writer describe the giraffes?
Ans: The giraffes are described as tall, graceful animals that seem almost dreamlike in appearance. Gerald Durrell notices their long necks stretching high above the other animals and their gentle manner of moving around. He portrays them as elegant and peaceful creatures, nibbling leaves delicately from branches. Their quiet presence creates a sense of calm in the zoo. Visitors are fascinated by their unusual height and beauty, and Durrell’s words highlight their unique charm and the wonder they bring to spectators.

9. How did the visitors react to the chimpanzees’ behavior?
Ans: The visitors reacted with great amusement to the chimpanzees’ lively behavior. Gerald Durrell explains that people laughed loudly as the chimpanzees swung around, teased one another, or pulled funny faces. Their human-like actions made them the center of attraction, keeping the audience entertained for a long time. Children clapped in delight, while adults were equally fascinated. The chimpanzees’ playful tricks gave visitors a sense of joy, and Durrell’s description highlights how these animals spread happiness throughout the zoo.

WB 9 All Notes

F. Grammar

Link for Solutions

1. Direct: The zoo owner said, “I can rush out at any hour to observe the animals.”
Indirect: The zoo owner said that he could rush out at any hour to observe the animals.

2. Direct: The keeper said, “The average zoo day begins just before dawn.”
Indirect: The keeper said that the average zoo day began just before dawn.

3. Direct: The narrator said, “You can hear a robin singing.”
Indirect: The narrator said that you could hear a robin singing.

4. Direct: The bird keeper said, “The white-headed thrush bursts into an excited cry.”
Indirect: The bird keeper said that the white-headed thrush burst into an excited cry.

5. Direct: The narrator said, “A male peahen is dancing in the sunlight.”
Indirect: The narrator said that a male peahen was dancing in the sunlight.

6. Direct: The staff said, “We have arrived at eight o’clock.”
Indirect: The staff said that they had arrived at eight o’clock.

7. Direct: Stephen said, “I stand guard over the apes.”
Indirect: Stephen said that he stood guard over the apes.

8. Direct: Mike said, “I am sweeping up the mess.”
Indirect: Mike said that he was sweeping up the mess.

9. Direct: Jeremy said, “We scatter fresh white sawdust.”
Indirect: Jeremy said that they scattered fresh white sawdust.

10. Direct: The keepers said, “Everything is all right.”
Indirect: The keepers said that everything was all right.

11. Direct: Suku said, “I’m a very fine bird.”
Indirect: Suku said that he was a very fine bird.

12. Direct: The narrator said, “Peety peers at me from a higher perch.”
Indirect: The narrator said that Peety peered at him from a higher perch.

13. Direct: The narrator said, “If I call to him, he will fly down.”
Indirect: The narrator said that if he called to him, he would fly down.

14. Direct: The reptile keeper said, “The reptiles doze at eighty degrees.”
Indirect: The reptile keeper said that the reptiles dozed at eighty degrees.

15. Direct: The keeper said, “Snakes regard you calmly.”
Indirect: The keeper said that snakes regarded you calmly.

16. Direct: The narrator said, “The zoo gates open at ten o’clock.”
Indirect: The narrator said that the zoo gates opened at ten o’clock.

17. Direct: The staff said, “Everyone has to be alert.”
Indirect: The staff said that everyone had to be alert.

18. Direct: The keeper said, “Visitors throw stones at animals.”
Indirect: The keeper said that visitors threw stones at animals.

19. Direct: The zoo owner said, “Some visitors give chimpanzees cigarettes.”
Indirect: The zoo owner said that some visitors gave chimpanzees cigarettes.

20. Direct: The zoo owner said, “Their behavior has to be seen to be believed.”
Indirect: The zoo owner said that their behavior had to be seen to be believed.

21. Direct: The narrator said, “The robin ceases to sing.”
Indirect: The narrator said that the robin ceased to sing.

22. Direct: The narrator said, “The white-faced owls open large golden eyes.”
Indirect: The narrator said that the white-faced owls opened large golden eyes.

23. Direct: The keeper said, “The chimpanzees are quarreling over straw.”
Indirect: The keeper said that the chimpanzees were quarreling over straw.

24. Direct: The narrator said, “I watch the moon separating from the trees.”
Indirect: The narrator said that he watched the moon separating from the trees.

25. Direct: The narrator said, “I hear the lions cough.”
Indirect: The narrator said that he heard the lions cough.

26. Direct: The narrator said, “The morning air will ring with song.”
Indirect: The narrator said that the morning air would ring with song.

27. Direct: The gorillas said, “We are trying to break the fluorescent lights.”
Indirect: The gorillas said that they were trying to break the fluorescent lights.

28. Direct: The gorillas said, “We gallop about on the floor.”
Indirect: The gorillas said that they galloped about on the floor.

29. Direct: The visitors said, “We want to prod the animals.”
Indirect: The visitors said that they wanted to prod the animals.

30. Direct: The staff said, “We have found visitors giving razor blades.”
Indirect: The staff said that they had found visitors giving razor blades.

Related Links

WB 9 All Notes