Zebra in the Kitchen

Branch Hawksbill, the city zoo's assistant director, greets a father and son who have found a bear cub and want to donate it to the zoo. The father argues the cub belongs in a proper home, while Tim resists, saying the zoo is like a prison. Branch hints at another boy who faced a similar choice, setting up the moral dilemma.

Chris Carlyle has grown up with Sunshine, an adult male mountain lion, whom he treats as a pet. The lion is tame and accustomed to human food, making Chris fear what will happen if he cannot care for him. When the family moves to the city, Chris secretly hauls Sunshine onto the back of the truck and brings him to the new suburban home.

Sunshine's presence in the suburbs alarms the neighbors and raises safety concerns. Dr. Del Hartwood, his assistant Isobel Moon, and head zookeeper Branch persuade Chris to donate Sunshine to the city zoo.

To see zoo life firsthand, Chris visits the city zoo and is saddened by the cramped cages. After a nightmare about being locked in a cage himself, he resolves to free Sunshine.

Impressed by his bond with Sunshine, the zoo staff offer Chris a summer job as a junior zookeeper. The opportunity gives him a chance to care for Sunshine and become part of the zoo's operation.

Dr. Hartwood complains to the Parks and Recreation Commission that the zoo is under-funded and its facilities are outdated, contributing to animal injuries. He warns that politicians may not help unless public opinion is stirred.

A trio of troublemaking boys harass the animals by feeding cigars to a hippopotamus. Taking advantage of the distraction, Chris steals Branch's keys and opens all the cages, letting the animals roam the city.

The released animals trigger a string of comical incidents across the city. An ostrich swallows a portable radio, a bear rides a bicycle, a zebra wanders into a kitchen, and other animals invade stores; public panic spreads as authorities scramble to round them up.

Police corner Chris and Sunshine in a warehouse and are ready to shoot the mountain lion, but Dr. Hartwood calms Sunshine by feeding him whipped cream. The moment underscores the bond between Chris and Sunshine and the zoo's non-lethal approach.

To protect Chris, Branch turns himself in and claims that he released the animals to draw public attention to the zoo's plight. His action triggers a legal inquiry and raises questions about responsibility.

At the trial, Chris confesses, unwilling to let Branch shoulder the blame; Dr. Hartwood defends the actions as acts of love for animals and a push to end public apathy toward the zoo. The judge dismisses the case and orders Chris to spend two hours a day working at the zoo for the rest of the summer.

Branch reveals the city council's vote for a new, open, modern zoo. Chris continues to work at the zoo, caring for Sunshine in his improved habitat, and Tim decides to donate the bear cub to the zoo, believing it will be happier there.