When Zoological Genetics announced its release of the Wild Africa line of miniaturized animals, every child in the world was excited. The idea of owning a real live lion no bigger than a matchbox car intrigued even the most apprehensive of adults. All the appeal of a typical household pet, and only a fraction of the food, space, and wastage. Kyle had studied the Zoological Genetics’ website with more anticipation than anyone he knew. He’d lie awake for hours considering which animal might suit him best. All seemed to have their advantages - the cheeky nature of a monkey, the placid disposition of a giraffe, or the uniqueness of a hyena. After much careful thought Kyle settled for an Elephant. The wisest animal on the African continent was the perfect companion for the intellectually gifted seven-year-old. Kyle spent countless hours watching the miniature Elephant explore its new surroundings. It quickly adapted to the soft carpet floors and a dry temperature controlled environment. The relationship was perfect. Almost weekly he would hear horror stories from other students at his school. James’ warthog burrowed out of the backyard, never to return, Jane’s giraffe, mistaking a yellow toothbrush for another male, had engaged in a violent necking battle that brought about its own demise, and Toby’s rhinoceros had been removed from the house after charging holes in an antique wardrobe. Kyle was proud of his measured selection. He had really thought ahead. One Saturday morning the young Zoologist awoke to the sound of smashing glass. He ran to the living room to investigate. His once timid companion was stamping holes in the family stereo. Shattered crockery, shredded books, and smashed groceries covered the floor. What had happened to the once timid creature? Kyle ran a quick Internet search in order to answer this question. ‘Are elephants violent?’ he typed into the search bar. Kyle learned about an elephant condition known as musth. ‘During this period of a male elephant’s life they are highly aggressive and erratic,’ he read aloud. Kyle didn’t know what ‘erratic’ meant, but he was sure it was something bad.