The first rule of taking Young Justice to the zoo is simple: Do not let Wally West near the penguins.

Naturally, Wally West is already crouched by the glass.

“They’re judging me,” he whispers, face inches from the enclosure. “Look at that one. That penguin knows things.”

Dick Grayson leans on the railing beside him, sunglasses on, hands in his pockets. “Buddy, every animal here knows you’re an idiot.”

“Rude,” Wally replies, tapping the glass lightly. “Accurate, but rude.”

Across the path, M’gann is glowing with barely-contained joy, eyes wide as she watches a family of elephants lumber past. She clutches her zoo map like it’s sacred text.

“They’re even more wonderful in person,” she says softly. “Their emotional bonds are incredibly strong. Did you know elephants mourn their dead?”

Conner Kent stands next to her, arms crossed, pretending he isn’t smiling. “They’re… impressive,” he admits, voice low. One of the elephants lifts its trunk and lets out a trumpet. Conner’s smile widens just a little more.

M’gann notices. Of course she does.

Artemis has already scoped out the area like they’re on patrol instead of a field trip. She eyes a group of tourists, then the exits, then the tree line.

“If someone says ‘relax’ one more time,” she mutters, “I’m switching to crowd control mode.”

Kaldur places a calming hand on her shoulder, serene as ever. “This outing is meant to restore balance,” he says. “The animals remind us of harmony within nature.”

Artemis snorts. “Tell that to the lion.”

On cue, a lion roars from somewhere deeper in the zoo.

Garfield Logan, currently halfway over a railing, lights up. “OH COME ON, I could talk to it—”

“Gar.” “Garfield.” “Logan.”

Raven doesn’t even open her eyes as she cuts in. “If you shapeshift into a lion, I will leave you here.”

Gar freezes. “…Worth it?”

Raven finally opens one eye and gives him a look.

He climbs back down.