One day, not so long ago, there was a tribe of wild kangaroos living peacefully around the outskirts of Jamaa. The leader of the kangaroos, Strongfoot, was a good and fair leader, and he made sure his tribe was always good and orderly.
However, things were changing around the kangaroo tribe and nobody noticed it- except for a young kangaroo named Littletail. Littletail was ignored by many in her tribe. "That poor Littletail comes up with such silly stories," the other tribe members would say, shaking their heads disdainfully. But only Littletail a special power in her tribe. For tiny Littletail, deemed unimportant by her tribe, could sense even the slightest, smallest change in the weather.
The kangaroo tribe lived in quite a warm area, and it was uncommon for the weather to change. But, one day, it did change. The others took no notice, but Littletail did. It was cold, colder than usual, though there was not a cloud in the sky. Littletail pondered the strange phenomenon, and finally decided on telling Strongfoot. She hopped away, excited to alert him of her discovery. Quickly, Littletail found him sitting at the camp center.
"Hello, Strongfoot. May I speak to you quick?"
"Of course, young Littletail. Tell me anything," answered Strongfoot with a sparkle in his eyes. Already, he was preparing for one of her stories.
"It's the weather. It seems cold, colder than usual," she said shyly. In answer, Strongfoot looked up to the sky and saw no clouds. He felt no difference from the day before though. He was somewhat angry that she was just telling him a story, but, she was young. He decided to answer kindly.
"I'm afraid I feel no difference, Littletail.However, you should tell some of your stories to the elders. They would enjoy it," he said with a chuckle.
"But-"
"No buts, young one. Hop along now," he said kindly but sternly. Feeling defeated and alone, Littletail hopped away.
Soon, Littletail was not alone with her troubles. With each passing day, the weather grew colder and harsher for some mysterious reason. However, Strongfoot still didn't give the order to move camp. He was not ready to admit that Littletail had been right. Finally, one day, the weather took a turn for the worst. The kangaroos awoke one morning to a surprise blizzard. Shocked and freezing, the kangaroos began to struggle away in hopes of finding a new home. For days they wandered, searching desperately for food and good land. Some young kangaroos were lost in that dreadful time, leaving their mothers alone, weeping. Strongfoot's heart ached. He knew that he'd let down his tribe. Why didn't I listen to Littletail before it was to late? He thought.
Finally, the ragged band of kangaroos stumbled onto a strange land-Jamaa. There were odd little stores and animals-many animals of various species.
"It's perfect!" Cried the kangaroos. That was when a large, beautiful bird appeared in front of them.
"I am Mira, and this is Jamaa. Welcome, wonderful creatures, please do stay here!"
The tribe members all looked to Strongfoot. He gazed at the land. It looked peaceful and plentiful, and the weather surely was good. He made his decision.
"Yes, dear Mira, we shall be delighted to stay.Thank you," he said gruffly. It was then decided. The kangaroos stayed in Jamaa, and although the tribe was disbanded, the all lived happily.
And that is how kangaroos came to Jamaa. :)
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