The Story of Ronald and the Tic Tic Bird 64 Zoo Lane

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# 64, 64, 64 Zoo Lane 64, 64, 64 Zoo Lane... #

Hello, I'm Lucy. I live at 64 Zoo Lane and I have special neighbours.

# There's one with a hump, one who can jump, and one who is plump

# 64, 64, 64 Zoo Lane

# Some like it hot, some like it chilly, some like it silly

# 64, 64, 64 Zoo Lane

# Some are friendly, some are scary But not one is ordinary

# 64, 64, 64 Zoo Lane

# Some are spotty, some are stripy Prickly...whirly...furry...slimy

# Some are quite big, some are small And Georgina is incredibly tall

# 64, 64, 64 Zoo Lane # 64, 64, 64 Zoo Lane. #

Bedtime, Lucy! >

OK, Mum.

Hello!

-Oh, hi, Lucy.

-Hi, Boris. What are we queuing for?

Here. Take my place. You'll soon find out.

ANIMALS WHISPER

-Hello, Lucy. What's your problem, then?

-Problem?

-I'm an agony ostrich.

-Agony ostrich?

-I solve the animals' problems. What's your problem?

-I don't have one. I want to hear a story.

-Well, I could take a break.

-I'll try and find someone to tell you a story.

-Couldn't YOU tell me one?

-Maybe I could tell you the story of Ronald And The Tic-Tic Bird.

-Great!

In Africa, where we used to live, each of us had a special best friend.

Natalie's best friend was Molly.

Doris's best friend was Toby, the tortoise.

Giggles' best friend was Tickles, of course!

Ronald the rhino's best friend was a tic-tic bird.

It was called a tic-tic bird because it ate the tics which annoyed Ronald.

So, Ronald never got itchy, and the tic-tic bird was never hungry.

Ronald and the tic-tic bird were really made for each other.

-That grass looks good, Ronald.

-It is. How are the tics today?

-Tasty.

RONALD YAWNS

It seemed nothing would come between them. But one day, something did.

Ronald suddenly found that tic-tic bird's whistling really annoyed him.

BIRD WHISTLES

-Must you always whistle that tune?

-Don't you like it?

-Not ALL the time.

-Sorry. I didn't know it upset you.

-HE WHISTLES

Ohhhh...

And the tic-tic bird was fed up with Ronald's habit of bashing boulders.

-Do you have to bash every boulder in sight?

-I like bashing boulders.

-No, Ronald. It's too big. Don't bash that one!

-Ronald couldn't resist.

It was the biggest boulder he had ever seen.

You don't like my whistling? Well, I don't like you bashing boulders.

I get shaken to pieces! I think we should go our own separate ways.

Suits me. And good riddance!

ANIMALS GOSSIP

Oh!

Aw...

Days went by, and there was no sign of Ronald and the bird becoming pals.

In fact, they kept as far apart from each other as possible!

The other animals tried to help.

-If you're looking for something to eat, try between my teeth...

-OK.

I suppose I could take a look.

On second thoughts, Victor, I'd prefer to eat in the open air!

Ohhh! Ohhh!

Rotten tics! They're everywhere!

Get the tics off my back and I'll show you what it's like to motor!

Faster than that old rhino you used to hang out with, eh? Let's go!

I have never had an itch like this before. ..Ouch!

-You're looking a bit down today. Missing your friend?

-No.

-Fancy giving me a clean? I suffer from the odd insect myself.

-Oh, OK.

ELEPHANT GIGGLES

What's up?

-What's the joke?

-No... No... You'll have to stop! I'm too ticklish!

It seemed the tic-tic bird would stay hungry and Ronald would stay itchy.

Horrible bugs... Rotten tics...

HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

-Oh, hello, Ronald. What can I do for you? Boulder problems?

-Um...no.

-My boulders are fine. It's...

-Yes?

-It's the tics. They make me itchy.

-They're driving me mad!

-I thought a bird helped you out with that.

Not any more. There's just me.

-Well, don't worry. I know a friend who'll be perfect for the job.

-Yes?

Yes. Be at the billobag tree at noon and I'll arrange a meeting.

Ohh...

-Hello, tic-tic bird. How are you?

-OK. But I'm getting pretty hungry.

-And I really need a place to live. And I miss Ro...

-Yes?

-Oh, no-one.

-Can you help?

-I suppose so. Didn't you have an animal who helped you?

-Not any more.

-I see. In that case, there's a friend you should meet.

-Be at the billobag tree at noon.

-OK, then.

WHISTLING

-You always did whistle a good tune.

-Bashed any good boulders?

-A couple.

-I'm here to meet a friend.

-Me too. Mine is late.

-Mine as well.

-Ohh! Oh...

-HE WHISTLES

-Tics?

-Loads of them.

-I don't suppose...

-I am a bit peckish.

There was only one thing left bothering the two friends.

-Audrey arranged for me to meet someone who didn't show up.

-Me too.

She's just so unreliable.

Calls herself an agony ostrich!

-Well done. You made them friends.

-Yes.

But every time I give advice, it seems to get me into trouble.

Oh, dear. No more advice tonight.

-Except I'd like to advise Lucy it's probably time for bed.

-Yes.

I'm glad Ronald and the bird are friends. I'm glad you're my friends.

-Good night.

-Good night.

Good night.

# 64, 64, 64 Zoo Lane... #

Subtitles by Alison Haggart BBC Scotland - 2000

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