The King of the Pond

In a small forest, there was a tiny pond where many frogs lived together happily and in harmony. One year, due to a lack of rain, all the trees and plants began to wither. Wild animals from faraway areas came to the pond to quench their thirst. Gradually, the pond’s water level decreased, and many frogs were crushed under the feet of these large animals.

The surviving frogs started thinking about moving elsewhere to save their lives, but there was no other pond nearby. One day, a group of college students arrived in the forest—they needed some frogs for laboratory experiments. Seeing them, all the frogs hid in fear.

An old frog spoke up: “Some of us should go to these humans and ask for help. Maybe they can help us survive.”

The other frogs protested. Their numbers were already few, and if more frogs went with him, their population in the forest might be wiped out. The old frog replied, “Listen carefully. I will go too and appeal to someone for help to save our species. Humans are not as bad as we think. Wild animals are far more dangerous—they have already killed many of our fellow frogs.”

Among the frogs, three or four were wise and brave. They said, “For the safety of the rest, we are ready to risk our lives.”

When the humans reached the pond, the old frog stepped forward and asked, “What do you want?”

“We are medical college students, and we need some frogs for experiments,” one student replied.

“Alright, but I will also go with my companions. I need to speak to your professor,” the old frog said.

The students collected the frogs and placed them in a large glass jar before heading back. The remaining frogs worried about their friends and prayed for the old frog’s success.

At the laboratory, the old frog was carefully taken out of the jar and placed on a plate. He explained to the professor the situation in the forest and the danger their species was facing. Hearing the story, the professor felt sad and said, “Alright, I will help you. First, I need to inspect the entire forest.”

The professor sent one student to care for the frogs while he and his colleagues explored the forest. After a day of searching, they discovered a large pond, which delighted them. The professor returned and shared the good news with the old frog, then guided all the frogs to the new pond.

Once there, the old frog called the remaining frogs out of the pond and said, “With the professor’s help, we now have a larger and safer place to live.” All the frogs thanked the professor and moved to the new pond.

“Wait, old friend!” the professor said to the old frog. The frog emerged from the water and looked at him curiously. The professor opened the jar containing the other frogs and released them as well.

The old frog asked why he was being shown such kindness. The professor replied, “Your species was at risk of extinction, and we don’t want frogs to disappear from the world just like many other species. That is why we are giving you protection. We will not capture any more frogs here.”

Hearing this, the old frog thanked the professor once again and returned to the water, telling his companions, “See, I told you humans aren’t as bad as we think.”

All the frogs agreed with the old frog and made him their king. They lived happily under his leadership.

All the frogs agreed with the old frog and made him their king. They lived happily under his leadership.