A ship that had traveled from a far away place landed in a discreet back ally of Homeworld.

This cargo had to stay hidden for the time being. The whole ship was filled with loud, smelly things. The Aquamarines responsible didn't want any extra attention from spectators...


The first sign that anything was a bit off, was the morning Blue Diamond spotted a Sapphire with a ferret sleeping around her neck.

The leader stopped in the hall, and did a double take as the regal Gem shifted by.

As she looked back, the Sapphire was already facing her with expectancy- a Diamond salute prepared. She explained herself with a smile: "It is called a "Lengthy Hope" my clarity. They are small and long. The breed are more prone to biting than regular Hopes- but are soft all the same."

The Sapphire proceeded to bow, and excuse herself so that she could get to wherever she was going in a timely manner.

Confused and baffled by this, the Diamond scratched her head...wondering where such a thing had come from.


During a meeting that occurred later that morning, a Lapis appeared with an even stranger beast sitting on her shoulder. It was a miniature blue bird with a brilliant plume.

Upon inquiry, the Lapis was happy to tell the leader about her new exotic friend.

"The more traditional Humans call it a "Pair-of-keys"! It can fly, much like myself, and has a beautiful song!"

The Parakeet chirped as if agreeing.


The surprises continued throughout the day. Blue Diamond was both fascinated, and absolutely terrified at how this entire situation had escalated so badly.

There...there were just...so many...

A Rutile had come into possession of a baby piglet (more technically: a "Squealer" named Grunt).

An Emerald had bought a goat (or a "Hooved Human"), and named it "Emerald 3XR5B Jr. the Second Esquire"

Perhaps the most baffling of finds, however, was a Ruby that had somehow come into possession of a fully grown Rhino. The small red Gem explained while rubbing the creature's muzzle: "This is Thorn! He's tough- like me! He destroys stuff- like I do! Yeah! Thorn is awesome!" The Ruby patted the massive beast that was seven times her own size.

The rhino grunted in contempt.


Blue couldn't take it anymore! She excused herself, and apologized to anyone who had an appointment with her later that day. She canceled everything she had scheduled.

As the leader returned to her chambers, she seemed to be on the brink of a panic attack.

The Diamond began to hyperventilate, and attempted to compose herself before contacting her sister.

Yellow Diamond answered immediately. As the call connected, the Yellow monarch could be seen with a most unamused look on her face.

There was an odd tall, yellow, "human" in the background of the video- a giraffe.

Yellow Diamond sighed: "I suppose by now you know that this entire thing had gotten out of hand Blue..."

Blue Diamond wanted to agree, but could not stop staring at the massive giraffe in the background.

Yellow explained, slightly annoyed: "An anonymous gift from someone. They claimed it resembled me...can you imagine?!"

Blue chuckled slightly at this. The thing was, in fact, incredibly tall and very yellow.

"Blue...this has gone far enough. We- need to do something about this- YOU need to do something about this." Yellow Diamond was strict, but also regretful. She knew that Blue would have to give up the adorable gift of Hopes she had sent her, as a show of example.


The possession of any breed of human became illegal- no exceptions. The animals were rounded up and confiscated onto cargo ships. Every creature that had been abducted would be transferred to the Human Zoo, and kept in separate compartments until additional terrariums were completed by the Bismuths.

Blue Diamond was in tears again, as she handed over her three adorable kittens whom mewed in distress.


The days that followed were horrific for everyone. While Blue Diamond's ray of depression was lingering over the city again, everyone felt genuinely sad at the loss of all the animal friends they had grown so attached to.

Blue Pearl contemplated to herself. She missed all three Hopes dearly, and recalled her first adorable encounter with Orange. The mural on the wall now led to grief instead of embarrassment.

Within her own mourning, an idea was hatched!

The Blue Pearl suggested the thought to her clarity quickly before she forgot!

The ray of depression dissipated.


A service was made available on all communication devices. It was a complimentary upgrade at Blue Diamond's request.

All Gems that had previously owned an animal companion, could watch and communicate with their friend through a video feed in each and every newly created terrarium.

The Human Zoo was also receiving more donations and visitors than they had seen in several thousand years!

It was really a win-win for everyone.

Blue Diamond felt grateful toward her Pearl, as she watched Joy excitedly jump repeatedly at the massive screen in his terrarium. It was displaying live video footage of his original owner.

"Who's a good boy? You are! Yes you are!"

Blue Diamond smiled.


...and with that I hope you guys enjoyed Zoology! Thank you for all of the support, comments, favorites, kudos', and bookmarks!

For anyone curious- YES. The "Pair-of-keys" quip is a reference to another fic of mine: "Aliens With Trapper Hats". The Ruby in the story often refers to small birds as "Pair-of-keys" through a miscommunication.

If you guys like stories about animals, I would suggest to take a look at: "Live and Let Lion" and "Cub Together". Both are Lion-centric stories you may enjoy!

Thanks again for everything!