Kin's sixth-grade school trip to the San Diego Safari Park was supposed to be a normal day, until he found himself running off with a talking lynx and uncovering a dangerous conspiracy. When Kin meets Sasha, the mysterious new girl with pink-dyed hair, he quickly realizes she's not like anyone he's ever met. Sasha can communicate with animals, and she's on a secret mission to free Maftet, a lynx who holds the key to an ancient mystery. But when their daring rescue goes wrong, Kin and Sasha find themselves on the run from security guards and a shadowy organization with sinister plans for Maftet and her kind. With the help of a bird named Krest and a squirrel named Nuttel, the group discovers a hidden tunnel that leads to a magical rainforest world. There, they meet Barassa, a wise monkey who reveals that Maftet is part of a much larger puzzle -- one that could change the fate of animals everywhere. Packed with thrilling adventure, unexpected friendships, and a touch of mystery, Safari Secrets is the first book in the Animal Rising series, perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and The Wild Robot. Join Kin and Sasha as they embark on a journey that will test their courage, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. Get ready to uncover the secrets of the safari and step into a world where animals are more than they seem!