Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone

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About the Images

I knew from the start that I wanted to shoot the photos for this story at an in-world zoo, and I was thrilled to discover Ariadne Zoo. With its beautifully designed exhibits and a variety of interactive games, the sim offers a rich, immersive experience. It’s the perfect spot for a fun pixel family outing—or, in this case, a playful day with chimpanzees and some unexpected fashion.

For this post, Serena is dressed in the vibrant Sammy dress by Belle Epoque, a fresh release that features a bold zig-zag pattern in twelve lively color combinations. With the included HUD, you can customize the ruffle and flower accents to suit your mood. This playful yet elegant dress is available at The Warehouse Sale with a 25% discount through 18 April.

Serena also dons a banana costume by Bad Unicorn, now available at Kustom9. It comes in two rigged sizes and one unrigged version, complete with a hilarious dance animation that instantly brings the “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” song to mind. Bonus: if your friends also wear the costume, you can bump into each other for some added silliness.

Full credits are below the story. Store and event SLurls are available on the Store & Event Links page.

The Story

Serena adjusted the strap on her camera for the fifth time, sweat trickling down her back despite the early spring breeze. The chimpanzee exhibit was bright and airy, filled with ropes, climbing structures, and shady trees. It was also completely devoid of cooperation.

“Come on,” she muttered under her breath, focusing her lens on a young chimp sitting with its back to her. “Just turn around. Give me one good look. One little—ugh!”

Click. Another perfect shot of the back of a chimp’s head.

It had seemed like a great assignment when the zoo’s media director called her—new exhibit, cute animals, a feature for the website, and promotional banners. Easy. Fun. Maybe even some behind-the-scenes shots for her portfolio. But the chimpanzees had other ideas.

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They had ignored her entirely for the first twenty minutes. Then one of them started mimicking her camera shutter sounds and flinging straw in the air. Another made a game of hiding behind a tree every time she raised her lens. They were brilliant, mischievous, and utterly disinterested in helping her do her job.

A zookeeper, watching from the side, offered her a sympathetic smile. “They respond to novelty,” he said. “Sometimes costumes work.”

Serena narrowed her eyes. “Costumes?”

That evening, Serena sat on her couch in leggings and a hoodie, her hair tied up in a messy bun. Her laptop was open to a tab titled “Costumes for Adults,” and she was questioning every life choice that had led to this moment.

She scrolled through the options: a grape cluster, a giant hot dog, a full-body monkey suit, and, of course, more fruit than she ever wanted to see. She sighed and leaned back against the cushions, arms crossed.

“What would interest a chimp?” she muttered. “Something colorful? Silly? Familiar? Maybe something shiny…”

She typed “costumes that interest chimpanzees” into the search engine. The top result was a banana costume. A banana costume. It was ridiculous, not to mention uncomfortable. However, thirty minutes later, after a brief existential crisis and some hysterical laughter over a taco cat costume, Serena placed an order for a “squeaky banana costume” at the local costume shop.

The next afternoon, Serena stood at the entrance to the chimpanzee exhibit, camera bag over one shoulder, dressed head to toe in a bright yellow banana suit with little squeakers stitched into the sides. With each step, she emitted a soft “squeak squeak,” her expression the picture of reluctant determination.

She passed the zookeeper, who gave her a thumbs-up. “You came back. Brave.”

“Regretful,” Serena replied. “But committed.”

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The second she stepped into view of the enclosure, the reaction was immediate. The chimps exploded with excitement. They hooted and clapped, ran to the glass, and mimicked her movements with hops and exaggerated arm waves. One even performed a kind of bow.

It was chaos—and perfect.

Serena crouched, twisted, and shifted her camera like a pro, the clicks of the shutter barely audible over the squeaks and chimp chatter.

At one point, a young chimp pressed its hands against the glass and stared right at her, tilting its head as if asking are you for real?

Serena smiled behind the camera. “Yep. I’m a banana with a mission.”

Click. Click.

She straightened up, brushing the side of the costume where the plush peel sagged.

“The things we do for our art,” she muttered.

To be continued…

CREDITS

Serena – Day 1

TRUTH Linger
Angel Eyes Baby Hair 15 Hairbase
Vibing Millie Earrings
IKON Vantage Eyes
Glam Affair Mina
WarPaint Opaline Eyeshadow (NEW @ Collabor88)
Glam Affair x Not Found Ethereal Essence Body Skin
Belle Epoque Sammy (NEW @ TWS)
Kibitz Emily’s Rings
COCO Point-Toe Flats (group gift)

Pose

Secret Poses Say Cheese (includes camera)

Serena – Day 2

[Bad Unicorn] Banana Costume (NEW @ K9)
The Kiwi Co. Holiday Gift Shirt (group gift)
Kibitz Emily’s Rings
Luxuria Fall/Winter 17 Knee Socks
Friday Esme Sneakers