Belly Up

Content Warning: The source material contains depictions of animal abuse, weight stigma, and problematic language about mental health concerns.

“Half the park guests broke the rules. There were signs posted everywhere telling them not to feed the animals, or bang on the glass of their exhibits, or harass them in any way, but they all did it anyhow.”

By showing the protagonist’s concern for animals, Gibbs establishes Teddy’s characterization and introduces the theme of environmental ethics. The passage shows the well-being of FunJungle’s animal is threatened by humans, a subject that is explored in-depth throughout the novel. Guests use them as entertainment and even merchandise.

“At the time, I was merely looking for some excitement. If I’d had any idea how much trouble sneaking into that autopsy would ultimately cause me—or how much danger I’d end up in—I never would have done it. Never in a million years.”

The author uses first-person narration to build suspense and provide foreshadowing. At the beginning of the novel, Teddy, the protagonist and narrator is largely motivated by boredom. He uses his curiosity and resourcefulness to spy on the autopsy because he is simply “looking for some excitement.” The dangers Teddy faces after this turning point spur him to grow in courage and test his commitment to protecting animals.

“‘You’d just have to take something small with a lot of sharp points—sharp enough to pierce Henry’s intestine—then wad it up in some food and throw it into his mouth. In fact, given the number of holes—here’s three more—someone probably tossed in a lot of these things.’ ‘Wait a minute,’ said Pete. ‘Are you suggesting Henry was murdered?’ Doc hesitated a moment before answering. ‘Yes.’”

The dialogue during Henry’s autopsy contains the first mention of the possibility that the hippo was murdered. Gibbs adds to the scene’s suspense by having his young protagonist nearly discovered eavesdropping on the adults’ conversation. In a twist, Doc later reveals he knew Teddy was listening and wanted him to hear about Henry’s suspicious death.