While it is supposed to be a zoo, you don't see anything that looks like an enclosure from your vantage point by the gates. Of course, your grandfather was such a nut that he probably wanted the animal environments to look as natural as possible, and probably hid any walls or fences in the lush foliage. Or so you reason and hope. After all, if by some chance your grandfather let all the animals roam freely within the walls...
Nervously, you look back at the gates and debate fleeing for the moment, but the heavy clouds make you think twice. Although you probably have some time before any precipitation, the cab that brought you here is long gone, and who knows how far the nearest building is. Turning back, you resolve that your only option is to move forward.
You decide to stick to the main path, which is fairly wide and covered in small pebbles, but disappears into shadows as it wanders through the tall trees. Even if it does not take you directly to the main house, it must lead somewhere important. You feel like Hansel and Gretel, lost in the woods without even a trail of breadcrumbs to follow. While smaller paths break off here and there, some lined with gravel, some simply dirt, the main path continues on past large bushes, wild trees, and even flowers and areas that look like manicured lawns and gardens. You squint at these areas, wondering how your grandfather afforded the upkeep. Then again, who exactly was doing the upkeep? This place looked like it took an army to maintain, but so far you haven't seen a soul. Your rolling suitcase chatters along the stony walk beside you, but only now do you realize that other than the wind in the trees, it is pretty much the only sound reaching your ears. For a zoo, this place is awfully quiet. You don't even hear birds.
Feeling like something is off, you slow to a halt by some bushes, staring absently at the gardens in the distance. Suddenly, without warning, a large figure bursts out of the bushes and you stumble backwards, tripping over your suitcase and falling to the path. Too shocked to even cry out, you stare at the dark form in front of you. You're fairly certain that what is staring you down is a huge, honest-to-goodness wolf. Oh crap, it's true. Your crazy grandfather let his little pets run free, and now you're going to be their dinner. However, before you can even contemplate a course of action, you hear another sound.
"Bry, stop it! I told you we can't be around the guests!" A childish voice rang out, and what appeared to be a young boy popped up out of the middle of the bushes. All you can see is his upper body, the rest hidden by the foliage. Noticing you, his eyes grew round and wide. "Oh cripes, hey Miss, are you okay?" Unable to find your voice, you nod dumbly. Smiling that you have suffered no permanent damage, he seems to forget his earlier admonition. "Hey, did you come here to play? It's been so long since anyone came to have fun!" His carefree smile eases your worries a bit. He must be the kid of one of the caretakers, and he wolf-like dog his pet. Just then you hear a high-pitched whistle, and the wolf-dog's ears twitch as the boy turns towards the sound.
"C'mon Bry, we better go!" he shouts to his companion before he turns and waves to you. "Don't forget to come and play!" he admonishes before he ducks back down into the bushes and disappears, a rustling sound moving into the distance. The wolf-dog also gives you a look, but you are pretty certain playing is the last thing on his mind, as he too jumps into the bushes following the boy.
A muted rumble of thunder in the distance finally brings you to your senses. Standing up, you brush yourself off, grab your suitcase, and head off down the path, this time slightly more jumpy but also relieved. You are not completely alone here, and it must be somewhat safe if they let kids wander around. Finally approaching a large open driveway in front of the main house, you head to the front door and ring the bell, literally. The doorbell is an actual chain-and-bell affair which seems to echo inside the house. As you evaluate the grim surroundings, the front door finally creaks open.