I cant make out what the little girl is holding. This would have improved this shot, also needs better lighting, had she turned more towards the light or it fill flash had been used it would have improved the shot.
The composition is pretty nice for a portrait of the girl, who's face, by the way, is cute enough to be on a cereal box. The focus and dof are very nice for the girl, but seem to miss the beast. Maybe it's due in part to the lack of contrast with of the dark beast with the dark background just behind it. I like the story, because a day at the zoo all about kids and the wild kingdom, even better if they have the chance to interact.
The animal or whatever the girl is holding is either too blurry or lost in the background of the shirt and hair. Can't see it. Beautiful child and lovely portrait, though. The water makes a nice background.