The encounter reached the news within hours. “Lion Stalks Park!” blared anchors. The truth—that Sahara had been startled, and was not aggressive—was buried. Police swarmed the park, rifles drawn. Families in surrounding blocks were evacuated. Yet Sahara was already blocks away, slipping silently down residential streets where porch lights blinked nervously on.
Tom knew that things couldn’t be left as it was. A vague idea was taking shape in his mind. But he also knew that it would face backlash from the director and the zoo authorities. They would hardly be willing to listen to him, especially when the stakes were so high. He decided to wait until he could frame a more concrete plan.