Instead of charging, Aurora moved forward with a slow, deliberate gait, her massive paws silent on the rock. She was a mountain of white fur and muscle. The other keepers fell silent, watching her. She approached the puppy slowly, her movements inquisitive rather than aggressive. Zookeepers in tactical positions readied their high-powered tranquilizer rifles, their fingers hovering over the triggers.
But Aurora didn’t show any aggression. She stopped a few feet from the puppy, lowered her enormous head, and let out a soft, chuffing sound—a sign of non-threatening curiosity. The puppy, sensing no immediate danger, wagged its tail and cautiously padded closer.
Then, Aurora did something that left the entire crowd breathless. She gently nudged the puppy with her huge, black nose. The little dog responded by yipping playfully and licking her snout. The tension in the air evaporated, replaced by stunned, reverent silence.