The sanctuary had recently been acquired by a new management board, headed by a ruthless corporate director named Vance. Vance didn’t care about behavioral metrics or animal trauma; he cared about ticket sales, and rumors of a rare, pregnant white tiger had leaked to the press. Vance called Samuel into his sleek office, where promotional posters featuring Luna’s face lay on the desk. “We’re moving her to the main public display exhibit this Friday,” Vance said, adjusting his tie. “The public is clamoring for it. Ticket pre-sales are through the roof.”
Samuel felt his blood run cold. “Absolutely not. Friday is impossible. Luna is making incredible progress, but her trauma makes her highly sensitive to loud noises. Putting a pregnant, formerly abused apex predator in front of roaring crowds will shatter her psychological stability. The stress could cause her some serious damage.” Vance’s expression hardened. “Keeping a star attraction hidden is costing this facility thousands a day. The decision is made.”