Chapter 453: Chapter 231: Lion Injures Person? (Part 3)

As it turned out, the lion cub got overly excited while pouncing for food. It swiped its front paw through the substandard protective netting and scratched the arm of a little boy who was watching excitedly from his parent’s arms nearby. The boy suffered a laceration and was sent to the hospital for treatment.

The police and the forestry department had already begun an investigation, and the Zoo had been ordered to suspend operations and rectify the issues.

A classic case of putting profit before safety and disregarding regulations, ultimately leading to bitter consequences.

Yang Qi frowned and closed the news article.

An incident like this was a tragedy for the injured child and his family, the end of a career for the keeper involved, and a negative mark on the entire industry.

"Safety is no small matter. We must always remember the regulations. A reminder for us all."

Huang Zhongmu replied in the group chat.

Soon, a series of replies like "A reminder for us all," "A lesson to be learned," and "Safety first" followed.

Yang Qi added his own reply and put down his phone.

It seemed a major safety inspection and a refresher course on regulations would be unavoidable at the Zoo for a while.

Yang Qi had thought the incident at Mingguang Zoo was just a regrettable industry accident to be wary of, something far removed from him and Donghua Zoo.

Although the discussion in the group chat was heated and the Zoo had immediately organized a refresher course on safety regulations, the commotion was slowly dying down.

Unexpectedly, the next morning, just before eleven o’clock, Yang Qi was in the cub observation area helping "Stone" with some simple obedience training when his phone vibrated in his pocket.

He took it out and looked. The caller ID read: Pang Yunrui.

Yang Qi’s heart stirred.

Pang Yunrui rarely called him at this time unless there was something important or urgent regarding "Xianlai."

Signaling for "Stone" to take a break, Yang Qi walked to a relatively quiet corner of the observation area and answered the call.

"Hello, Senior."

"Junior, am I interrupting your work?" Pang Yunrui’s voice came through the receiver, somewhat hushed and carrying an unusual note of seriousness.

"No, I’m on a break. What’s wrong? Is there trouble at ’Xianlai’?" Yang Qi asked, his mind quickly running through the possibilities.

"It’s not ’Xianlai,’ it’s about Mingguang."

Pang Yunrui paused, his voice dropping lower. "I just got an inside tip. Mingguang Zoo wants to sell off the lions involved in the incident—the pair, a mother and her cub that caused the trouble. They want to sell them to us at ’Xianlai’ privately."

"What?"

Yang Qi was stunned, thinking he had misheard. "Sell them to ’Xianlai’? That pair of lions? Didn’t Mingguang just have an accident? Aren’t they suspended and undergoing rectification? Why are they suddenly selling their lions? And to us?"

"They probably can’t handle the pressure and want to get rid of the ’root of the trouble’ as quickly as possible, recoup some of their losses, and also reduce public scrutiny."

Pang Yunrui analyzed quickly, "They probably think that since the lions were directly involved in the accident, keeping them at the Zoo is like having a ticking time bomb. It would be even more trouble if the media or the furious family brought them up again to stir the pot."

"It’s better to sell them off quietly now. Out of sight, out of mind."

"’Xianlai’ is under construction and needs to acquire animals. We’re also well-funded, relatively efficient, and close by, so we’re a perfect fit for their needs."

Yang Qi frowned.

’This move...’

’What to make of it? It’s a bit shortsighted, but I guess it’s one way to cut their losses.’

However, the situation with this pair of lions was definitely sensitive. Their physical and psychological health would need careful evaluation.

Moreover, considering the major safety accident that just happened at Mingguang, their animal welfare and management standards were deeply concerning.

"What’s their asking price?" Yang Qi asked.

"Thirty percent below market price, and it’s a package deal for the pair, big and small."

Pang Yunrui named a figure. "It’s a really good price. The main value is in the lioness; her condition and age are both good. She’s in her prime and capable of breeding."

"As for the cub, even though he’s the ’perpetrator,’ it was really just normal predatory behavior. The accident was caused by the keeper’s rule violations and inadequate protection. If handled properly, he should be fine."

The price was indeed tempting.

Lions were among the most popular star animals in the country’s zoos, and the cost to acquire them wasn’t low, especially for a female in her prime with breeding potential.

"Xianlai’s" plans focused on its big cat area, so acquiring lions was inevitable.

The possibility of acquiring a pair of lions early and at a relatively low price was worth considering.

"Is the enclosure finished? The ’Valley of Fierce Beasts’?" Yang Qi mused.

"Xianlai’s" big cat area was designed as a "Valley of Fierce Beasts" that mimicked a natural ecosystem, a project with high construction demands and standards.

"The main structure, basic enclosures, and visitor walkways are done, but the internal enrichment facilities, fixtures, and the plumbing and electrical networks still have some finishing touches left."

"However, we have a temporary quarantine and housing area ready. We could take them in first and move them to the ’Valley of Fierce Beasts’ once it’s completely finished."

Pang Yunrui had clearly already thought about the logistics of receiving them. "The key question is, do you think we should take this pair of lions? I’ll follow your lead."

"If you think it’s a go, I’ll immediately send people to make contact and conduct a preliminary inspection and assessment. If you think the risk is too great, then we’ll drop it. It’s not like we’re in a huge rush."

Yang Qi didn’t answer right away.

He walked to the window, watching "Stone" rolling around in the sunlight outside.

Taking in a pair of lions that had just been through an accident, were possibly traumatized, and came from a chaotically managed zoo was undoubtedly risky.

It would require more time and energy to soothe them, retrain them, build trust, and even potentially face behavioral problems.

But on the other hand, it was also an opportunity.

An opportunity to acquire two lions at a low cost.

More importantly, the lions’ situation at Mingguang was likely not good. Taking them in and giving them a better, more professional environment might just change their fate.

From the perspectives of ’Guardian Beast’ principles and animal welfare, this might not be a bad thing at all.

Besides, with his abilities and growing experience, combined with the superior environment and professional team planned for "Xianlai," Yang Qi was fairly confident he could handle this pair of troubled lions.

’Risk and opportunity coexist.’

"We can make contact, but we have to be clear about our terms upfront."

Yang Qi finally made his decision. "First, the price is negotiable, but only on the condition that the lions are healthy with no hidden illnesses. Especially the lioness—we must ensure she’s capable of breeding."

"Second, we’ll send our own trusted Veterinarian and keepers to conduct a comprehensive, detailed physical and behavioral assessment. Mingguang Zoo must cooperate fully and not hide anything."

"Third, the handover process must be legal and compliant. All paperwork and quarantine certificates must be complete, leaving no loose ends."

"Fourth, if the inspection results are unsatisfactory, or if the lions have serious behavioral or health problems, we reserve the right to terminate the deal at any time, and Mingguang must cover the expenses for the personnel we send."

"Understood!"

On the other end of the line, Pang Yunrui took careful notes and replied affirmatively, "Junior, don’t worry. I’ll make these conditions crystal clear to them and get it all down in black and white in the contract."

"It’s a rare opportunity to get lions, and the price is tempting, but safety, health, and legality come first. We won’t get greedy over a small bargain."

"I’ll arrange for someone right now—no, I’ll lead a team there myself to make contact and check out the situation first!"

"It’s good that you’re going yourself; you’ll have a better grasp of the situation. Keep in touch and tell me immediately if anything comes up," Yang Qi instructed.

"You got it! I’m hanging up now. I’ll let you know as soon as I have news!"

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