Chapter 902:
Samson replied with an easy smile. “Yes, it is. Recently, the conservation areas have been very active with their projects. They’re filming more material for upcoming campaigns, hoping to encourage greater public support for wildlife protection. They’re truly kindhearted people who care deeply about nature.”
Rylie’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Yes, it’s people like them who create safer and better environments for animals to thrive.”
They continued walking along the quiet riverside path.
From time to time, Samson paused to point out native plants or birds startled into flight, sharing interesting facts about each species as they went. His extensive knowledge and genuine affection for the land were unmistakable. As their conversation continued, Rylie learned that Samson lived with his wife and ten-year-old daughter on a private farm not far from the resort.
“My daughter, Ella.” The moment he mentioned her, Samson’s rugged features softened, his eyes gleaming with quiet pride. “She’s an extraordinary child, born with a natural bond with animals. Our home has practically turned into a small sanctuary because of her.”
Rylie’s curiosity was piqued. “Really? What kinds of animals has she rescued?”
“Mostly injured little ones—baby antelopes, orphaned warthog piglets, and even small birds,” Samson said with a chuckle. Then his voice lowered slightly. “But her most precious one is Shaba.”
“Shaba?” Rylie repeated, noting the weight and strength of the name. “Is it a large animal?”
“Yes,” Samson replied, his tone suddenly tinged with faint sorrow. “Shaba is a lion Ella rescued.”
Rylie stopped walking, her eyes widening in surprise.
A lion? Kept as a pet? Fully grown, lions could reach up to three meters in length. She had once fought lions herself during her time in the arms trade, forced into an underground arena. She knew firsthand how deadly they could be—creatures of immense power and raw instinct, no less dangerous than bears.
𝐿𝒶t𝑒st chαptєrs in g𝓪lnovels.c𝑜𝑚
Sensing her astonishment, Samson spoke more softly. “Three years ago, during a school field trip, Ella visited a private zoo that was shutting down. The animals were in terrible condition, and Shaba was just a frail, starving cub on the brink of death. Ella couldn’t bear to see it abandoned in that filthy, cramped cage. She spent all her savings and begged me for weeks until I finally agreed to bring it home.”
He sighed, his expression clouded with emotion. “As both a father and someone who believes in protecting animals, I eventually gave in. We went through endless layers of paperwork before we were allowed to bring it home and keep it in a secure enclosure on the farm.”
“How big is it now?” Rylie asked, trying to picture a lion living on a family farm. It was a deeply touching act of compassion, yet undeniably dangerous for anyone nearby.
“It’s nearly a full-grown male lion now. Ella is the only one who can approach it without risk. As for me, I only enter the enclosure to feed it when she’s home from school.”
His tone grew somber. “It’s close to three meters long now and weighs over three hundred kilograms. At first, it was still manageable, but as it grew, new problems began to surface. Its roar shakes the entire valley, and the neighbors have grown increasingly uneasy.”
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