The disagreement continued for several hours as Gerard methodically addressed every administrative objection raised. He emphasized that an outside evaluation could protect the zoo’s reputation by resolving the public crisis transparently. The internal staff exchanged nervous glances, caught between their genuine desire to help Lola and their deep anxiety over potential media backlash if an outsider discovered complications.
Recognizing that public scrutiny was escalating rapidly, the zoo director finally agreed to a compromise. Gerard would be granted temporary access to the service corridors to observe Lola from behind protective barriers. However, the agreement explicitly restricted him from conducting direct physical procedures without prior institutional approval. Gerard accepted the terms immediately, knowing that getting closer was the essential first step.