Asha turned to Jamie. “He got in somehow,” she said. “Most likely through the drainage opening along the enclosure’s east perimeter. We’ll check it. But right now, he’s safe.” Jamie whispered, “What if she changes her mind?” Asha replied, “Then we act. But not until then.”
Within the hour, a small retrieval team prepared for entry. They planned to lure Nibbles toward a side gate using treats, while keeping Meera distracted near the other end of the enclosure. One keeper entered with slow, deliberate steps, holding a long hook attached to a soft carrier. Meera noticed immediately.