A Hard Decision

As dawn neared, hospital administrators arrived, demanding updates. Hargrove barked about safety and containment, furious that a wild animal had been allowed inside. Kamari calmly explained that sedating or removing the bear now could provoke aggression and destabilize the pups’ recovery. “She’s calm, not a threat,” he said. “She’s bonded.”

But pressure was building. Reporters outside, staff on edge, and rumors spinning out of control. Hana stepped into the discussion. “Let her stay. Just until the pups are stable.” Hargrove crossed his arms. “You want us to house a bear?” Peter jumped in. “Or you can risk traumatizing everything she fought to protect.”