Working in a Zoo with Beast Taming System

"I've been in this business for years, but this is the first time I've ever seen a lion so obedient, especially a cub."

Veterinarian Zhou wasn't just being polite; he was genuinely impressed.

In response, Yang Qi simply smiled without explanation and asked,

"Dr. Zhou, what's the plan? Given the cub's situation, will it be temporarily kept here, or…?"

"…"

At his words, Veterinarian Zhou and the Forestry Bureau official exchanged a look, both frowning.

"This facility in Qingyuan is just a temporary rescue station. Our resources are limited, and we don't have the experience or permits to care for large felines, especially the cubs of dangerous predators."

The Forestry Bureau official continued, "According to protocol, a cub of unknown origin, especially one that's a Class-I nationally protected animal, must be reported to the Provincial Forestry Bureau. They will then assign a facility to take it in, which would likely be the provincial wildlife rescue center or a large, qualified zoo with the proper facilities."

He looked at Yang Qi and added, "However, until we get instructions from our superiors and a receiving facility is arranged, we'll probably have to keep it here for a few days. But given its condition…"

The official glanced at the little lion cub, which was huddled close to Yang Qi and still anxious about its surroundings, and sighed.

"If we force it to stay here, I'm afraid the stress will cause it to stop eating. Besides, we really don't have the specialized staff to care for it."

Yang Qi had considered that as well.

The rescue station's facilities were basic. While the staff meant well, dealing with a highly agitated lion cub that would only respond to him was a difficult situation.

"Donghua Wildlife Park is qualified and experienced in caring for and rescuing large felines."

Yang Qi said thoughtfully, "And I work there. If the provincial authorities can coordinate it, perhaps we could temporarily transfer the cub to Donghua Zoo for care and observation. We can figure out its final placement after we've determined its origin."

"That's an excellent idea!"

The Forestry Bureau official's eyes lit up. "Donghua Zoo is a qualified facility. And you're a professional, Advisor Yang. With you there, the little one will be able to settle down. I'll report this suggestion to the provincial bureau right away!"

With that, he immediately stepped aside to make a call.

While they waited for a response from the provincial bureau, Veterinarian Zhou prepared a liquid nutritional meal for the lion cub.

It consisted mainly of warm goat's milk with a little bit of minced, cooked chicken.

The cub was starving. With Yang Qi's encouragement, it wolfed down the meal and licked the bowl clean, as if still wanting more.

With a full belly and its "trusted person" nearby, its spirits were visibly lifted. It began to look around curiously, though it still didn't dare to stray too far from Yang Qi.

About half an hour later, the Forestry Bureau official returned, a look of delight on his face.

"The provincial bureau has approved it! Considering the cub's critical condition and its particular attachment, they've agreed to temporarily transfer it to Donghua City Wildlife Park for care and observation. Advisor Yang will be primarily responsible for its initial comfort and care."

"Our Qingyuan Forestry Bureau will handle the transfer paperwork and subsequent investigation. The provincial bureau will notify Donghua Wildlife Park directly."

He looked at Yang Qi and said earnestly, "Advisor Yang, we'll have to trouble you to take the little one back to the Zoo. We'll send a car and a staff member to escort you. It'll be good to have an extra hand on the road and to handle some of the handover paperwork."

"No problem. It's the least I can do." Yang Qi nodded.

This was undoubtedly the best possible arrangement.

And so, the group got busy once more.

They issued a temporary wildlife transfer certificate, prepared some water and food for the journey, and called Donghua Zoo to give them a heads-up.

The lion cub seemed to sense it was about to go on another car ride. With more strangers gathering around, it grew anxious again and pressed itself tightly against Yang Qi's leg.

Yang Qi bent down and picked it up.

The little one wasn't too heavy, but its frame already hinted at its future might.

Feeling the warmth and security of Yang Qi's arms, the lion cub relaxed. It rested its head on Yang Qi's shoulder and let out a small yawn. After the day's ordeal, it was exhausted.

Yang Qi carried the lion cub back to his car.

Xiaojiu hopped into the back seat. The three dogs continued to observe the new predatory cub but showed no hostility.

The Forestry Bureau had assigned a young employee, Xiaochen, who followed behind in one of their pickup trucks.

The two vehicles got back on the highway to Donghua City.

This time, the lion cub quickly fell asleep in the car, curled up in a ball on the passenger seat and letting out soft purrs.

Perhaps it was because it felt a long-lost sense of security from being with Yang Qi.

Yang Qi watched the little one sleeping beside him, his heart filled with emotion.

'Who would have thought I'd end up "rescuing" a lion on a trip back home?'

'I wonder where it came from, and what it's been through.'

'But now that I've found it, and it's become so dependent on me, I have a responsibility to take good care of it, both professionally and personally.'

The car drove smoothly under the pleasant autumn sun.

"MEOW!"

Xiaojiu suddenly meowed from the back seat.

'Master, it has a bad smell on it.'

'Hm?'

'What bad smell?' Yang Qi wondered, his interest piqued.

'It's a bit like that bad guy we caught in the park last time.'

'But it's not exactly the same.'

Xiaojiu recalled.

'The smell on it is very faint.'

'I've been trying to place it this whole time, and I finally figured it out.'

'The man in the flat-billed cap we caught at the Zoo last time?'

'Is it related to the poaching ring?'

Yang Qi's expression hardened.

It seemed the cub's origins were more complicated than he'd thought.

It was actually connected to the "Jiulian Mountain" poaching ring.

Yang Qi knew what he had to do.

'Once I get back to Donghua, besides getting the little one settled, I'll have to give Deng Lei a heads-up.'

…

As the car neared the Zoo…