With a final cut, the ropes gave way and the cage door swung open; the calf hesitated briefly before bolting toward its mother, who let out a soft, relieved grunt and nuzzled her offspring affectionately. Yet, even as relief washed over him, the sound of approaching footsteps warned Harrison that the poachers were returning, prompting him to signal the hippos to follow him toward the sheltering trees.
Harrison led the way through the dense forest, every rustle and snap of a twig echoing like a distant gunshot. Determined to mislead their pursuers, he quickly gathered leaves and twigs to fashion a makeshift broom while the mother hippo stayed close, herding her calf with gentle nudges that underscored the urgency of their flight.