Episode 8 · Lily, Mark, Vance
Mark and Lily bring a basket of meat to the tiger enclosure. Mark mentions that the zoo has earned more in recent days than in all of last year. The tiger Nugget comes out to eat and worries about their money troubles. Lily slips inside to pet Nugget and feed him a hidden burger. Later, Mark locks earned cash into his desk. He phones Vance to buy another cheap animal while Lily listens at the door.
Mark and Lily deliver a basket of fresh meat to the tiger enclosure. Mark tells his daughter that the park has pulled in more money during the last few days than it did throughout the entire previous year.
Nugget steps out to eat and speaks about the zoo's money struggles. Lily slips into the enclosure while her dad is not looking. She pets the big cat and feeds him a secret burger.
Inside the zoo office, Mark secures a thick stack of earned cash inside his desk drawer. He picks up the phone and dials Vance, asking if the dealer has any large animals available cheap for empty enclosures.
Vance speaks on the phone, telling Mark he has the exact animal needed. He refuses to give details and insists Mark come see it in person. Outside in the hallway, Lily listens silently by the doorway.
“We've made more in the last few days than we made all of last year.”
“Kiddo, when you guys aren't broke anymore, get yourself something yummy too.”
“You got any big animals you need to move cheap? I've got way too many empty enclosures.”
“Can't explain it over the phone. Just come see for yourself.”
Vance invites Mark to visit in person to inspect the mystery animal, refusing to explain anything over the phone. Meanwhile, Lily stands right outside the office doorway, overhearing the entire conversation. What kind of animal does Vance have waiting at his facility, and will Lily find a way to follow her father when he goes to see it?