The video titled "Giganotosaurus Hatchling Hunt," posted on the official Jurassic World website, saw its popularity skyrocket, eventually stabilizing at the number four spot on the trending charts.
It was inevitable; among dinosaur enthusiasts, fans of carnivores have always been the overwhelming majority. For those dedicated to paleontology, the footage also served as exceptional academic material. One could argue that, were it not for the age restriction, the video's reach would have exceeded 65% of the total site traffic.
At its peak, the data nearly surpassed Jurassic World's all-time most-viewed video: "The King of Crap."
Hm? You want to know that story? Well, you'd better not be eating right now.
Back when Jurassic World first opened, the safety measures were already quite robust, but one poor soul was apparently cursed by the gods of misfortune. He managed to get so lost that he wandered straight into the Tyrannosaurus rex paddock.
Heaven only knows how he used a staff entrance to get inside, and once there, he accidentally locked the only service exit behind him. To keep himself from being eaten, he hid inside a pile of T. rex dung. For thirty whole minutes.
The T. rex probably thought: Buddy, just come out. I won't eat you. Seriously.
Anyway, back to the point.
While the video of Carlo's goat takedown was showered with praise, it also caught the attention of certain extremist animal rights activists.
[You could have culled the goat humanely, yet you put it there for a dinosaur to hunt. Does no one consider the goat's feelings?]
However, this website was Jurassic World's home turf. Beneath that comment, aside from the "Scholars" who politely explained the laws of nature, the top-rated reply came from the "Diplomats":
[We'll throw you in next.]
Fortunately, the extremist hadn't suggested that Carlo be switched to a vegan diet; otherwise, the argument would have been far more explosive.
Watching the public's overwhelming support, Simon Masrani allowed a smile to cross his face. This trend was a validation of his decision to construct the "Primeval Ecological Zone."
"Your coffee, sir."
Simon nodded to the server and returned his attention to Dr. Wu's latest report.
[Successfully hybridized DNA from multiple species. Embryonic development is normal. Expecting to create a new transgenic dinosaur within six months.]
So soon?
Simon was slightly surprised, but looking at the mountain of data he couldn't personally decipher, he knew Dr. Wu wasn't lying. He promptly sent the order to Claire Dearing to begin construction on the Indominus rex paddock. Then, he silenced his work phone; he wanted to watch Carlo's majestic hunt one more time.
…
Click.
As the Enter key was pressed, Owen Grady watched the footage. He saw the Giganotosaurus carolinii father and son engage in their, admittedly abstract, attempt at prowling, followed by Carlo's raw, primitive, and wild kill. He felt a sudden jolt in his chest.
A former member of the U.S. Navy and an expert in animal behavior, Owen had recently joined Jurassic World as a trainer for the Velociraptor program.
In the temporary training room nearby, four raptor hatchlings were romping and nipping at each other. Owen looked at them, thought for a moment, and decided to put on his neck guard.
In fact, if his assistant hadn't insisted, he hadn't even planned on wearing gauntlets; he didn't feel these little things posed much of a threat. But now, that video had taught him a lesson.
"With these carnivores, no matter how stupid, silly, or even cute they look to you, you should maintain a fundamental level of respect and awe. There's no 'why' to it. It's because they are predators."
"Recording ready."
Beep—
As the metal keypad door slid open, the room went dead silent, like a classroom when the principal walks in. Four juvenile predators turned simultaneously to stare at the stranger...
…
I am Carlo Grylls.
This is the most dangerous place on Earth.
There are two massive apex predators here.
And my job is to survive in this jungle full of hidden perils.
Look, a butterfly. That's my lunch. Its protein content is... well... I don't know if it even has any.
Enough talk. Now, I shall demonstrate the ultimate hunting technique!
With his internal monologue finished, Carlo began to wriggle forward. In his "Stealth Mode," he seemed to blend into the scenery, moving without a sound, looking very much like a migrating mound of dirt.
It was... a bit eerie.
When he was within ten meters of the butterfly, the insect was still focused on sipping nectar. Carlo couldn't hide his excitement. Looks like you're falling into my hands today.
However, a sudden "stomp" shattered Carlo's dream. His father happened to walk past, and before the butterfly could even react, it became butterfly.zip.
Dad! You stepped on my lunch!
Carlo jumped up and let out a tragic, mournful wail.
Holy Macaroni! Where did the kid come from?
Carlo's sudden roar gave the father Giga a genuine fright. He hadn't sensed the "stealthing" Carlo at all.
Recovering from his confusion, Dad lifted his right foot to check the ground... nothing. He lifted his left foot... still nothing.
Utterly baffled, the father looked at Carlo and let out a low rumble, asking "What happened?" with eyes full of pure, innocent confusion.
Seeing the vacant, clueless look in his father's eyes, Carlo grunted a "never mind" and wandered off to find his mother for some milk.
Forget it. The Old Man is just too kind-hearted; he couldn't bear to see me hunt the butterfly, so he executed it himself.
Yes. He killed it out of love.
The father Giga watched Carlo leave, feeling perplexed. But, since things were as they were, he decided to go get a drink.
Glug... glug... glug...
Owen held a canteen, gently tilting it so water dripped downward. Below him, Blue was drinking greedily.
"Hey... slow down... it's okay, girl. Slow down."
Blue was the name Owen had given her. She was one of the young raptors, named for the distinct blue stripe running down her flanks. Though the raptors were still small, Blue was already showing signs of becoming the pack leader. She was smart, and Owen had taken a real liking to her.
"Owen, you've got a letter here."
Barry's voice came through the headset, and Owen withdrew the canteen.
As Owen pulled the water away, Blue looked up at him with her large eyes. Owen couldn't quite place the look—was it curiosity? A thirst for knowledge?
She really was different.
"See you next time, girl," Owen said with a light smile as he left the training room.
"An interesting little one?" Barry teased as Owen stepped out.
"Yeah, she's special," Owen replied, taking the envelope from him.
"A letter? Who writes letters these days?" Owen was surprised. He racked his brain but couldn't think of a single person who would send him mail.
"Maybe someone likes the old-school vibe," Barry said, shrugging to indicate he had no idea who the sender was either.