It was late in the day and ranger Mike knew he couldnt find the poachers that day, even though he had great information from the kids. He also couldnt take the chance to try and find the herd to return the baby to before it got too dark. It would be too dangerous forthe baby. He told Sara's mom andn the kids he would leave the baby there and be back in the morning with a bigger truck and some help to return the baby to the herd. Sara was happy to hear that, she didnt want to see the baby leave. Mike got back into his jeep along with Sara and Jimmys friends he had brought with him, and left for the night. He woyld be back early the next morning.
As night got closer and it got darker outside, the baby giraffe went deeper into the trees in the yard. He was doing what his mother had taught him to do at night to hide himself. He knew he was safe and wanted to stay where he was for right now. All the different scents in the air were getting stronger as the wind died down, and now was when the other animals came out to eat.
Sara sat on the porch and watched the baby until late into the night. What a strange thing she thought, to have a baby giraffe in your yard, like some stray dog or something. Back home, she would never see anything like this. At times like this, she knew she was so lucky. she heard mom call her in to go to bed. It was very late and she was getting tired. She knew the baby would be there in the morning, so she whispered good night to the baby and went inside to go to sleep.
The next morning, Sara woke before everyone else in the house. She quickly got dressed, had a drink of juice and went out to see the baby. It was around 6:30, and the sun hadnt started to come up all the way yet. It would still be cool outside, but Sara didnt need a jacket or sweater. She just needed to see the baby and make sure he was ok.
When she opened her front door, she stood in amazement. She was frozen with what she saw. There must have been 25 or 30 of them, all standing at her fence. They all looked the same, yet they were all different. Some were taller, some were more muscular. You could even tell that some were the leaders and some were young, more like the teenagers of the pack. The little horn things on their heads were different. They watched her as she stood there, staring back at them. Very carefully, she looked over at the baby, still standing across the yard in the trees. She knew what they were all here for, and she knew what she had to do.
Before she could do anything, she had to say good by to the baby. Sara knew it was dangerous, but she didnt care, she was going to take her chances. There was no one around to tell her no this time, no one to warn her of the dangers and she didnt care. She had grown to care about this baby animal as if she had known him all her life. She felt a closeness to him, and somehow knew he wouldnt hurt her. Very carefully, Sara stepped off the porch and walked ever so slowley toward the baby. She had to touch him just one time before she said good by. She looked for leaves to feed him so he wouldnt be scared, but found none. As she got closer to him, she put out her hands in front of her, to show she had nothing to hide, and she talked softly to him. Sara was very surprised to see the baby didnt run away as she got closer, he stood and looked back at her.
Sara finally got close enough to touch and pet the baby giraffe. She kept whispering encouraging words to him, telling him she wouldnt hurt him, that he was safe with her, and she wouldnt let anything happen to him. She meant every word. Sara ran her hand down the long leg of the baby giraffe. He didnt even flinch when she touched him. His fur was so soft, just like someone had combed it. She could feel his chest, where some day he would grow up to be much taller, and she would never be able to do this again. Sara knew this was going to end soon and started to have tears in her eyes.
The baby then tilted his head down to Sara's face and nuzzeled her like she was his mother. He felt safe again. He knew he was going to be with his group, the others like him, but he didnt want to leave the safety of this strange place. This was a confusing time for him.
Sara turned away from the baby and walked over to the gate and opened it. She knew the other giraffes wouldnt come in, but she didnt know if the baby would leave. She had to do the right thing. The baby followed her out the gate, but turned and gave her one last look before he went back to the herd. The other larger giraffes nuzzeled him to welcome him back and make sure he was safe. They all looked at Sara as she stood at the gate with tears streaming down her face.
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