I always thought it was a cop-out, even in the earlier presentations of Mark Trail, when the consequences of whatever activity Mark was involved in are encapsulated into a few summary footnotes back at home. For an adventure strip that sells itself as a bastion of environmentalism, defender of nature, and cheerleader for animal protection, it seems that the less glamorous hands-on work is rarely emphasized. There could be much to learn:

• What was wrong with the gorillas and how were they treated by the vets?
• Exactly how do they rehome the gorillas?
• Who is paying for Niecy’s food and lodging while she remains behind to help out? And since she drove there with Mark, how is she going to get home when her work is done?
• But more importantly, why didn’t Mark and Happy also remain on site to assist?

As for Gail and Guyer getting away, it must have been the case that the investigating police officer was either too busy watching the setting sun or he took off in the wrong direction.