The Mall's Failing Business

The mall's financial decline drives Mack to intensify performances, while public attention eventually undermines the business model he depends on.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Fewer Visitors

Fewer Visitors An aging attraction The mall once drew crowds, but now days pass with few visitors. Mack tells Ivan that he has lost his magic and worries aloud about losing money. Animals as revenue The animals' value is measured through ticket sales, tricks, and novelty. The weakening business creates pressure to add a new attraction rather than reconsider the conditions that keep the animals confined.

Ruby as a Draw

Ruby as a Draw A commercial calculation Mack calls Ruby a way to save the mall and attract ticket buyers. A picture of the baby elephant is added to the roadside billboard, turning her youth into an advertisement. Traffic returns Visitors begin gathering around Ruby and Stella. The increased business confirms Mack's short-term strategy, but the crowds reward an arrangement in which a vulnerable baby is made to perform for profit.

The Training Routine

The Training Routine A replacement performance Mack ropes Ruby's feet and makes her circle the ring, rewarding obedience with food and responding to refusal with yelling and a claw-stick. Ruby's work is meant to maintain the new attraction's value. A fragile business tactic The routine sustains the show but exposes the cruelty beneath it. As Ruby tires and grows thinner, the effort to rescue the mall's finances deepens the animals' physical and emotional danger.

A New Source of Revenue

A New Source of Revenue Art turned into merchandise Mack sells Ivan's finger painting and orders more supplies, believing the work can bring in money. Ivan continues painting for Mack by day while hiding his true project for Ruby at night. Publicity changes the scale After the billboard appears, visitors buy the pictures and their prices rise. The commercial success helps bring attention to the mall, even though Mack initially treats the art as a product rather than a rescue appeal.

The Business Ends

The Business Ends Oversight replaces control Inspectors assess the animals and their living conditions, while protesters and cameras keep attention on the mall. Mack's authority is challenged by scrutiny he cannot manage as a simple publicity opportunity. A different future The mall's animals are prepared to leave for zoos and shelters, and George loses his job. The commercial operation that depended on displaying them is no longer able to dictate their entire future.

At the beginning of the story, after the mall's early popularity has faded

Immediately after Ruby's arrival, when Mack adds her image to the roadside sign

Soon after Stella dies, when Mack begins training Ruby for shows

During Ivan's billboard campaign, after Mack sees a painting sell

After inspectors and protesters arrive, when the animals are prepared for relocation