Chapters 24 through 26 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 24: Blue

The Blue Pride has disintegrated. The drought has forced them into smaller groups. In the case of Blue, she has become a nomad. Mark and Delia note her deteriorating condition. She is gaunt and her hair is falling out. At a time when she can't feed herself, Mark and Delia discover that she has two cubs. She tries her best, but one cub dies of malnutrition. The other cub, named Bimbo, is in better health and begins following his mother who searches for food. Mark immobilizes her one night to check her condition more closely and to attach a new radio-tag. Blue has mange a condition which is difficult to treat in the wild. Mark decides to rub motor oil all over her body in hopes of smothering the parasite. Blue's skin improves and begins to heal...