When the team reunites, Levine explains why he departed so quickly for Costa Rica. Reports began circulating of animal deaths attributed to a rare strain of encephalitis spread by the dinosaur carcasses washing up on beaches. The government decided to destroy whatever animal life was on Isla Serna, so Levine headed down. He tells them about the death of his guide Diego.

Dodgson and his henchmen arrive in Costa Rica. He is determined to secure fertilized dinosaur eggs, and he knows that Levine is already on the island. Time is of the essence. Dodgson convinces a local to take them to Isla Serna by boat.

Levine’s team quickly construct the high hide specially designed to provide a clear view of the island’s massive valley. The scaffold is topped by a platform with a small shelter. From that vantage point, Levine can observe the herds of dinosaurs roaming about. He is intent on making careful observations since, for once, he does not have to rely on bones to draw conjectures. Malcolm shares Levine’s enthusiasm: Here, the processes of evolution and extinction cab be observed live.