The story begins with a foreboding description of the events leading up to the disasters that occurred in Jurassic Park. When biotechnology took off after the discovery of DNA in 1953, scientists Robert Swanson and Herbert Boyer banded together to sell their technology for profit. Scientists of the past were less interested in the pursuit of money, and science was “free of contaminating industry” (xi). In modern times, however, it is nearly impossible to find laboratories without industry ties. Biotechnology began evolving in every possible dimension, from fashion to lumber, and with few laws or regulations in place, it did so without limits. Genentech, these two scientists’ new company, became a pioneer, but also the cause of tragedy. The following pages recount the testimonies of people who witnessed the events which took place “in August 1989 on a remote island off the west coast of Costa Rica” (xii).

Dr. Roberta Carter, who goes by Bobbie, sits in a clinic in Bahía Anasco. Through the downpour, a helicopter from the nearby InGen resort drops down outside the clinic. A red-haired man named Ed Regis jumps out alongside two crewmen carrying a hurt man no older than 18.