Ep 7. Like Father, Like Son
- November 10, 2018
Dr. Chris Pet Vet is a popular Australian TV show that follows the adventures of veterinarian Dr. Chris Brown as he travels around the country and helps animals in need. In this particular episode, entitled "Like Father, Like Son", Dr. Chris meets two very special patients - a father and son pair of koalas.
The episode begins with Dr. Chris driving through the bushland, searching for a very particular type of animal - a koala. He explains to the audience that koalas are one of the most iconic animals in Australia, but their population has been severely affected by climate change, bushfires, and habitat destruction. Dr. Chris is on a mission to find two very special koalas - a father and son - who have been rescued and need medical attention.
When he finally comes across the koalas, he is struck by how cute and cuddly they look. The father koala, named Charlie, has a deep wound on his leg, and the son koala, named Cooper, is looking weak and lethargic. Dr. Chris and his team quickly move in to assess the animals and figure out what needs to be done to help them.
The first challenge for Dr. Chris is administering a sedative to Charlie so that he can examine the wound on his leg. Koalas are notoriously difficult to sedate, as they have a very slow metabolism and can often react badly to drugs. Dr. Chris explains that it's a delicate balance between sedating the animal enough to get the job done, but not so much that it puts them in danger.
Once he has Charlie sedated, Dr. Chris is able to assess the wound and determine that it needs to be cleaned and stitched up. He is assisted by a team of dedicated wildlife rescuers, who assist in holding the animal in place and making sure he stays safe throughout the procedure. The father and son koalas are shown to be deeply bonded, and Cooper stays close to his dad throughout the entire ordeal.
The second challenge for Dr. Chris is figuring out what's wrong with Cooper. He explains that koalas are very vulnerable to stress, and the experience of being rescued and transported to the veterinary clinic has likely taken a toll on the young animal. Dr. Chris and his team run a series of tests to determine if he has any underlying medical conditions, and discover that he has a high level of stress hormones in his system.
To help Cooper relax and recover, Dr. Chris and his team create a miniature rehabilitation center for him in the vet clinic. They build a special habitat filled with eucalyptus leaves, which is a koala's favorite food, and adjust the lighting and temperature to mimic his natural environment. They even play recordings of other koalas calling to help him feel more comfortable.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Chris emphasizes the importance of caring for Australia's wildlife and preserving their habitat. He explains that every animal - no matter how small or seemingly insignificant - plays a vital role in the ecosystem. By treating Charlie and Cooper, he hopes to inspire others to take action and help protect the environment for future generations.
In the end, both Charlie and Cooper are shown to be on the road to recovery. Dr. Chris bids farewell to the koalas and their dedicated rescuers, wishing them all the best and thanking them for their hard work. The episode closes with a shot of the beautiful Australian landscape, reminding viewers of the importance of preserving this unique and precious ecosystem.