Ep 5. Gorilla Divemaster

In Magic of Disney's Animal Kingdom season 2 episode 5, titled "Gorilla Divemaster," viewers are taken on a journey through the beautiful Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park in Orlando, Florida. The episode features the park's team of experts, including animal care specialists, veterinarians, and conservationists, as they work together to care for the resident gorilla family.

The episode is packed with heartwarming moments between the gorillas and their caretakers. Viewers will get to see how the caretakers build relationships with the gorillas through trust-building exercises, such as offering treats and playing games. The caretakers even make it a point to learn each gorilla's unique personality and history, which helps them provide individualized care.

One of the highlights of the episode is when the team introduces the gorillas to a new enrichment activity: a scuba diving mask. The caretakers place the mask in the gorilla habitat to pique their curiosity, and soon a young gorilla named Lilly takes a liking to the mask. She even puts the mask on her head and struts around like a proud divemaster. It's a heartwarming moment that showcases the gorillas' intelligence and playful personalities.

The episode also touches on the important work Disney's Animal Kingdom does to help protect gorillas in the wild. Viewers will learn about the park's partnerships with conservation organizations to help protect gorilla populations in Africa from habitat loss, poaching, and disease. The team even travels to Rwanda to work alongside local conservationists to track and study wild gorillas.

One of the most emotional moments in the episode occurs when the team brings in a critically endangered eastern black rhinoceros named Jao to undergo a medical check-up. Jao is one of fewer than 5,000 eastern black rhinos left in the world, and his health is critical to the survival of the species. The team works tirelessly to ensure Jao's check-up goes smoothly, and viewers will get to witness the hope and determination the team has for protecting the rhino population.

Overall, Magic of Disney's Animal Kingdom season 2 episode 5 is a heartwarming and educational episode that shines a light on the important work being done to protect and care for gorillas and other endangered species. It's a must-see for animal lovers and conservationists alike, and a reminder of the extraordinary bond that can exist between humans and animals.