Ep 1. The Galapagos Shark

Ocean Vet is a thrilling and informative television show that follows the work of Dr. Neil Burnie, a veterinarian and trained diver, as he travels around the world to study and treat marine wildlife. In this first episode of season one, titled The Galapagos Shark, Dr. Burnie heads to the Galapagos Islands, a remote and breathtaking archipelago off the coast of Ecuador that is home to an incredible array of underwater creatures.

The Galapagos Shark is a fearsome species that has a reputation for being one of the most aggressive predators in the oceans. They can grow up to 12 feet in length and are known to attack humans who venture into their territory. Despite their reputation, very little is known about these apex predators as they are notoriously difficult to study.

Dr. Burnie is determined to change that and, with the help of local fishermen, he sets out to catch a Galapagos Shark in order to perform a series of tests. The first challenge is actually finding the sharks - they are solitary creatures that are encountered only rarely. After several days of fruitless searching, Dr. Burnie finally spots a shark swimming near the surface and leaps into the water to capture it.

Back onshore, the shark is brought into a makeshift lab where Dr. Burnie begins to examine it. He takes blood samples, measures its length and weight, and attaches a satellite tag to the shark's dorsal fin so that its movements can be tracked. The shark is then released back into the ocean, but not before Dr. Burnie takes one final measurement - the shark's bite force.

Using a specially designed bite force meter, Dr. Burnie measures the strength of the Galapagos Shark's bite and is astounded to discover that it is one of the most powerful bites of any creature on the planet. This information has important implications for scientists and conservationists who are working to protect the world's oceans.

In addition to studying the Galapagos Shark, Dr. Burnie also takes time to explore the incredibly diverse ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands. He dives among schools of colorful fish, encounters playful sea lions, and even comes face-to-face with a manta ray that is so large it seems almost otherworldly.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Burnie's excitement and passion for his work are infectious. He is never less than thrilled to be diving in the pristine waters of the Galapagos and seems genuinely awed by the creatures he encounters. At the same time, he is incredibly knowledgeable and focused, handling dangerous animals with care and precision.

Overall, The Galapagos Shark is an immersive and fascinating episode of Ocean Vet that will appeal to animal lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. With stunning underwater photography and an engaging host, the show offers a unique look into the world of marine science and the important work being done to study and preserve the oceans.