Ep 4. Crash Course

In Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa season 4 episode 4, titled "Crash Course," viewers get an inside look at the daily operations of the zoo and the hardworking staff who care for the animals.

The episode begins with a behind-the-scenes look at the training process for Amelia, a 4-year-old giraffe who needs to learn how to wait patiently for her food. Her keeper, Tiffany, uses a target stick to teach Amelia to stand in one spot and wait while her food is prepared. As Amelia makes progress, she also gets a special treat - a delicious browse branch to munch on.

Next, the focus turns to the zoo's youngest residents - the baby meerkats. There are four new additions to the meerkat family, and they need to be checked by the vet to make sure they are healthy and growing properly. Dr. Ray, the zoo's veterinarian, carefully examines each meerkat and takes note of their weight and any abnormalities. Thankfully, all four babies are doing well and growing quickly.

Meanwhile, the zoo's African painted dog pack is causing some trouble - they keep escaping from their enclosure by digging under the fences. The staff work to reinforce the enclosure and add more dirt to discourage the dogs from digging. But when the dogs escape yet again, a full-scale search is launched to find them before they can cause any damage or get hurt.

Back inside the zoo, a capuchin monkey named Harold needs dental x-rays to check for any problems with his teeth. Harold is a bit of a nervous patient, so the keepers work to calm him down and make him comfortable during the procedure. The x-rays reveal that Harold has a minor dental issue that can be easily fixed with a simple procedure.

Finally, the episode closes with a touching moment between Bubbles, the zoo's elderly African elephant, and her keeper, Mike. Mike has worked with Bubbles for many years and has grown very close to her. As he talks to her and feeds her some treats, he becomes emotional and tears up. It's a reminder of the strong bonds that can form between animals and the people who care for them.

Overall, "Crash Course" is a heartwarming and informative look at the daily happenings at the zoo. From training giraffes to caring for newborn meerkats, the staff at the zoo work tirelessly to ensure the health and happiness of all the animals under their care.