Ep 1. Difficult Parenting

In this episode of The Secret Life Of The Zoo, viewers are taken on a journey through the ups and downs of parenting in the animal kingdom at Chester Zoo. From the early days of rearing newborns to dealing with teenage tantrums, the episode highlights the unique challenges that come with parenting different species.

The episode starts off with the story of new parents, black rhinos Kitani and Magadi. As first-time parents, they have a lot to learn, and the keepers at the zoo are on hand to help them through the process. With the birth of their calf, the couple has to navigate the delicate balance of being protective and giving the calf the space it needs to grow and explore. The challenges are especially tough for Magadi, who hasn't had much experience with motherhood. As we follow them through their journey, we see how the couple adapts to their new roles and how their relationship changes.

Next up, the episode turns to the zoo's gorilla troop, where silverback Kipenzi is trying to keep his unruly teenagers in line. His three sons, Alf, Evindi, and Mbula, are causing quite a stir in the troop, with their playful antics and boisterous behavior. Kipenzi is torn between being a disciplinarian and allowing his sons to be themselves. The keepers observe this dynamic closely, as they seek to understand how gorilla families work and how Kipenzi has to navigate the complex task of raising his offspring.

Moving on to the spider monkeys, we meet Maud, a matriarch of the group who is dealing with some family drama of her own. Her daughter, Tilly, has recently given birth to a baby, but Maud is concerned that the father is not part of their group. This could lead to problems down the line. As Maud tries to keep the peace within the group, Tilly is struggling to bond with her newborn. The pressure is on for Maud to help Tilly become a better mother, while also keeping the rest of the group happy.

Last but not least, we visit the red pandas, where two cubs are growing up fast. With their playful antics and endless energy, they keep their mother, Nima, on her toes. However, Nima is feeling the strain of raising two cubs on her own. The keepers watch closely to make sure the cubs are developing as they should, but also to ensure that Nima is coping with the demands of motherhood. As the cubs grow bigger and more adventurous, Nima has to work hard to keep them safe.

Throughout the episode, we see the dedication of the keepers at Chester Zoo, who work tirelessly to ensure the welfare of all their animals. We also see the unique challenges that come with parenting in the animal kingdom, and the surprising similarities between animal families and our own. With its heartwarming stories and amazing animal footage, The Secret Life Of The Zoo continues to be a must-watch for nature lovers everywhere.