Ep 2. Antisocial Otters

In this episode of The Secret Life of the Zoo, we get an inside look at the complex lives of otters living in Chester Zoo. The episode is titled 'Antisocial Otters' and delves into the social dynamics of a group of Eurasian otters.

The episode opens with a scene of the otters playfully swimming and diving in their enclosure. However, it is soon revealed that the group's alpha male, Wallace, has been bullying the other otters. Keepers have noticed that Wallace is becoming increasingly aggressive towards the other males, particularly a younger otter named Timon. Timon, who was originally an outcast from the group, has now become Wallace's biggest rival.

The episode takes us through the daily routines of the otters and how their social interactions impact their behavior and well-being. Keepers are concerned that the bullying behavior will escalate and jeopardize the safety of the group as a whole. In order to prevent any serious injuries, they decide to separate Wallace from the group and place him in a separate pen.

The separation seems to have a positive effect on the group as the other otters become more relaxed and start playing together again. Timon, who was initially bullied by Wallace, becomes more confident and starts to challenge the other males for dominance.

As the episode progresses, keepers begin to notice that Wallace's behavior has changed while in isolation. Initially, he was very aggressive towards the keepers, refusing to interact with them at all. However, as time goes on, Wallace becomes more affectionate towards his handlers, indicating that his behavior may have been triggered by stress or something else unknown.

Eventually, keepers decide to start reintroducing Wallace back into the group. The reintegration process proves to be challenging, as Wallace's aggressive behavior towards the other otters resurfaces. However, as the days pass, Wallace's behavior improves and he starts to accept the other otters again.

Overall, 'Antisocial Otters' is an engaging and insightful episode that offers a glimpse into the complex social dynamics of animal groups. The show sheds light on the importance of understanding and monitoring animal behavior in captivity and the tireless efforts of zookeepers to ensure the well-being of the animals in their care.