Ep 10. Otterly Love

The Secret Life of the Zoo is a captivating show, which offers a glimpse into the habits and behaviors of animals in one of the world's most prestigious zoos. In season 4 episode 10, titled Otterly Love, viewers are treated to a heartwarming story of love and devotion between two otters, Suki and Alfie, who are looking to expand their family.

The episode starts with the zookeepers at Chester Zoo eagerly anticipating the arrival of two new Asian short-clawed otters, Suki, and Alfie. The couple has been brought in from another zoo to join the rest of the otter family at the zoo.

As soon as they arrive, the camera zooms in on the two otters, who are already showing signs of affection towards each other. They are seen cuddling, grooming each other, and indulging in playful activities with each other, much to the delight of the zookeepers.

However, the otter couple's love story takes a dramatic turn as they try to extend their family. The zookeepers discover that Suki has health issues that could potentially prevent her from reproducing. They offer her special care and treatment to help with her reproductive health, in hopes of helping the couple in their quest to start a family.

Meanwhile, at the reptile house, a rare and endangered lizard, the Knob-tailed Gecko, has laid eggs. The zookeepers are all excited about the arrival of this rare breed of lizard.

One of the zookeepers who has a particular interest in amphibians, is seen on his mission to find a mate for the little-known sub-species Mexican axolotl. Axolotls are endangered amphibians, often referred to as the 'water monsters'. They are found in the wild only in one lake in Mexico and some of the lakes that have been created in Mexico City. Once they lay eggs, they no longer want to mate and they all die trying to get to land. He visits every unit in the zoo that might have axolotls to piece together a mating pair.

Back at the otter enclosure, the couple's bond continues to grow stronger with each passing day. There are moments of tenderness and playfulness between the two, which is heartwarming to witness.

As the zookeepers continue to monitor Suki's progress, they begin to notice that she might be pregnant. Expectations run high and the entire zoo awaits the arrival of the new otter pups.

Sometimes, in life, plans don't always go as expected, and this was the case for Suki and Alfie. The couple was let down when they did not become proud parents to new otter pups. Despite this, they remained devoted to each other, and the camera captures their unbreakable bond.

Meanwhile, the reptile team is amazed at the live birth of a rare Mexican beaded lizard. This breed is not often found in zoos as they are difficult to breed. The miracle of a successful live birth has everyone involved excited about the future of the breeding program for this species.

Finally, as the episode draws to a close, the camera returns to the otter enclosure, where Suki and Alfie's bond is stronger than ever. The couple's love for one another and their ability to overcome challenging circumstances is a testament to the power of love, and leaves viewers feeling warm and fuzzy, something the show does so well.

Overall, The Secret Life of the Zoo, season 4 episode 10, Otterly Love, is a heartwarming and captivating show that highlights the beauty, love, and devotion between animals, in one of the world's most important zoos. The episode is filled with a range of emotions, from excitement to joy, and leaves viewers feeling a renewed appreciation for the work done by zoos to support animal conservation.