Ep 12. Baby on Board

At Chester Zoo, the staff is delighted with the arrival of a number of baby animals. In this episode, we follow the stories of four of these new arrivals, all with their own unique traits and challenges.

First up, we meet a trio of African painted dogs, one of the most endangered carnivores in Africa. The pups were born to an inexperienced mother who is struggling to care for them, so the keepers have to step in to provide extra support. We see the team bottle-feeding the newborns and introducing them to the rest of the pack. It's a tricky balance, as they want the pups to bond with their family but also be comfortable around humans so they can receive medical attention and be moved to new homes in zoos around the world.

Next, we visit the gorilla enclosure where we meet the latest addition, a tiny western lowland gorilla. The mother, a first-time mom named Kibble, gave birth after a long and difficult labor. The keepers are thrilled with the newborn, but they're also concerned about Kibble's lack of experience and the baby's unstable health. We watch as the keepers monitor the pair closely, and as Kibble struggles to bond with her offspring.

Our third baby is a meerkat pup, born to one of the largest meerkat groups in the zoo. Unlike the other babies, this one was born underground and has only just emerged. Its siblings are fascinated by the new arrival, but the keepers are worried. Meerkat pups are notoriously fragile, and the team has to keep a close eye on the newcomer to make sure it's getting enough food and staying safe. We watch as the pup ventures out into the daylight for the first time and starts to explore the wider world.

Finally, we meet a pair of birds, the Andean condors. These majestic birds are the largest flying birds in the world, but they face a number of challenges when it comes to breeding. The keepers have to create a specific environment for them to nest in, complete with artificial rocks and temperature-controlled caves. Even then, the birds are notoriously picky when it comes to finding a mate. In this episode, we follow the story of a new pairing, as the male and female get to know each other and start building their nest.

Overall, this episode is a celebration of new life at the zoo, but it's also a reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into caring for these babies and their families. We see the keepers working around the clock to provide support, monitor their health, and ensure that they have the best possible start to life. And we see the joy on their faces as the animals thrive and grow.

As always, The Secret Life of the Zoo is a fascinating and heartwarming look behind the scenes of one of the world's most beloved zoos. It's a must-see for animal lovers of all ages, as well as anyone interested in wildlife conservation and animal welfare.