Ep 13. A Bronx Buffet

The Zoo follows the daily adventures of the team at the Bronx Zoo as they care for animals from all over the world. In season 7, episode 13 titled "A Bronx Buffet," viewers will get an up-close look at the zoo's feeding operations and how the staff ensures that over 6,000 animals are properly nourished.

The episode begins with the arrival of a new species at the zoo – the giant anteater. The team at the Bronx Zoo works hard to ensure that the anteater's feeding habits are met. Giant anteaters have long tongues that they use to catch ants and termites, so the staff created a special "ant hill" for the anteater to forage for food. The team also ensures that the anteater is getting all of the necessary nutrients in its diet.

Next, viewers are taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of the sea lion exhibit. The zoo's resident sea lions are fed a regular diet of fish, but they are also given enrichment activities to keep their minds and bodies active. The staff hides fish throughout the exhibit for the sea lions to find, and they also use toys to stimulate the animals.

The episode then moves on to the zoo's bird exhibit. The zoo cares for over 300 bird species, each with their unique dietary needs. Some birds, like the toucan, require a specialized diet, while others, like the parrots, enjoy a variety of fruits and seeds. The staff prepares custom meals for each bird species and ensures that they are getting all of the nutrients they need to thrive.

The next segment focuses on the zoo's carnivorous animals, including the lions and tigers. The zoo's meat room holds over 3,000 pounds of food for these majestic animals. The staff not only ensures that the animals are eating enough but also make sure that they are getting a proper balance of nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Finally, the episode ends with a trip to the reptile house. The zoo's reptiles are fed a diet of live insects, rodents, and even other reptiles. The team at the zoo breeds their own mice and rats to ensure that they are free of diseases and healthy for the reptiles to eat. The staff also ensures that the reptiles receive the correct amount of hydration and vitamins in their diets.

Throughout the episode, viewers will see the dedication and care that the zoo's staff puts into ensuring that the animals are healthy and happy. From creating specialized diets to designing enrichment activities, the team at the Bronx Zoo goes above and beyond to ensure that all of their animals thrive. "A Bronx Buffet" is a must-see for any animal lover and offers a fascinating look into how zoos care for their residents.