Episode 1
Over in the African Plains, Kildare, a 23-year old zebra has caught the attention of the zookeepers. Having shown significant weight loss and trouble eating, she is anaesthetised for examination. When a tooth removal procedure is warranted, the real worrying challenge will be her recovery from the anaesthetic.
In the Gorilla Rainforest, the troupe have been living with two new babies, Asali and Kavuli.
As if the first-time mothers didn’t have it difficult enough already. The blackback, Bangui, had the zookeepers concerned with his behaviour. Seeing the babies as merely playthings, he would take them from their mothers in these crucial early days, leaving the zookeepers no other option but to separate him. We check-in to chart Banguis maturation into a silverback and how his reintegration with the troupe has progressed.
Unfortunately, not long after, Bangui becomes ill, and the zookeepers have a perilously short window to intervene before the giant gorilla wakes up.
As a wave of avian flu sweeps Europe, the Flamingos have to be kept inside during the day for their own safety. The zookeepers are using this opportunity to make some much needed upgrades to the Flamingo Lagoon. They expand the habitat into the water, replenish the sand and build nests.
Series Overview:
There is great excitement in Dublin Zoo as the Endangered red pandas move into their brand-new habitat, the Himalayan Hills with some adorable new faces joining the family.
In the Gorilla Rainforest, we see the impression the two young western lowland gorilla babies have made on their mothers and other members of the troop, including the blackback, Bangui. He is yet to mature into a silverback, and his fascinating journey will be followed throughout the series.
In the African Plains, Kildare, the 23-year-old zebra undergoes a dental procedure. However, there are challenges when she doesn’t immediately wake from her anaesthetic. Having been with her breeding partner, Striker, for 25 years, the team works against the clock to save her.
Ever wondered what happens in Dublin Zoo at night? Follow the animal care team as they carry out a night study of Dublin Zoo. From bats to badgers, they delve into wildlife that comes out to play after dark.
Watch as one of Dublin Zoo’s newest arrivals, a group of six dholes are introduced to the Zoo. This is the first time in the Zoo’s history that it has had resident dholes, and an exciting first for Ireland. Following on from Series 10, the team checks in with the grey wolves to see how they are settling into their brand new ‘Wolves in the Woods’ habitat.
Other animals featured this season include the Chilean Flamingos, Western chimpanzees, Goeldi’s monkeys, snow leopards amongst many other amazing animals.
Always factual and educational, with a strong conservation message running throughout, ‘The Zoo’ TV series keeps storytelling at its heart. It highlights the animal care team’s passion and the importance of wildlife while taking viewers
on an entertaining journey of discovery about the natural world. ‘The Zoo’ is perfect Sunday night family viewing, suitable for young and old alike.
Filmed by Moondance Productions with minimalist and discreet crews to increase intimacy with animals and zookeepers, The Zoo has firmly established itself as a household name amongst viewers worldwide.