This week, the sixth episode of Mega Zoo screened in New Zealand. It was filmed in early to mid 2020. I’ve written an episode synopsis below for anyone isn’t able to view this series, but wants to catch up on the goings on (spoiler alert): Spoiler: Episode 6 Synopsis At Werribee Open Range, they were preparing for the adolescent male lions (Ato and Lwazi) to move to Taronga Zoo. The keepers got a call to say the exhibit in Sydney wasn’t ready; and the lions would have to remain in their pride for a few weeks longer. As a result, their mother Nilo requires a contraceptive as the males are reaching maturity and starting to mount the females. Kelly, the Animal Behaviour Specialist describes Nilo as a fiery, strong lioness; but due to her close relationship with her, is able to hand inject her with a sedative. The procedure went well, despite starting to run low on oxygen near the end of the operation, requiring them to pick up the pace. At the end of the episode, the males depart; leaving the zoo with a pride of six lionesses. The lionesses vocalise when the males leave, which the staff say was their way of calling for them. At Melbourne Zoo, the monthly butterfly census kicks off in the butterfly house. The temperature is lowered to slow the butterflies down, making them easier to count. The staff work fast to get it done before the sun rises, counting 622 butterflies. Apparently the sensation of rain in the butterfly house is not rain or some sort of mist spray, it’s butterfly faeces. At Melbourne Zoo’s Wild Seas precinct, an 18 month old fur seal named Bella is being target trained for an X-ray. Bella was rescued from the wild, suffering from an abscess and damaged joint to her front left flipper. She was assessed as unlikely to survive at the wild and will remain at the zoo. On the first attempt at the X-ray, Bella gets nervous and scuttles out the door; she later successfully participates and the X-ray reveals her affected digit in her flipper is well aligned and straight. At Healesville Sanctuary, they talk about the critically endangered Mountain pygmy possum, of which there are fewer than 2000. 1.1 siblings named Flora and Fauna are taken for a health check and receive a microchip. The health check gives them the all clear. In Victoria’s alpine fields, Healesville staff distribute biscuits they’ve baked as supplematry food for wild Mountain pygmy possums. The biscuits, comprised mostly of meal worms are a substitute for their natural diet of Bogal moth, which are declining in number. The biscuits are dropped from a water tower to test if they’d survive an aerial drop; and are also placed into feeder boxes on the ground. Cameras reveal the possums are eating them and gaining the weight they’ll need to survive winter. Back at Werribee Open Range Zoo, the zoo’s new breeding Southern white rhinoceros bull is preparing to meet the females. Kifaru was born at Hamilton Zoo in 2009; and has also lived at Halls Gap Zoo. He meets the youngest female, Kipenzi; then Sisi and Ketaba. Kifaru is assertive and appears motivate to breed; but the females aren’t receptive. The keeper, who is a little amphomorphic, notes that he’s encouraged the rhinos are relatively calm during the introduction and says he’s hopeful for calves in the years to come.
It should be airing here in 2021 along with the second series of the Taronga program on channel nine: Mega Zoo
Episode 7 Synopsis: Spoiler: Episode 7 Synopsis At Werribee Open Range Zoo, a 10 year old zebra mare named Zaide has had half her tail bitten off in an alteration with another zebra. Staff suspect the stallion, Melako. The irritation from the unsealed wound has also caused Zaide to swish her tail repeatedly, resulting in an abrasive wound on her rump. Staff decide to administer a general anaesthetic to Zaide on the lower savannah. They’re concerned the other zebras, especially the stallion Melako, will attack her as the anaesthetic takes effect - as it’s a natural response for zebras to drive unwell members from the herd, as they can attract predators. The attention from the other zebras delays the effects of the anaesthetic, but she eventually walks up to one of the vehicles and they are able to hand inject her with a sedative. Vehicles shield Zaide from the other animals, as the vet staff amputate her tail above the wound. Zaide starts to wake up, but is given another sedative and the operation is a success. Zaide is reunited with the herd, including her foal Zari; and weeks later, the wound has healed. At Melbourne Zoo, an 11 year old black-handed spider monkey named Isobella is lethargic and losing weight. The last time she exhibited these symptoms, she was pregnant with her daughter, Elena. Staff suspect a uterine infection after an ultrasound indicates she’s not pregnant. Nothing conclusive is determined, so a second ultrasound is planned. Keepers plan to hand inject her with a sedative; but Isobella is lethargic and won’t come down for love nor money; so they net her. The second ultrasound reveals Isobella is pregnant; with her symptoms attributed to morning sickness. Isobella is given anti-nausea medication and later delivers a healthy infant. There’s a brief visit to Melbourne Zoo’s reptile house where a rattlesnake named Sally visits a hydro gym. The tank simulates crossing a stream and helps the snake maintain muscle tone. Melbourne Zoo’s Marine Response Unit is called to attend an injured fur seal on the Mornington Penisula. The seal is resisting putting weight on one of it’s front flippers due to an abscess; and also had a fishhook embedded in one of it’s hind flippers. The team net and crate it; bringing it back to the zoo for assessment. An abnormal respiratory pattern is detected and an X-ray detects fluid in the lung, which is partially deflated. Severe lung disease is diagnosed and the seal is sadly euthanised as there is no prospect for recovery. Also at Melbourne Zoo, Indrah the Sumatran Tiger is turning 10. Her keepers have planned for the installation of a zip line, which will deliver food to her. The zip line is designed to encourage her natural hunting behaviour and is the first of it’s kind in Australia; though Orana Wildlife Park in New Zealand has long had something similar (albeit on the ground) for their Cheetah. Indrah engages with the zip line to the relief of the staff, who broke the bank to install it.
Episode 8 Synopsis: Spoiler: Episode 8 Synopsis At Melbourne Zoo, the zoo's seven Cotton-top tamarins were preparing to move to a new exhibit on the other side of the zoo. The staff had been training them to enter a moving crate, using honey water as an incentive. Cotton-top tamarins mentioned by name were Gomez (father), Arlo, Alvaro and Guapo (infant). In the new exhibit, a Blackbird is discovered in the exhibit and merry chase ensures; with the keepers debating on whether or not to leave the door open to let it fly out (it does). It eventually does and the tamarins are safely transported to the new exhibit. Also at Melbourne Zoo, a Sumatran tigress needs dental work. 18 year old Binjai, needs root canals on two broken teeth to prevent infection. Due to her age, there are risks of complications and she's given a light dose of sedative. Staff speak of Binjai's 'kind and gentle' nature; their nickname for her is 'Nanny Cat.' During the operation, Binjai's tongue starts to move, indicating she's beginning to wake up; however the sedation is increased and the operation is successfully completed. Binjai fully recovers in her den. At Healesville Sanctuary, a koala named Hazel is off her food. The cause is determined to be stress caused by maintenance works; and she accepts food when encouraged by her keepers. A 15 year old kangaroo named Crystal collapses in the exhibit; and after consultation with the vets, they decide to euthanise to alleviate her suffering. The distraught staff cheer themselves up by visiting a male Goodfellow's tree kangaroo named Chimbu, who has recently emerged from his mother's pouch. Chimbu has split a nail, but it's healed well since their last assessment. In the offices, the CEO gets a call that the Victorian government have issued a notice that gatherings of more than two are prohibited due to Covid; requiring the closure of Zoos Victoria's three sites. This unprecedented event in the zoo's 158 year history is expected to have a huge impact as visitors directly contribute 75% of revenue through admission and retail spending. The staff wear PPE (masks etc.) when required to work in groups of more than two e.g. carrying a tiger on a stretcher; and are divided into split teams. The zoo's meerkats are recalled from the Royal Children's Hospital. Staff improvise to keep the public entertained. A staff member conducts virtual tours of Werribee Open Range Zoo; and the staff at Melbourne Zoo coordinate a song and dance routine - following the media attention received by the dancing zookeeper. The main drive of Melbourne Zoo, usually packed with visitors, is able to be used as a training space for Goldie - a Blue-and-gold macaw. The zoo prepare for reopening, which occurs on June 4, 2020. It's hard to tell what sequence this series is following. The Snow leopard cubs (born January) briefly featured for the first time in Mega Zoo, as being on display when the zoo reopened in June. They will presumably cover their story from the beginning in a later episode - as their birth has surely been one of the zoo's highlights this year.
Here are the summaries of the 10 episodes: Episode 1: Vet Leanne races to rescue critically injured koalas from Australia’s blazing bushfires. A two-ton rhino calf named Kipenzi wreaks havoc in the zoo trucks, and the carnivore team eagerly awaits to see if snow leopard Miska reveals an exciting secret. Episode 2: Injured elephant, Man-Jai, desperately needs emergency tusk surgery, while a massive clean-up operation begins for a family of hippos. A bent beak jeopardizes a couple of lovebird penguins, and a strange resident gets VIP treatment. Episode 3: The games begin for keepers when orangutan Malu destroys his playroom. An elderly horse must undergo a risky procedure, and keepers must decide if it's time to say goodbye to one of the zoo's beloved giraffes. Episode 4: A routine health check takes a frightening turn for lion brothers Lwazi and Ato. Keepers anxiously await to see if otter couple Odie and Paula are expecting, and a gorilla called Kanzi must prove she can receive vital medical care. Episode 5: A team races to save a wombat named Daisy suffering from mysterious health issues before it's too late. Keepers Georgie and Luke venture on a challenging road trip to transport a giraffe calf, and a secret hidden underneath the Melbourne Zoo is revealed. Episode 6: Keepers become concerned when the big move for lion brothers Lwazi and Ato is delayed. Young rhino Kifaru is challenged during a mating ritual, and a brilliant plan saves the endangered mountain pygmy possums. Episode 7: In the Savannah, Dr. Bonnie must perform a critical surgery on zebra Zaide's badly damaged tail. Tiger Indrah gets an incredible tenth birthday surprise, and Dr. Sarah is determined to solve spider monkey Isobella's medical mystery. Episode 8: In order to navigate the COVID-19 global pandemic, the staff must ensure proper care for their animals. Keepers spring into action when urgent dental surgery is needed for elderly tiger Binjai, and a family of cotton top tamarin monkeys must be relocated. Episode 9: Problems arise when beloved African wild dog Manna undergoes critical surgery. Treatment is needed for an elderly croc's ruptured cornea, and Jose and Kristie give pygmy hippo Felix the VIP treatment. Episode 10: The vet team must find a solution when mama baboon Qetesh's baby struggles with separation anxiety. Beloved seal Tarwin gives keeper Jose a big scare, and keeper Mark steps in as a surrogate for beautiful little Betsy. Mega Zoo TV Show - Season 1 Episodes List - Next Episode @Zoofan15 it appears you have been watching from Episode 6.
This series started screening at the start of October in New Zealand. It's surprising nobody on here noticed/thought to mention it. That said, we otherwise all do such an excellent job of covering the news at the region's various zoos, that this series has been completely redundant as a source of news - with the births announced on ZooChat months before this started screening. I look forward to seeing the baboons get a mention in a couple of weeks. Qetesh was one of Wellington's females.
I find it a little strange that it's airing in NZ before Australia! I'm very much looking forward to watching.
Episode 9 Synopsis: Spoiler: Episode 9 Synopsis At Melbourne Zoo, eight year old African wild dog, Maana, needs surgery to fix five broken teeth. His keepers are nervous, as his brother Samawhati recently died after an inoperable tumour and widespread cancer were discovered while he was under anaesthetic. Maana is separated from his brother, Duara, and given a sedative via hand injection through the mesh. After poking him with a stick, the vet team conclude it's safe to enter and give him another dose of sedative and apply an anaesthetic mask. Maana is given a general examination which finds no evidence of masses or fluid in his abdomen. Maana requires five root canals and at approximately one hour per tooth, they do well to get four done in three hours. They decide to stop the surgery there and Sarah, the vet, is alarmed to discover she can't hear his heart beat. It's also stopped reading on the machine. Maana's circulation collapsed and he went into cardiac arrest. Maana is immediately taken off anaesthetic and put on oxygen. A does of adrenaline is given intravenously which circulates through his body and restarts his heart. His heart beat is weak and unstable and Maana is returned to the den quickly, as the team are concerned he'll wake up. A dose of anaesthetic reversal is effective and his heart beat is strong and stable. Maana recovers and is reintroduced to Duara. The keepers praise Sarah's skills in noticing Maana's condition in time and acting to save his life. At Melbourne Zoo's repitle house, there's a brief mention of the Rhinoceros iguana, Cornelius and Wanita. The keeper describes them as bottomless pits in regards to eating and says thye're her favourite species. Also at the reptile house is a female Australian freshwater crocodile named Freshy Girl. Freshy Girl has lived at Melbourne Zoo for 40 years and is estimated to be around 60 years old. She's suffering from a badly damaged right eye and the vet team want to investigate. Freshy Girl is blindfolded to keep her calm; and has her jaws wrapped for obvious reasons. An eye specialist, working alongside the vet, diagnoses a ruptured cornea and secondary infection. They debate removing the eye, but instead administer antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication in the hope the lesion will scar up and the swelling will go down. Daily medication is given through her food; and a few weeks later, she is no longer lethargic and the eye had healed. Felix the Pygmy hippopotamus has dry skin from sunbathing. The keepers disract him with food, while applying Keratin oil. The oil is lathered over his skin and painted onto his toes. The result is a very shiny hippo, which returns to his exhibit. At Werribee Open Range Zoo, Kulinda the Cheetah is suffering from occasional lameness in her back left leg. Previous investigations revealed no obvious cause; but her keepers are concerned. The vet wants to observe her running at full speed; so the keeper sets up a lure which causes Kulinda to give chase. The vet observes no compromising actions and concludes her limbs are functioning well. They agree she doesn't need medication, but resolve to keep an eye on her. An Eastern barred bandicoot named Dusty is given an examination. Zoos Victoria have three decades of experience breeding and releasing this species, which is extinct in mainland Australia. They want to assess if Dusty is suitable for release; because a previous examination found a mass in her reproductive tract. The subsequent examination reveals the mass has shrunk and wasn't a tumour. Dusty can now be released. On the savannah, the keeper recounts methods of recalls used on the animals. A tambourine attracts the ostrich; a bell summons the Waterbuck and Indian antelope; and a pellet shaker recalls the eland. The oryx are brought forth by bellowing "Oryx!" An ostrich takes a liking to the bell and rings it with enthusiasm, summoning ungulates from far and wide. Two of the female ostriches, Bluey and Ojay, have ulcerations on their eyes and have been receiving eye drops. The vet administers the last batch and is pecked extensively by the curious ostriches. She finds no evidence of ulceration on the eyes, meaning the eye drops have been effective.
Episode 10 Synopsis: Spoiler: Episode 10 Synopsis At Melbourne Zoo, Qetesh the Hamadryas baboon has given birth to a female infant named Quilton. The plan was for each of the four breeding females to have four infants each; and with Quilton's birth, this has now been achieved. The zoo has 24 baboons and Qetesh needs to be put on contraception, as the other females have been. The keepers are conscious of disrupting the bond between mother and infant, so schedule the operation for when Quilton is five weeks old. On the day of the procedure, Qetesh is sedated and Quilton removed, because it would be risky to leave her with the troop. The staff initially house Quilton in a secure pet carrier, but she becomes anxious at being separated from her mother; so they return her to Qetesh, who is on the operating table. Quilton falls asleep and Qetesh is administered a contraceptive implant under the skin, which will last for three years. They are safely reintegrated with the troop. The Emperor tamarins are briefly mentioned. Benito (aged nine) and Musso (aged five) are named after Benito Mussolini. Their keeper is hoping they'll breed. At the Wild Seas precinct, an Australian fur seal named Tarwin is suffering from eye issues. Tarwin was rescued at the age of six months and has lived at Melbourne Zoo ever since, where she is much loved by the staff. Tarwin has epilepsy, along with her eye issues. A tumour has previously been removed from her right eye and keepers are worried it's coming back; while she's also suffering from an inflammation of her cornea in her left eye. Tarwin is hand injected with a sedative and taken by stretcher to the vet clinic, where she's assessed by the vet and an eye specialist to check for tumour reoccurrence. They conclude it's merely overgrown scar tissue in her right eye; and administer a medication implant in both eyes, which will last 18 months. Tarwin takes a while to come around from the sedation, so is given a reversal. A later visit concludes her eyes have greatly improved and she's enjoying life. At Werribee Open Range Zoo, an Indian antelope has been born on the savannah. After catching the calf, the keepers perform a neonatal exam - checking for congenital birth defects, infections from the umbilical attachment site and taking blood to test glucose levels. They conclude the blood sugar levels are low and monitor the female calf. They're concerned if the calf doesn't receive sufficient immunoglobulin from the mother’s milk, it will contract septicaemia. The mother subsequently rejects the calf and the keepers hand raise it, nicknaming it Betsy. Despite refusing her bottle at one of her feeds and causing concern, the calf thrives and is reintroduced to the herd. The calf is renamed Canter, due to her speed in evading the staff during her initial health check.
It also screened in New Zealand last year. For some reason, Australians are the last in the world to see a doco made in their own country. Overall it was worth a watch, though the tone was a little childish at times. The excellent news coverage by us Zoochatters rendered it redundant as a source of ground breaking information; but segments on their baboons etc. contributed information not mentioned in the media and were of interest to me.
