When I visited MZ last week, they had a sign out the front saying, ‘Television production crew filming, if you don’t want to be on camera, please tell a keeper ect.’ . It would be great if they are planning to have a TV series.
The zoo has announced that they are currently filming a second series. From their Facebook page: Security Check
Taronga Zoo TV Series: Season Two The second series of Taronga Zoo’s TV series screened in New Zealand this week for the first time. In New Zealand, it’s marketed as Inside Taronga Zoo (not Who’s Who in the Zoo like it is in Australia); and in the USA, it’s marketed under a third name, but who cares? I’ll provide a synopsis each week for those interested (starting with Episode One); and for those who want a preview, here’s a list of the episodes to come: Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under Episode One: Chimp Change Naomi the chimp overcomes a medical condition and finally becomes a mum. Click on spoiler for episode synopsis: Spoiler: Inside Taronga Zoo: Episode One Main Story: Chimpanzee Breeding The main focus of the episode is the zoo’s Common chimpanzee community. In the last series, the zoo did an ultrasound under anaesthetic to determine if there was a reason Naomi had had two stillbirths in a row. In this series, the pathology results detailed an abnormality in the placenta with antibody testing positive to a factor involved with blood clotting. The solution was to prescribe calcium and aspirin. The keepers were asked to begin ultrasound training, so ultrasounds could be regularly performed without the need to anaesthetise Naomi. This had never been performed on this species before at the zoo. Training begins with a fake probe (as the real thing costs $5000) and Naomi is trained to hold her hands up (away from the probe), while presenting her abdomen. She hates the gel - quivering and frantically wiping it off when applied. Naomi is successfully bribed with biscuits (a high value food). The plan is to put Naomi on the pill; commence ultrasound training; then take Naomi off the pill and wait for her to fall pregnant. A curveball comes with the revelation the pill has failed and Naomi is pregnant. An ultrasound reveals a healthy, well developed fetus. Naomi gives birth on exhibit to the excitement of staff and visitors alike. The vet stops what he’s doing and immediately rushes over to the exhibit; a keeper comes in on her day off; and the chimps crowd around. The infant is healthy, with a strong grip and Naomi (popular with the adult males) is protected from the boisterous juveniles - Fumo, Sudi and Liwali. Naomi attends training the next day, but is protective of her infant and refuses to present her abdomen, to which the newborn is tightly clinging. The healthy infant is named Niambi by the obstetrician who treated her (Dr Paul Fowler). Supporting Stories: Nutrition, Python Feeding and Sugar Glider Training We were introduced to Michelle, the zoo nutritionist. Michelle is the only zoo nutritionist in Australia and responsible for 350 species at Taronga (including 120 species of birds). The species ranged from those that feed multiple times a day (grazing herbivores), to those reptiles that don’t eat for six months. Taronga hatches insects on site and has a horticultural department they collect plants. White-lipped tree frogs were shown being fed crickets - something that’s fed to them three times a week; while a female Huntsman spider was fed a cricket, which was a weekly occurrence. In the reptile house, a 5.5 metre Reticulated python named Rachel was about to be fed a young pig. Rachel weighs 60kg and can therefore consume the equivalent weight of food, as their species apparently has the ability to consume 100% of their body weight. The 80kg keeper was rightly wary of the still growing snake and noted the safety protocols of dealing with a Class One Dangerous Animal - two keepers, a shield and a feeding pole. The pig was defrosted and the snake consumed it within 2.5 hours, with the keeper noting only the hooves and hair would be bypassed as waste. A Sugar glider named Marley received a training session. He’d been brought in with his injured mother (who died) and his subsequent hand raising rendered him unreleasable. The keeper was successfully teaching him to glide on cue, but noted the challenges of training a species with a limited attention span. Stay tuned for my synopsis of Episode Two next week!
Thanks for this, interestingly enough I don't believe that the second series is scheduled to air in Australia yet, so that's wonderful that New Zealand is getting the episodes in advance!
You’re very welcome. Interestingly the same happened with Mega Zoo (the Zoos Victoria series) that aired last year with the country that produced it seemingly the last to get it on free to air television - after it’d done the rounds on paid channels/streaming services around the globe. We have some excellent researchers on ZooChat (who would have found out things months before they’re in the media), but even I’m surprised by the new information I’ve learnt through watching these shows - today, the cause of Naomi’s prior lack of reproductive success (see synopsis above). In the meantime, I hope my synopsises will be of interest to those wanting to follow the goings on.
Episode Two: New Neck of the Woods Taronga Zoo's new African Savannah Precinct welcomes its residents. Click on spoiler for episode synopsis: Spoiler: Inside Taronga Zoo: Episode Two Main Story: Giraffe Transfer The main feature of this episode was the story of the giraffes moving into their new exhibit in the African Savannah precinct. In April 2020, keepers moved giraffes Jimiyu and Zarafa from their temporary home in the bull elephant exhibit to the savannah. A recap of the last series mentioned the euthanasia of a third giraffe - Nyota. The giraffes were moved via truck and on unloading, Jimiyu was hesitant to come out the crate. As a herd animal, he was uneasy at being alone in the exhibit and began head throwing (a sign of stress in giraffe). Zarafa soon followed and confidently walked out. A few weeks later, two more giraffes were transferred from Taronga Western Plains Zoo. These were a mother and her male calf - Kito and Ebo. Ebo is the first giraffe calf on exhibit at Taronga Zoo since 1992. They were transported by truck, with it noted the crate on the truck could be raised and lowered as required to deal with obstacles on route. A 36 hour wait ensured until they finally ventured out their crate. It was interesting to note the giraffes were transported together without a removal partition between them. This was presumably due to the calf not yet being weaned; though was surprising to see given the tendency of giraffes to lash out with their hooves when stressed. Supporting Stories: Pelican Rescue, Cassowary Feeding and Arachnophobia Their was a brief segment on the zoo’s pair of Southern cassowary. Their food was prepared and left in a feeding den to eliminate keeper contact with this potentially dangerous bird. The size difference between the pair was noted: the male (Chuck) weighed 46kg; the female (Macca) weighed 66kg. We were introduced to the zoo’s Australia pelicans, Mani and Eora. They were born in zoos to birds rescued from the wild and deemed unreleasable. The keepers fed them and walked them along the boardwalk of the Great Southern Oceans exhibit for enrichment. Meanwhile, another pelican was brought into the vet clinic after being found underweight and with a drooping wing. The pelican regurgitated two finishing hooks during its transfer to the clinic, though an X-ray revealed it had no more inside its stomach. There was a thickness to the wing, indicating a fracture that had healed in an incorrect position. Further X-rays confirmed this and the bird was sadly euthanised, having been deemed unreleasable. In the Backyard to Bush precinct, keepers from other departments were introduced to a female Gold orb-weavers spider and a Huntsman spider in order to address their arachnophobia. The spiders (which apparently taste through their feet) were happier on the bark than on the keepers; and the feeling was mutual. Stay tuned for my synopsis of Episode Three next week!
Episode Three: Once a Cheetah, Always a Cheetah Taronga Zoo's hand-raised cheetah bonds with an unexpected furry friend. Note: I’m not sure why this episode was titled and described as such, when the Cheetah was on screen for all of five minutes; the “unexpected furry friend” it bonded with was via 10 seconds of archival footage taken years ago; and the “unexpected furry friend” was the requisite species every handraised big cat in the region seems to encounter. Nonetheless... Click on spoiler for episode synopsis: Spoiler: Inside Taronga Zoo: Episode Three Main Story: Squirrel Monkey Breeding Season: Taronga Zoo’s troop of Bolivian squirrel monkeys are coming into breeding season. The zoo has a troop of 10 females, whose society is in danger of breaking down if not given the opportunity to breed. The zoo has recently imported two males from New Zealand (Brooklands Zoo) named Vampir and Vivo. The males are showing readiness to breed by undergoing a process known as fattening. They gain around 250 grams - especially around their legs and shoulders. Keepers introduce two females named Ayaca and Pinkie. Both males are very interested in Ayaca and pursue her around the exhibit. The other females are introduced and Vivo is attacked by the females. An X-ray suggests a fractured mandible, which is further examined through a CT scan and compared to normal squirrel monkey skulls. Vivo is diagnosed with a fractured mandible and dislocated jaw, which the vet time decide not to operate on in the hope it will naturally realign. Six weeks later, Vivo has recovered and is eating well. Vivo is reintroduced to the troop and the zoo are hopeful of several births in a couple of months, with a female named Inca already looking pregnant. Supporting Stories: Przewalski's Horse Foot Care, Cheetah Training, Owl Enrichment We’re introduced to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s herd of 18 Przewalski's wild horse, which comprises of several mares and their foals. One of the mares, Bukhara, requires reparative work on her hooves and is anesthetised via a dart gun. As she becomes unstable on her feet, the other horses become aggressive as it’s their instinct to eject an unwell member from the herd. The staff put a blind fold on and guide her away from the rest of the herd. Once she’s down, they corral them into another pen. Bukhara is put on oxygen with an intravenous catheter to maintain anesthetic. They use and angle grinder and file to trim her hooves and then administer a reversal drug. The procedure is a success and Bukhara rejoins the herd. Staff speak about the successful Cheetah breeding programme at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. They were the first zoo in Australasia to successfully breed this species in 1986 and have since bred 56 cubs. A hand raised female named Siri is being trained to be hand injected. She enters a narrow crate and is rewarded with treats in return for allowing staff to touch her with a pen. The keeper is extremely fond of Siri, who is affectionate towards people. At Taronga Zoo, a Lesser sooty owl is walked around the zoo on his handler’s hand for enrichment. He’s unnerved at the sight of a turtle and gives a defensive posture; but genuinely seems curious about the chimpanzees. Possibly because of their similarities to humans.
Episode Four: Don’t Bilby a Stranger Taronga Zoo's staff releases endangered bilbies to their natural habitat These titles are cringe. This doesn’t even work as a pun... Click on spoiler for episode synopsis: Spoiler: Inside Taronga Zoo: Episode Four Main Story: Bilby Breed and Release: The main focus of this episode was on the zoo’s conservation work with the Greater bilby. The bilby, which used to be dispersed over 70% of the Australian mainland, has now been extinct for over 100 years - leading to Taronga Zoo to start a breed and release conservative programme. The Taronga Sanctuary is a 110 hectare predator proof reserve, located in Dubbo. The zoo has selected 20 Greater bilby to form a diverse genetic founder base, that will live within the safety of the sanctuary and build up a population. A health check is carried out on Kate, one of the founders. She has a few parasites on her ears, but is otherwise in good health. The founders are all young animals, which will maximise their breeding potential. The founders are first released into a pre-release yard, before being released into the sanctuary with GPS trackers. The keepers hope to see breeding progress in a month or two. A year later, the first batch of zoo bred bilby are flown out to Sturt National Park for release into the wild. Supporting Stories: Lion Enrichment, Juvenile Saltwater Crocodile Feeding, Koala Paralysis As part of their monthly enrichment programme, the African lions receive ungulate faeces. The lions are let out and Ato is particularly taken with it; while Lwazi appears disinterested. It’s interesting noting the difference in mane development between the alpha male (Ato) and beta male (Lwazi). Miko the Saltwater crocodile is being fed insects, prawns and newborn rats. At two years old, Miko is only 50cm long and safe to handle. The keeper explains the function of the ridges on his back (osteoderms) - they allow crocodiles to move through the water without creating a ripple at the surface. The zoo’s breeding male Koala, Thunder, has retired after siring several offspring. His replacement, a three year old male named Malekai, is too young to hold a territory in the wild; but nonetheless seems undaunted by the females. Keepers discover Malekai laying paralysed in his exhibit one morning. An investigation reveals a Cryptococcal infection caused by a injury he received from one of the females. They unfortunately have to euthanise Malekai, but are cheered up by the news he sired a joey before his death to an eight year old female named Willow.
Episode Five: Hungry, Hungry Hippo Keepers at Taronga's zoo in Dubbo welcome a baby hippo to the herd. Click on spoiler for episode synopsis: Spoiler: Inside Taronga Zoo: Episode Five Main Story: Ring-tailed Lemur Examination: Another misleading title. Today the stars of the show were the Ring-tailed lemurs (one of the zoo’s 11 species of primate). Taronga has an all male troop, with the following lemurs mentioned by name: Bamboo, Julian, Andre, Makili and Andriba. Andriba had a wound on his back, which was cause for concern as he had a 4cm malignant melanoma removed six months prior. The vet team did an X-ray to check if cancer had spread. His heart and lungs came back clear and an examination of the wound suggested a bite from another lemur. He was treated with any inflammatories and antibiotics and they did a biopsy to check cells. The biopsy confirmed it was a bite from another lemur and Andriba was assessed to be in good health. For those interested in animal histories, there was a brief glimpse of his Species360 report which stated Andriba was born 20/09/1999 at Auckland Zoo. Auckland Zoo’s breeding troop at the time consisted of a male named Don (born 1983) and two females named Shona (born 1992) and Sheba (born 1994), who each produced several offspring. Supporting Stories: Hippo Birth, Turtle Rescue, Cassowary Training, Penguin Exercise Cuddles the Common hippopotamus was confirmed to be pregnant with her third (surviving) calf and soon delivered a healthy male calf. The keepers stated they were hoping for a male as there hadn’t been a (surviving) male born in the region for 24 years and the only other bull in the region was his sire (now deceased). They said Kani will be a future breeding bull. Cuddles and Kani had been separated from the others, but the zoo stated plans to introduce him to the other adults, including the zoo’s other adult female, Nile. They hippos were given a spray with water and UV oil to protect their skin heading into winter, as they’re spending less time in the water. A female Loggerhead turtle was brought in after fisherman found her entangled in nets. An X-ray confirmed no internal injuries or fish hooks, but she had several welts from the net. The turtle was given a swim test to ensure she could submerge to the bottom and passed. She was tagged (registered with the National Parks and Wildlife Service) and released 5km off the coast of Sydney Harbour. The zoo’s colony of Fiordland crested penguins were taken on a walk for the purpose of enrichment, physical exercise, mental stimulation and keeper bonding. They keepers used to do this in the morning prior to the visitors arriving; but with Covid closing the zoo, can now do it anytime of day. Two penguins were mentioned by name: Dusky and Gari. Gari came from Wellington Zoo after being deemed unreleasable. Harmony, a trainee keeper was being taught safety protocols regarding the zoo’s Southern cassowary, Chuck and Macca. Most important was checking padlocks to the feeding den (also used by the cassowary for shelter) were locked and that the food they put out were distributed between two bowls to eliminate conflict between the birds for food. The cassowary were given fruit, as well as a chicken egg for protein. The keeper explained the role of the cassowary as a keystone species in dispersing seeds via it’s droppings; and how recent studies suggest the cassowary’s casque is used to regulate temperature.
Episode Six: Sealing the Deal The worldwide pandemic halts inter-zoo transfers, leaving Taronga with too many Sumatran tigers; an injured seal arrives at the wildlife hospital. A better description of this episode would have been: A Sumatran tiger gets a contraceptive implant - as there was no mention of either inter-zoo transfers or the zoo having too many Sumatran tigers. The episode even stated the zoo was holding seven Sumatran tigers in a facility that could accommodate ten. Click on spoiler for episode synopsis: Spoiler: Inside Taronga Zoo: Episode Six Main Story: Sumatran Tiger Contraceptive Implant: The episode (set mid 2020) detailed how Kartika’s cubs were just over a year old and Kartika was showing signs of coming back into season. This was making her intolerant of the cubs. A contraceptive implant was arranged, with Kartika hand injected via a pole. The procedure was carried out within the tiger den. During the procedure, it was discovered Kartika had a fractured tooth, which was removed. She was otherwise a healthy weight and in good condition. The implant was successfully inserted and Kartika recovered from the anesthetic. The keepers noted the implant could take up to three weeks to take effect and last for up to 18 months. Kartika responded as they hoped and resumed a harmonious relationship with her cubs. The plan was to keep them together for another year to socialise the cubs for future introductions/breeding. The keeper then said she’s the only person in Australia where you can work with seven Sumatran tigers, including three cubs. Apparently Taronga’s carnivores team has been reduced to a single person and she hasn’t heard of Australia Zoo - which at that time had six adults, one adolescent and three cubs. Main Story: New Zealand Fur Seals: At the time of filming, Taronga Zoo had three New Zealand fur seals - a male named Bondi, who was rescued 6.5 years ago from Bondi Beach, having sustained a gash from a boat propellor or shark; an 11 year old female named Keke, who was found acting erratically after a suspected brain injury; and a young male named Abel, who had been bitten by a Cookie cutter shark. The zoo was hopeful Bondi and Keke had successfully mated, as the zoo hasn’t had a New Zealand fur seal pup in over 20 years. An ultrasound was attempted, but the vet couldn’t get a clear picture (not uncommon in seals due to the layer of air under their skin), so a physical exam was done instead. They concluded Keke was not pregnant due to her slim physique and absence of weight gain. Note: Keke delivered a pup in December 2020, indicating she was in fact in the early stages of pregnancy when this was filmed (though this would have been undetectable). A young fur seal arrived from the wild. The male pup was estimated to be 2.5 years old based on his teeth, but was small for his size due to malnutrition. Injuries to his eyes (cataracts and a ripped cornea) had rendered him blind and therefore unreleasable. The fur seal was therefore euthanised. Supporting Stories: Rhino Training, Weighing Tortoises: Dora the Indian rhinoceros participated in a training session. The keeper checked his feet and skin (especially around the eyes) for cracks, which are common in winter. He weighed 1964kg, which was considered a healthy weight. The Aldabra tortoises were also weighed. Lance weighed 197.5kg; Esmeralda weighed 126.5kg; and the keeper weighed 104kg.
Thanks once again for your updates, @Zoofan15! For those in Australia, Taronga: Who’s Who in the Zoo Season 2 will be premiering this Friday, October 22 at 7:30pm on Channel Nine's main channel. Due to not being football season I gather that it will be airing nationwide, although will certainly be available on the 9Now platform after it airs.
Episode Seven: Pup, Pup and Away Taronga Zoo welcomes its newest addition: an Australian sea lion pup! Click on spoiler for episode synopsis: Spoiler: Inside Taronga Zoo: Episode Seven Main Story: Australian Sea Lion Pup: Australian sea lion Nala is heavily pregnant, after being introduced to the zoo’s bull for breeding 15 months ago. The zoo confirmed the pregnancy six months after the mating and has been taking measurements regularly to assist in dating future Australian sea lion foetuses based on their data. Nala is described as a genetically important sea lion - though I’m not sure why when she’s from a long line of captive born sea lions, there’s very few of this species in captivity and they routinely receive them from the wild. Due to embryonic diapause, the zoo struggle to nail down a due date and are surprised when Nala delivers a healthy female pup two months earlier than expected. They’re excited as this is the first female pup of this species since Nala was born and follows the births of three males. The pup is named Amalie - a tribute to her grandfather (Marley) - who had recently passed away and is given a microchip. At 10 weeks, Amalie has progressed to swimming in a deep pool they fill for her and Nala in the off display dens; and a week later, she’s confidently swimming underwater with her mother in the main exhibit. Supporting Stories: Elephant Transfer, Zebra Arrival: 11 year old Luk Chai is in musth and the documentary states conflict between Gung and Luk Chai has necessitated his transfer to Melbourne. I thought it was because Melbourne Zoo needed a breeding bull (Gung and Luk Chai don’t even share an exhibit) and Luk Chai was the best genetic match - but Taronga have several surplus bulls and this was the simplest way to explain it to the viewers. Luk Chai is trained to enter the crate, with bracelets applied to his feet, which are then chained to the crate. This will hold him in place during transit. Covid delays the move, though staff note that Sabai will benefit from the additional time spent with his older brother and mentor. The keeper then uses a time turner to return to the same place/time to announce the move is back on. Luk Chai successfully enters his crate on the day of the move to begin the nine hour journey. It’s noted Luk Chai’s weight is 3500 kg. Taronga Zoo receive a pair of Plains zebra from Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Bwana and Kaya. Keepers are concerned how they’re handle the journey, with zebras being a naturally flighty species - but they remain calm. A food trail is left in the exhibit to encourage them into their stalls. After a week on exhibit, they’re successfully integrated with the giraffes. Bwana (the stallion) is noted as calm and food motivated; while Kaya (the mare) is more intelligent.
Who’s Who In The Zoo Returning for Season Three Returning: Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo | TV Tonight In 2022, Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo picks up where the last season left off, attempting to leave the COVID-19 pandemic behind and look to a brighter future. With unrivalled access to the keepers, vets and support staff, we will follow them through all the high and lows that come with running one of the most successful zoos in the world. At the forefront and focus of everything they do are the animals. From breeding the rarest rhinoceros in the world, leading the way in conservation and research programs and feeding more than 5,000 residents a day, to celebrating the birth of five lion cubs and saying goodbye to old friends, nothing is more important than upholding the vision and living the philosophy of Taronga’s key mission: working together to ensure a shared future for wildlife and people.
It seems that Friday nights after the rugby league season finishes (the grand final was last night) is Channel Nine's ideal timeslot for Who's Who in the Zoo. Considering that the first episode is about the birth of Maya's lion cubs, it appears the series continued filming during Sydney's lockdown. As far as I'm aware, there hasn't been a second season of Mega Zoo (or, if there has been, it still hasn't been broadcast in Australia at all, as it's not available on 9Now. Although I believe a second series was commissioned, that may be due to the stricter nature of Melbourne's lockdown - it may not have been possible to film throughout winter 2021 to the same extent that it would have been in eastern Sydney.
No there hasn’t been a second series of Mega Zoo produced to date. I’d imagine the next season will begin filming around December as they prepare for the births of the elephant calves and cover their transfer to Werribee 18 months later - as this is their biggest news story in over a decade. Within this timeframe will be other high profile events including the Snow leopard export and potentially a gorilla birth if Kanzi finally conceives. Interestingly, Australians were among the last to see Mega Zoo on free to air TV. It first did the rounds on free to air TV in New Zealand and other countries; as well as on paid channels such as Animal Planet.
With the blessing of @WhistlingKite24 and @Zoofan15, who have provided recaps for previous seasons, I shall be posting recaps of Season 3 of Taronga: Who's Who in the Zoo, which aired in Sydney in the summer of 2022/23. In Australia, the episodes are available on 9Now, and other clips are available on YouTube. This won't be inclusive of every story filmed for Season 3, unfortunately, as there are some clips online which were part of international versions of the show which weren't broadcast in Australia. It appears that the content of each episode for Season 3 differs quite a bit between the international and Australian versions, in contrast to previous series which were much more similar. Questions, thoughts and reflections on the episodes (and the stories they cover) are most welcome. Episode 1 coming shortly!
Episode 1 - Lion Cubs Spoiler: Episode Recap Taronga has not bred lion cubs since 2003. In the previous season, young lion brothers, Lwazi and Ato, had been transferred to Taronga. Lioness Maya, an experienced breeder, is transferred from Taronga Western Plains Zoo. She is introduced through the mesh to both of Taronga’s lion brothers, Lwazi and Ato, individually, and the decision is made that Maya will be paired with Ato, who was more receptive and less aggressive. Ato is described by keepers as the smarter and faster learner of the two brothers. Following frequent matings with Ato, Maya is not observed as going back into season. Combined with her increased weight and round belly, this leads zookeepers to conclude that she is pregnant. They guess how many cubs will be born. 30 minutes after Maya’s first cub is born, another is delivered, then another, then another, and, finally, another. To zookeepers’ surprise, Maya delivers a large litter of five cubs. Also, Taronga’s Seal Bay exhibit, containing Australian Sea Lions and Long-Nosed Fur Seals, is emptied and refilled. One of the Long-Nosed Fur Seals is said to be a female named Ollie (unsure of spelling), born in the wild in approximately 2009. I wasn’t aware of this animal previously, it is possible that she has since died or been moved to another facility - although I did earlier this year see a lone female LNFS in Seal Bay, whom I presumed to be the zoo’s breeding female, Keke, but may have been Ollie, considering that it surprised me that Keke would have been on-exhibit away from her new pup, Kobe, who is now on display but was yet to go on display at that point. Out at Dubbo, keepers are enjoying the most successful lemur breeding season in the zoo’s history. This is the first breeding season at the zoo for Skynard, the new breeding male.
Ollie was born around 2005 and arrived from Marineland of Napier in New Zealand which closed in 2014. She arrived that same year. She's the oldest of Taronga's NZ Fur Seals. Two of her former pool mates, Iha and Pania were sent to Melbourne and another five were sent up to Seaworld.
Great, thanks for that! Whilst not confirmed, my understanding is that Ollie is still alive at Taronga and is housed in Seal Bay with Keke and Kobe, as well as the female Australian Sea Lions who aren't being housed with Charlie or part of the Seal Show.
