Bondi Vet Season 1 Episode 8 Behind the Bars

Told in the first person by the show's featured veterinarian, Dr. Chris Brown, this installment of Bondi Vet follows Dr. Chris as he tends to a variety of animals in need of medical attention. The focus of this episode is on animals that live behind bars - in zoos and aquariums - and Dr. Chris provides insight into the unique challenges presented by caring for captive animals, as well as the ways in which veterinarians can work to maintain their health and wellbeing.

One of the first animals we meet is a baboon named Bob, who has injured his hand while playing in his enclosure. Despite Bob's formidable size and strength, he is remarkably cooperative as Dr. Chris anaesthetizes him and examines the wound. The vet explains that baboons are intelligent creatures and that it's important to make sure they are comfortable during medical procedures. Dr. Chris is able to stitch up the wound and get Bob on the road to recovery.

Next, Dr. Chris heads to the aquarium to check on a group of penguins that have been experiencing digestive problems. He enlists the help of an experienced keeper, who assists him in catching one of the birds and taking a blood sample. Dr. Chris examines the sample under a microscope and determines that the penguins are suffering from a parasite that can be treated with medication. The keeper provides information about the penguins' diet and feeding habits, and Dr. Chris advises her on some changes that may help prevent future outbreaks.

Back at the zoo, Dr. Chris tends to a sick lioness named Nukta. The vet is clearly nervous about this procedure, as lions are incredibly powerful animals that can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Nukta is separated from the rest of the pride and sedated before Dr. Chris approaches her with a needle. The procedure involves taking blood samples, a fungal culture, and fecal samples, which are sent to the lab for analysis. Dr. Chris explains that working with lions presents unique challenges, such as the possibility of injury to both the animal and the handler.

Dr. Chris also examines a group of meerkats suffering from skin irritation caused by a fungal infection. Meerkats are social animals that live in groups, and Dr. Chris determines that all of the animals in the group need to be treated to prevent the infection from spreading. He administers medication to each of the meerkats and provides some advice to the keepers on how to keep the enclosure clean and dry.

Lastly, Dr. Chris checks on a pair of emus at the zoo that have developed a limp. The vet performs a physical exam and determines that the emus have an infection in their feet. He administers antibiotics and advises the keeper on how to keep the birds' enclosure clean.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Chris provides insight into the challenges and rewards of working with captive animals. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the animals' behavior and needs and working in tandem with keepers to provide the best possible care. The episode showcases the range of expertise and dedication required of a veterinarian who specializes in exotic animals, and provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of zoo and aquarium medicine.