Great Museums Season 3 Episode 10 Wild Thing: The Smithsonian National Zoo

Wild Thing: The Smithsonian National Zoo is the season 3 episode 10 of Great Museums. This episode takes us behind-the-scenes of the Smithsonian National Zoo, which is home to some of the rarest and most fascinating animals in the world. It explores the zoo's history, its breeding programs, and its conservation efforts.

The National Zoo, located in Washington DC, was established in 1889 as part of the Smithsonian Institution. It spans over 163 acres and houses more than 2,700 animals of 390 species. The episode begins by taking us through the zoo's extensive grounds and introducing us to some "celebrity" animals, such as the giant pandas, Sumatran tigers, lions, and elephants. The episode also highlights some of the lesser-known species housed at the zoo, such as the golden lion tamarin, black-footed ferret, and the kiwi.

The zoo has made great strides in breeding and conserving endangered species. One of the zoo's most successful breeding programs has been for the giant pandas. The National Zoo has been home to twenty pandas since 1972, and four pandas have been born there. The episode takes us to the panda exhibit and shows us the newborn cubs as well as the dedicated staff members who care for them. The zoo is also involved in research projects to aid in the conservation of animals in the wild. For instance, the episode shows the zoo's research on African elephants and rhinos in an effort to better understand their social structures and mitigate poaching.

The episode's highlight is the comprehensive behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo. The documentary assists viewers in gaining a charming understanding of the hard work the team at the National Zoo put in to look after the animals properly. This includes the zookeepers' daily routines, from feeding the animals to performing routine checkups and cleaning up their living quarters. We watch a rhinoceros receive a pedicure, a cheetah receive vaccinations, and we are exposed to the process of preparing food for the animals.

In addition to the zookeepers, the documentary introduces us to some of the National Zoo's veterinarians who are responsible for the animals' health and providing medical treatment when needed. We are also introduced to the zoo's nutritionist, who works to provide a varied and balanced diet for each animal.

The National Zoo is one of the most advanced zoos in the world, and the documentary gives viewers a glimpse of the advanced technology and tools utilized to maintain a safe environment for both animals and visitors. For example, we see the network of cameras utilized to monitor the animals' behavior, as well as the misting system deployed in specific areas of the zoo to keep the animals cool during warmer months.

The episode concludes by reiterating the importance of zoos in modern society and their role in science, education and conservation. The National Zoo is a model, allowing individuals to reestablish a connection with their environment and its inhabitants. There is an emphasis on the need for visitors to recognize the zoo's role in animal welfare and emphasizes their responsibility to ensure the animals remain healthy and safe.

Wild Thing: The Smithsonian National Zoo episode invites us for an intimate look behind the walls of one of the world's most extraordinary zoos, highlighting the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining an environment for the wild to thrive comfortably. The episode's main focus is furthering awareness of the importance of zoos for conservation, education, and scientific research.