Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under Season 1 Episode 6 103-Year-Old Tortoise

In Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under season 1 episode 6, titled "103-Year-Old Tortoise," the focus is on the elder statesman of the Australia Zoo, Harriet the Galapagos tortoise. At 103 years old, she has lived through major world events and has been a fixture at the zoo since the 1960s.

The episode begins by introducing Harriet and her history at the zoo. Viewers learn that she was once a pet and brought to Australia by William Douglas Burleigh in the 1930s. Harriet was already believed to be at least 50 years old at the time, making her one of the oldest tortoises in the world.

The show then shifts to the present day when the zoo staff is trying to determine the best course of action for Harriet. At 103 years old, she is showing signs of her age, including cataracts and arthritis in her legs. The staff is trying to determine if certain treatments or medications would benefit her, but they have to weigh the risks against her advanced age.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to see Harriet's daily routine at the zoo, which includes eating a specialized diet and having her shell cleaned. They also learn more about Galapagos tortoises and their habitats in the wild.

There are also several other animal stories featured in this episode. The staff works with a group of Tasmanian devils to help them build up their immunity to Devil Facial Tumor Disease, a potentially fatal cancer that has decimated the population in the wild. They also try to catch a group of kangaroos to give them necessary medical checkups.

One of the most heartwarming stories in the episode involves a pair of koalas, named Omeo and Lumai. Omeo has been at the zoo since he was a newborn, and Lumai was brought to the zoo after she was found in the wild with a broken arm. The staff is hoping that the two koalas will bond and perhaps even mate.

Overall, episode 6 of Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under is a fascinating look at the inner workings of a zoo and the efforts that go into caring for such a wide variety of animals. Harriet the tortoise is a true marvel and serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species.