Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under Season 2 Episode 2 New Neck of the Woods
- March 28, 2021
The show Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under season 2 episode 2 titled "New Neck of the Woods" highlights the daily lives of the animals at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia. The episode focuses on the new "Giraffe Lookout" exhibit, where visitors can have an up-close and personal encounter with giraffes.
The episode begins with a brief tour of the Taronga Zoo, introducing viewers to various animals like meerkats, echidnas, and koalas. The spotlight then shifts to the giraffe enclosure, where a new baby giraffe is introduced to the public for the first time. The baby giraffe is named Kitoto, which means "little one" in Swahili. Viewers get a chance to witness the heartwarming bond between Kitoto and her mother, Skye.
The giraffe exhibit also introduces a new female giraffe named Tulli. The episode shows the challenges that the zookeepers face in bringing Tulli into the giraffe herd. For example, the zookeepers must ensure that the giraffes accept Tulli and that there is no aggression between them. The challenges faced by the zookeepers are exacerbated by the fact that giraffes are very tall animals, making it difficult to catch them or prevent them from wandering into the wrong location.
The episode also introduces viewers to a group of rainbow lorikeets, a type of parrot. The rainbow lorikeets are trained to fly to a designated location for feeding, a process known as "free flight training." The zookeepers use the free flight training as a way to improve the welfare of the lorikeets and include more interactive elements in the exhibit for the visitors.
The episode continues to highlight the various animals at the zoo and their unique personalities. For example, a wombat named Waratah is introduced, who is known to be an escape artist and has been seen digging her way out of her enclosure. The episode follows the zookeepers' process of strengthening Waratah's enclosure to prevent any more escape attempts.
One of the final highlights of the episode is a visit from a group of young schoolchildren to the zoo. The children are engaged in various activities, such as feeding banteng and interacting with a variety of other animals. The episode ends by underlining the importance of the Taronga Zoo's conservation efforts towards preserving endangered animals and educating future generations.
In summary, "New Neck of the Woods" is an episode full of interesting moments and captivating animal personalities. From the introduction of a new baby giraffe to the free flight training of the rainbow lorikeets, viewers are treated to an in-depth look into the lives of the animals at Taronga Zoo. With the zoo's dedication to conservation and education, the episode reminds viewers of the importance of zoos in preserving endangered species.