Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under Season 2 Episode 8 Monkey May I?

In Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under season 2 episode 8, titled "Monkey May I?", viewers are taken on a journey through the daily operations of the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia, as they care for a variety of animal species, focusing primarily on the monkey exhibits.

The episode opens with the zoo's primate keeper, Steve, tending to the cotton-top tamarins. These energetic, tiny monkeys require a lot of attention and specialized care, and Steve works diligently to make sure they are healthy and happy. He explains that the zoo has recently acquired a new breeding pair of tamarins, and he is hopeful that they will successfully mate in the near future.

Next, the focus shifts to the chimpanzee exhibit. The zoo's resident chimpanzee, Lubutu, has been experiencing some health issues, and the staff is doing everything they can to help him feel better. The head veterinarian, Dr. Larry, examines Lubutu and determines that he needs surgery to remove a piece of wood that has become lodged in his arm. The surgery is risky, but Dr. Larry and his team are experienced and confident in their abilities.

As Lubutu recovers from his surgery, the zoo's staff continues to observe and care for the other animals in their care. One of the most interesting exhibits is the squirrel monkey habitat, which is designed to mimic the monkeys' natural Amazon jungle environment. The clever and curious monkeys are always exploring their surroundings, and the staff must make sure that they are safe and healthy.

Another highlight of the episode is the troop of gelada baboons that reside in the zoo's African rainforest exhibit. These unique primates, which are only found in Ethiopia, have a complex social hierarchy and communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations. The baboons are playful and entertaining to watch, but the staff must also be careful to protect them from potential predators, such as birds of prey.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the many tasks and responsibilities that come with running a modern zoo. From feeding and training the animals to maintaining the exhibits and educating the public, the staff at the Taronga Zoo are committed to providing the best possible care to their animal residents.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers get a glimpse of the zoo's breeding program for the endangered Ring-tailed Lemur. The lemurs, which hail from Madagascar, are facing significant threats in the wild due to habitat loss and hunting. The zoo's staff is determined to do their part to help save these charismatic primates from extinction.

Overall, "Monkey May I?" is an engaging and informative episode that highlights the important work that zoos do to care for and protect endangered species. Whether you're a longtime animal lover or just curious about the inner workings of a zoo, this episode is sure to entertain and educate.