Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under Season 3 Episode 8 Larry and Stitch

Larry and Stitch are two of the most popular animals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in New South Wales, Australia, and episode 8 of Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under season 3 gives viewers an inside look at their lives in the zoo.

Larry, a meerkat, is the leader of his mob, and the zookeepers have noticed a worrying trend - he's been losing weight and seems less interested in his food. The vets are called in to take a look, and Larry is put on a strict new diet to help him regain his health. The keepers take Larry out for some exercise and he seems to be enjoying himself - until Stitch the emu shows up.

Stitch is a bit of a troublemaker, and he's decided that Larry is a good target for his antics. He chases Larry around the enclosure, stealing his food and generally making a nuisance of himself. The keepers have to keep a close eye on the pair to make sure that Larry doesn't get stressed out, but it's clear that Stitch is just trying to play.

Meanwhile, over at the Aussie Backyard, the keepers are trying to introduce two new residents to their exhibit - a male echidna and a female juvenile. Echidnas are notoriously shy, and it takes some patience and ingenuity to get them to come out of their burrow and start exploring their new surroundings. The keepers use food and toys to entice the echidnas out, and it's not long before they're settling in nicely.

Back at the meerkat enclosure, Larry seems to be feeling better, thanks to his new diet and increased exercise. But Stitch is still causing problems - this time, he's stolen a toy that the keepers had given to Larry to keep him entertained. The keepers watch on as Stitch sneaks up on Larry and snatches the toy right out of his paws. It's all in good fun, but the keepers can't help but feel sorry for Larry.

Later in the episode, viewers get to see some of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into looking after the zoo's animals. The keepers collect fresh branches and leaves to create a new enrichment activity for the animals, and they spend some time preparing food for the various residents of the zoo. It's clear that the keepers are passionate about their work, and they take great pride in caring for the animals under their watch.

As the episode draws to a close, Larry seems to have adjusted to his new diet, and the keepers are cautiously optimistic about his long-term health. Stitch is still causing trouble, but it's clear that he's just a playful bird looking for some fun. Overall, the episode gives viewers a fascinating look at life in a busy zoo, and the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to make sure that the animals are healthy and happy.