Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under Season 3 Episode 9 Snake Snack

In this episode of Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under, titled "Snake Snack," the keepers at Taronga Zoo Sydney are faced with a unique challenge: how to get a three-meter-long python to eat a meal. The reptile, nicknamed "The General," hasn't eaten in five months, and the keepers are getting worried.

As the zoo team works to get The General to eat, they also have to tend to their other animal residents. In the primate exhibit, the keepers are introducing a new baby colobus monkey to the group. While the other monkeys are curious about the newcomer, they're also wary – the baby's mother died shortly after birth, and the other females have been known to display aggression towards infants.

Elsewhere in the zoo, the veterinary team is performing a routine checkup on a meerkat. This small but spunky animal is known for its highly social behavior, and the zookeepers are always observing the meerkats' interactions to ensure the group stays healthy and happy.

Back in the reptile house, the keepers are still trying to entice The General to eat. They've tried everything from live prey to thawed rodents, but nothing seems to be working. As the days go by, the keepers become more and more concerned – pythons can go for months without eating, but The General's extended fast is causing everyone to worry.

Finally, after nearly six months of not eating, The General shows signs of interest in his food. The keepers are elated – it's not uncommon for snakes to go on extended fasts, but The General's length of time without eating was of particular concern. As he begins to devour his meal, the keepers breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the hard work and dedication required to care for the animals at Taronga Zoo Sydney. From feeding pythons to introducing new babies to the group, the keepers and veterinary team are constantly striving to ensure the health and happiness of their animal residents. Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under offers a fascinating look at one of the world's premier zoos, and "Snake Snack" is a prime example of the show's engaging and informative storytelling.