Ep 3. Hiss and Hers

In the third episode of season one of Secrets of the Zoo: North Carolina, entitled "Hiss and Hers," viewers are invited to experience the daily challenges and triumphs of the animal care professionals at the North Carolina Zoo.

The episode opens with a glimpse into the life of a 17-year-old python named Monty, who has recently been diagnosed with a respiratory infection. The zoo's veterinary team, led by Dr. JB Minter, is working tirelessly to monitor Monty's progress and administer treatment to help him recover. As the team works to keep Monty healthy, they share insights about the unique characteristics of pythons and the challenges of treating such a large reptile.

Elsewhere in the zoo, staff are preparing for the arrival of a new resident - a young male koala who is transferring from another zoo to be paired with a female koala named Lottie. The team must carefully plan the koala's arrival to ensure a smooth transition for both animals, while also checking on Lottie's health and wellbeing.

Viewers also get a glimpse into the conservation efforts of the zoo, as staff work to help save endangered red wolves. The team is hopeful that they can help the population grow by breeding and releasing more wolves into the wild. They share the importance of preserving the genetic diversity of the population to promote healthy offspring and explain how they work to maintain a robust gene pool.

As the episode progresses, viewers also get a chance to meet some of the more unusual zoo residents, including a giant anteater named Sequoia, who requires specialized care due to his demanding diet of live insects. The team must develop creative solutions to keep him healthy and happy, such as hiding mealworms in boxes and tubes for him to seek out as a form of enrichment.

Throughout the episode, viewers gain a sense of the dedication and passion of the team at the North Carolina Zoo, who work tirelessly to ensure the health and happiness of their animal residents. They also gain a deeper appreciation for the complex needs of the animals in their care and the tireless work required to keep them healthy and thriving.

In "Hiss and Hers," Secrets of the Zoo: North Carolina offers a fascinating insight into the inner workings of a world-class zoo, while highlighting the complex and rewarding work of animal care professionals.