Ep 1. Stingray Stunner

In the first episode of Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa season 1, titled "Stingray Stunner," viewers are transported to the Florida Aquarium where the animal care team is challenged with nursing a resident stingray back to health. The aquarium's 500-pound manta ray named Apollo is under close watch after a cornea infection has left him struggling to swim.

As the team works to diagnose and treat Apollo's eye infection, we are introduced to the different team members tasked with his care. We meet Laura, the senior fish biologist, who shares her experience and expertise on the ins and outs of aquarium care. We also get a glimpse of the veterinary team as they ultrasound the massive manta ray to check for internal issues.

But the Florida Aquarium is not just dedicated to caring for marine life - they also play an active role in conservation efforts. We are introduced to a team of scientists who are working with sea turtles to improve their survival rates in the wild. The team is seen monitoring and tracking the movements of two sea turtles, with the aim of collecting vital data to help inform conservation decisions.

The show also features an adorable new addition to the zoo - an orphaned baby pygmy hippopotamus named Zsa Zsa. The animal care team is seen caring for and bonding with the new arrival, with every member of the team taking a turn bottle-feeding the young hippo.

Throughout the episode, we see the passion and dedication of the entire team at the Florida Aquarium, who are dedicated to the animals in their care. It is not just a job for them, but a passion and a way of life.

As the episode draws to a close, we see the fruits of the team's labor as Apollo's rehabilitation is successful, and he is released back into the wild. The team is seen cheering as they watch the manta ray gracefully glide back into its ocean home.

Overall, the first episode of Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa season 1 offers a heartwarming and educational look into the day-to-day operations of an aquarium and conservation center. It is both entertaining and informative, offering a unique perspective on the care and protection of some of our planet's most fascinating creatures.