Ep 2. Bear Necessities

In Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa season 1 episode 2, entitled "Bear Necessities," viewers are taken behind the scenes at the zoo to learn about the care and conservation efforts surrounding the black bears. Throughout the episode, viewers witness the zoo staff as they work closely with the bears, observing their behavior and providing them with the necessary care they need to thrive in captivity.

The episode starts off by introducing Luna, a three-year-old female black bear who is new to the zoo. The zoo staff has high hopes for Luna, hoping she will eventually become a breeding companion for Yuma, a male black bear who already resides at the zoo. However, before the two bears can be introduced, Luna needs to be put through a series of health checks to ensure that she is healthy and disease-free.

As Luna undergoes her check-up, zoo staff also check in on the progress of another bear, a rescued cub named Tank. Tank was found as a tiny, abandoned cub and was brought to the zoo for rehabilitation. Now, several months later, Tank has grown and is thriving under the care of his handlers. Viewers can watch as Tank explores his surroundings and plays with a new toy, a giant ball, which serves both as enrichment and exercise.

Next, the episode takes a closer look at the bear habitat, where viewers can see how the zoo staff provides the bears with a natural and comfortable living space. The habitat features plenty of climbing structures, trees, and even a pool for the bears to swim and cool off in during hot Florida weather. The staff also provides the bears with a diverse diet, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and insects, which helps to keep them healthy and active.

In addition to care and feeding, the episode also highlights the zoo's conservation efforts for black bears. With human population growth and habitat loss, black bears are endangered in many areas, and it's crucial to protect them to prevent extinction. The zoo staff works closely with researchers to monitor the behavior and health of the bears, as well as keep tabs on their numbers in the wild. By gathering this information, they can make informed decisions about how to best care for the bears in captivity and work towards their conservation in the wild.

Throughout the episode, viewers can also learn interesting and fun facts about black bears. Did you know that although they are called "black bears," they can vary in color and can also be brown, cinnamon, or even white? Or that they have an incredible sense of smell, which they use to locate food and other bears? These facts and more are peppered throughout the episode, helping viewers gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for these animals.

Overall, Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa season 1 episode 2, "Bear Necessities," is an informative and engaging look at the care, feeding, and conservation efforts of black bears at the zoo. By providing an up-close and behind-the-scenes look at the work that zoo staff do, viewers can gain a better understanding of the importance of zoos in protecting and preserving endangered species.