Ep 4. One Way or the Otter

In episode four of Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa season one, viewers are taken on a behind-the-scenes journey at one of the most popular zoos in the country, ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Titled "One Way or the Otter," this episode focuses on the rehabilitation of an adorable North American river otter, who suffers from a condition that affects his ability to swim properly.

The episode begins with an introduction of the otter and his story, narrated by the Zoo's staff. The little otter was found abandoned in the wild and brought to the zoo due to his difficulty in swimming. The team quickly identifies the problem, a genetic neurological condition that affects his coordination and balance. The veterinarians make a plan to get him on the road to recovery that involves weekly visits to a specialized animal aquatic therapy center.

As the episode progresses, viewers get a glimpse of the otter's treatment and how the team at ZooTampa is going about helping him. With the help of an experienced otter trainer, they start with basic water exercises, using floats and toys to build his confidence and coordination. Later on, they progress to fine-tuning his movements and add more challenging exercises to build his musculature and help him develop the coordination necessary to thrive in the wild.

Apart from the heartwarming story of the otter, the episode also shows the amazing work that goes on behind the scenes at the zoo. We get to see the daily routines of the staff who work around the clock to care for the animals, including feeding, cleaning, and providing medical care. One of the most exciting moments is when the team receives a special delivery of a one-month-old Kangaroo, who requires round-the-clock care.

In another segment of the episode, we meet the stunning black bears of the zoo. It's fascinating to see how these giant animals thrive in their natural habitat set up right in the heart of the city. The keepers share insights into their daily routine and highlight the smallest details, from their favorite foods, likes and dislikes to their unique physical abilities.

The episode also features the veterinary team of the zoo, who perform various medical procedures on different animals. We witness them as they perform surgery on a sick chimpanzee to remove a cancerous lump. The attentive care provided by the staff is impressive to watch, from the before and aftercare to the follow-ups.

As the episode comes to an end, it's clear that the otter has progressed tremendously over the past few weeks, and the hard work of the dedicated staff has paid off. The episode concludes with the otter's last therapy session, preparing him for his final steps towards his eventual release back into the wild. It's a bittersweet moment, as the staff farewell an animal who has become a cherished member of the zoo family.

Overall, this episode of Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa provides an incredible insight into the behind-the-scenes world of a busy zoo. From heartwarming stories to amazing medical procedures, the episode gives a glimpse of the passion and dedication of the staff towards the animals in their care. It's impossible not to be captivated by the hardworking staff and the amazing animals they care for.