Ep 3. Babies on Board

Secrets of the Zoo takes viewers behind the scenes of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, where they get an exclusive look at the daily operations of one of the largest and most popular zoos in the United States. In season 4 episode 3, titled "Babies on Board," viewers are taken on a heartwarming journey through the zoo as they get to witness the arrival of new animal babies.

The episode kicks off with a visit to the orangutan exhibit, where a mom-to-be is expecting her first baby. The keepers are closely monitoring her pregnancy, but it's not an easy task as orangutans are known for their elusive nature. Viewers get a glimpse of the ultrasound as the keepers attempt to determine the health of the baby and if it's a boy or a girl. The keepers reveal that the baby is due any day, and they're eagerly awaiting its arrival.

From there, the episode shifts to the penguin exhibit, where a pair of African penguins has just hatched their first chick. The chick is tiny and vulnerable, so the keepers closely monitor its progress. They weigh it regularly to ensure it's gaining weight and growing properly. As the chick grows stronger, the keepers begin to introduce it to the rest of the penguin colony to socialize and learn to swim.

Next up, viewers get to see some of the rarest animals in the zoo - the Amur leopard cubs. These cubs are part of a breeding program aimed at increasing the population of Amur leopards, which are critically endangered in the wild. The keepers discuss the challenges of caring for these fragile cubs, including making sure they get enough milk and monitoring them for any health issues. As the cubs grow, they become more playful and energetic, which is both adorable and slightly nerve-wracking for their keepers.

The episode also includes a trip to the manatee exhibit, where a rescued manatee is undergoing rehabilitation before being released back into the wild. The keepers discuss the various injuries and illnesses that these gentle creatures face in the wild, including boat strikes and red tide. The manatee is carefully nursed back to health before being released, and the keepers note how rewarding it is to see these animals return to their natural habitat.

Finally, the episode concludes with a visit to the giraffe exhibit, where a new baby giraffe has just been born. The keepers are overjoyed at the arrival of the new calf, and they take turns bottle-feeding her to ensure she gets the proper nutrition. The calf is particularly adorable, with huge, curious eyes and spindly legs that she's still learning to control. As the episode ends, viewers are left with the heartwarming sight of the giraffe calf nuzzling up to her mother for a nap.

Overall, "Babies on Board" is a delightful episode of Secrets of the Zoo that showcases the love and dedication that the keepers have for the animals in their care. Viewers are treated to an inside look at the challenges of caring for baby animals, as well as the joy that comes from seeing them grow and thrive. With its engaging storytelling and stunning footage, this episode is not to be missed by animal lovers of all ages.