Secrets of the Zoo Season 5 Episode 5 Holey Batwings

In the fifth episode of season 5 of Secrets of the Zoo titled "Holey Batwings," viewers get an up-close look at some of the amazing animals and dedicated staff at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio.

The episode starts with a trip to the nocturnal house, where the team is caring for a group of vampire bats. These creatures are fascinating to watch as they sleep upside down during the day and then come to life at night to feed on blood. The staff has noticed one of the bats has a hole in its wing, which could be a serious problem for the animal. The team decides to take a closer look by bringing the bat into a special examination room. This enables the team to sedate the bat and then clean and treat the wound. Viewers get to see the incredible focus and care that goes into the animal's treatment and watch as the bat is released back into the nocturnal house with its wing on the mend.

Next up, the focus turns to the white-handed gibbons. This species is known for their long arms and incredible agility, which enables them to swing gracefully from branch to branch. However, one of the younger gibbons has been showing signs of a respiratory illness and must be moved to an isolated area for treatment. The team explains how they must carefully monitor the animal's breathing and medicine dosage to ensure the animal makes a full recovery.

The episode then moves onto a fascinating story of a pangolin, a mammal rarely seen on the show. Pangolins are known for their unique scales and are often hunted for use in traditional medicine, which is having an impact on their survival. In this episode, the team has a pangolin that was rescued from smugglers and is now being cared for at the zoo. The staff explains how important it is to protect this species and ensure its survival. Viewers get to see the pangolin up close and learn about the efforts being made to protect it.

In addition to the animal stories, viewers get a glimpse into the zoo's conservation efforts. The staff members speak about the role they play in the conservation of animals in the wild, such as the African elephant and sifaka lemur. The zoo has a team that works to protect animals in their natural habitats, by researching and helping to support conservation initiatives. The staff realizes the importance of bringing attention to these efforts and works to ensure that viewers understand the work required to keep these animals safe and healthy.

The episode also showcases the zookeepers' bond with the animals they care for daily. Viewers are shown various zookeepers sitting and playing with goats, koala bears, and red pandas, which helps to bring the zoo to life and show a softer side to the job.

The show does not only provide an informative, engaging, and emotional experience, seen in such episodes like this one, but Secrets of the Zoo also shows the challenges of animal care ranging from illnesses to the conditions of their natural habitats and environmental conservation. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is committed to providing the best possible care to its animals and preserving species not just inside the zoo but outside it as well. The staff's devotion to their work and the animals they care for is admirable and something every viewer can appreciate.