Secrets of the Zoo Season 5 Episode 8 Roary the Lionheart

In the eighth episode of the fifth season of Secrets of the Zoo, viewers are introduced to Roary the Lionheart. The episode starts with the zookeepers observing Roary while he is undergoing a routine physical examination. During the examination, the staff discovers that Roary's heart is not functioning properly, which could be life-threatening. The veterinarian team immediately intervenes, and they decide to perform a cardiac ultrasound to determine the cause of the ailment. Zana, the veterinarian on duty, finds that Roary has an enlarged heart and aortic dissection, a condition where the aorta splits.

As the zoo staff gets to work stabilizing Roary, the caregivers seek ways to keep him alive. They fit him with a heart monitor that can transmit data to the team's phones, which allows the zookeepers to keep a close eye on him all day and night. The zookeepers also hand-feed Roary and dispense his medication through food to ensure that he receives proper treatment without becoming stressed.

Throughout the episode, the viewers get to see how the zoo staff takes exceptional care of Roary, as the team works tirelessly to keep him comfortable and stable. As time passes, they perform a follow-up heart ultrasound and discover that Roary's heart has stabilized, which provides hope for his recovery.

The episode also follows the other animals in the zoo, including a monkey who is recuperating from a leg injury and a pair of okapis who the zookeepers hope will mate.

While Roary's condition is the primary focus of the episode, the program provides a broader insight into the daily operations and challenges of running a zoo. We see the zookeepers work to improve and maintain the animals’ daily routines, from physical health to emotional needs, developing stronger bonds with the creatures in their care.

In the end, we learn whether or not Roary continues his journey of healing. Secrets of the Zoo has become known for its unscripted view into the daily lives of zookeepers and the animals they care for, highlighting the importance of preserving endangered wildlife and the essential role total care plays in their vitality.