The Wildlife Docs Season 1 Episode 10 Hop Skip Slither
- TV-G
- January 18, 2014
Hop Skip Slither is the 10th episode of the first season of The Wildlife Docs. The show takes an intimate look at the work of a team of veterinarians and caregivers at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as they provide medical care, support, and rehabilitation to a wide variety of animals. The 10th episode focuses on a few different animals at the park including a wild woodpecker and two reptiles.
The first animal we meet is a wild woodpecker that injured its wing while attempting to fly into a window. The team works to assess the bird's injuries and provide the necessary care to get it back on its feet. They work with a team of avian specialists to ensure the bird is in good hands and receives top-notch care.
As we watch the woodpecker's rehabilitation progress, we also get a glimpse at what it takes to care for two different reptiles: a Burmese python and a gila monster.
The Burmese python, which is one of the largest species of snakes in the world, has a scale infection along its jaw. The team visually examines the infection but ultimately requires a biopsy, which requires putting the snake under anesthesia. During the procedure, Dr. Dominique Faustman and the team discover that the snake's infection could be an indication of a greater underlying issue, which they will need to keep an eye on over time.
The gila monster, which is a venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, has a malformed jaw that makes it challenging for the lizard to eat. The team works to design and fit a specialized feeding tube so that the lizard can be fed with the help of its caregivers. The process takes time but ultimately leads to a successful feeding, bringing hope for the lizard's future.
Throughout the episode, viewers become intimately acquainted with the animals, their injuries, and the people who are working tirelessly to provide them with the best possible care. The veterinarians and caregivers at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are seen providing a holistic approach to animal medicine, considering all factors of an animal's well-being to provide comprehensive and compassionate care.
The show is inspiring and educational, and it provides viewers with an up-close look at the work that's required to keep exotic animals healthy and happy. It's a great watch for animal lovers, especially those interested in animal medicine. The Wildlife Docs season 1 episode 10 is full of heart, and viewers are sure to come away with a new appreciation for the hard work and dedication necessary to care for animals in captivity.