Ep 15. Hook Line Blinkers

The Wildlife Docs season 1 episode 15, "Hook Line Blinkers," follows the team as they work to diagnose and treat a variety of animals at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. From a lion whose sore paw may point to a more serious issue, to an injured owl who may need surgery, the doctors are faced with challenging cases that require their expertise and quick decision-making.

The episode begins with Dr. Pete, who receives a call from the park's animal care center about an injured owl. Upon arrival, Dr. Pete examines the owl and determines that it has a broken leg that will require surgery. The surgery is successful, but the owl will need extensive rehabilitation before it can be released back into the wild.

Meanwhile, Dr. Dominique works with a lioness that has been limping for several days. After performing a thorough examination, Dr. Dominique discovers that the lioness has a swollen paw that is likely due to an infection. She prescribes antibiotics to help fight the infection and monitors the lioness closely to ensure that she is responding well to treatment.

Dr. Pete also treats a young giraffe that is experiencing eye problems. The giraffe has been squinting and rubbing its eyes, which is a sign of irritation. Dr. Pete examines the giraffe's eyes and discovers that its third eyelid, or blinker, is swollen and inflamed. He prescribes eye drops to help reduce the inflammation and gives the giraffe some time to rest and recover.

Later in the episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Dominique work together to treat a kudu that has a severe abscess on its forehead. The doctors use a local anesthetic to numb the area before draining the abscess and cleaning the wound. The kudu is given antibiotics to prevent infection and is monitored closely by the park's animal care team.

Throughout the episode, viewers also get a behind-the-scenes look at the care that the park's animal residents receive on a daily basis. From regular check-ups to specialized treatments, the doctors and animal care team at Busch Gardens are dedicated to providing the highest level of care for the animals in their care.

Overall, "Hook Line Blinkers" is a fascinating look at the work of the veterinary team at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. With a variety of cases and animals to treat, the doctors and animal care team must work quickly and efficiently to ensure that each animal receives the care it needs to thrive. Whether treating a lion's paw or performing surgery on an injured owl, the Wildlife Docs are always up to the challenge.