The Wildlife Docs Season 3 Episode 8 Cheetahs by Land, Lions by Sea

The Wildlife Docs season 3 episode 8 titled "Cheetahs by Land, Lions by Sea" takes viewers on a thrilling journey across the African savannah and into the ocean waters off the coast of Florida. In this episode, the team at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay grapples with the unique challenges of caring for two of the world's most iconic big cats: cheetahs and lions.

The episode begins with a visit to the Busch Gardens Cheetah Run habitat, where viewers meet a pair of resident cheetahs named Kasi and Mtani. The Wildlife Docs show how the park's animal care team uses positive reinforcement training techniques to help these magnificent big cats stay healthy and happy. Through a series of fun exercises and playful interactions with their keepers, Kasi and Mtani show off their incredible speed and agility, while also demonstrating their strong bond with the humans who care for them.

But caring for cheetahs isn't without its challenges, as the team discovers when Kasi develops a mysterious limp in her hind leg. With the help of Busch Gardens veterinary staff, The Wildlife Docs work to diagnose Kasi's injury and develop a treatment plan that will get her back on track. Along the way, viewers learn about the unique anatomy of cheetahs, which makes them the fastest land animals on the planet but also puts them at risk for a variety of health issues.

From there, the episode takes a turn toward the sea with a visit to the Florida Keys where The Wildlife Docs team explores the incredible world of sea lions. They get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures as they swim, play, and show off their impressive underwater acrobatics. But sea lions are also threatened by a number of environmental challenges, including pollution and overfishing, which can impact their health and survival.

Back at Busch Gardens, The Wildlife Docs team applies the lessons they've learned from working with sea lions to develop a unique enrichment program for the park's resident lions. Using a variety of toys and tools, they encourage the lions to engage in natural behaviors that help keep them active and healthy, while also giving them an opportunity to showcase their impressive strength and agility.

Throughout the episode, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between animals and their ecosystems, as well as the challenges faced by those who work to protect and care for these fascinating creatures. With its mix of educational content and thrilling up-close encounters, "Cheetahs by Land, Lions by Sea" is a must-see for viewers of all ages who are passionate about wildlife and conservation.