The Wildlife Docs Season 4 Episode 25 Great Apes & Great Rescues

The Wildlife Docs season 4 episode 25, titled "Great Apes & Great Rescues," takes viewers on a journey to the Center for Great Apes sanctuary in Wauchula, Florida. This sanctuary is home to over 60 orangutans and chimpanzees, many of whom are retired from the entertainment industry.

The first segment of the episode follows Dr. Dominique Gagne, a veterinarian at the center, as she performs an annual checkup on an 11-year-old orangutan named Freedom. During the checkup, Dr. Gagne assesses Freedom's overall health, administers vaccines, and takes x-rays of his chest. This segment highlights the veterinary care that is necessary to keep these animals healthy both physically and mentally.

The next segment of the episode focuses on the story of a chimpanzee named Tammy who was rescued from a roadside zoo in Missouri. Tammy had spent her entire life in a small cage, and had never been able to climb, swing, or interact with other chimpanzees. The center worked to rehabilitate Tammy, and eventually introduced her to other chimpanzees. This segment emphasizes the importance of rescuing animals from situations of neglect and abuse.

The third segment of the episode features a behind-the-scenes look at the orangutan exhibit at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The exhibit is home to six orangutans, who are trained to participate in their own healthcare. This training includes voluntary blood draws, ultrasounds, and injections. The training not only helps keep the animals healthy, but also establishes a bond between the animals and their caretakers.

The final segment of the episode features the story of two chimpanzees named Abby and Thomas, who were rescued from a laboratory in New York. The chimpanzees had spent their entire lives in isolation, and as a result, had developed psychological and physical health problems. The center was able to rehabilitate the chimpanzees and introduce them to a larger group of chimpanzees. This segment highlights the importance of alternatives to animal testing and the need to provide proper care for animals that are used in research.

Overall, The Wildlife Docs season 4 episode 25 is an emotional and educational journey through the Center for Great Apes sanctuary and other animal care facilities. The episode emphasizes the importance of providing proper care for animals, and showcases the dedication of veterinarians and other caretakers in not only rehabilitating animals, but also establishing a relationship with them.