Ep 2. New Day for an Old Tortoise
- TV-PG
- August 10, 2019
- 41 min
-
8.2 (5)
In "The Zoo: San Diego" season 1 episode 2, entitled "New Day for an Old Tortoise," viewers follow the story of a male Galápagos tortoise named Tucker. At over 100 years old, Tucker is the oldest animal in the zoo, and the staff is worried about his health. The episode opens with head veterinarian Dr. Beth Bicknese performing a physical on Tucker. She is concerned that he has lost too much weight and is not eating enough.
The episode then follows the zoo staff as they attempt to find ways to improve Tucker's appetite. They try various foods, including his favorites, but he still refuses to eat. They also carry out a number of tests to try and determine the underlying cause of Tucker's lack of appetite.
The episode also focuses on the zoo's other animals, introducing viewers to a new addition, an endangered Honduran milk snake. The zoo staff is excited to have the snake at the facility and are working hard to ensure that it is comfortable in its new surroundings. The episode provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the care and attention that the zoo staff puts into caring for their animals.
Throughout the episode, Tucker's health continues to deteriorate, and the staff becomes increasingly concerned for his well-being. Finally, after weeks of trying to find a solution, the zoo staff discovers that Tucker has a tooth infection. They quickly perform the necessary procedure to treat the infection and start him on a course of antibiotics.
In the end, Tucker's health improves, and he starts to gain weight again. The episode concludes with a heartwarming moment as the zoo staff observes Tucker cautiously exploring his enclosure, enjoying the new lease on life that the treatment has provided him.
Overall, "New Day for an Old Tortoise" is a touching and informative episode that highlights the love and care that the zoo staff has for their animals. It provides an insightful look into the workings of a modern zoo and the lengths that staff members go to ensure that their animals are happy and healthy.
