Ep 4. Mek Comes Home

The Zoo: San Diego Season 1 Episode 4 - Mek Comes Home

In this episode of The Zoo: San Diego, we follow the heartwarming story of a young gorilla named Mek and his triumphant journey home. Mek spent the first year of his life at the San Diego Zoo before being transferred to the Cincinnati Zoo to live with a surrogate mother.

However, after a year away, the zookeepers at San Diego believed that it was time for Mek to come home and be with his biological family once again. They planned a carefully orchestrated transfer, which involved Mek being put into a crate and flown across the country on a private plane.

Upon arrival, Mek was introduced to his new gorilla troop, which included his mother, Imani, and half-sisters, Joanne and Grace. But the reunion was not without its challenges. The older female gorillas were initially mistrustful of Mek, and it took some time for them to accept him as one of their own.

The episode also follows the keepers as they care for other animals at the zoo, including a rescued baby sea lion who is being hand-raised, and a pair of koalas who need special attention due to their diet.

Throughout the episode, viewers get an inside look at the daily operations of the zoo, from the careful weighing of the animals to the preparation of their food and enrichment activities. The keepers are shown to have a deep love and respect for the animals under their care, and are constantly working to ensure their happiness and well-being.

As the episode comes to a close, we see Mek continue to bond with his gorilla family, as he learns to climb and play like a true member of the troop. The visitation area at the zoo is packed with visitors who are thrilled to see the young gorilla settling into his new home, and it's clear that Mek has finally found his place in the world.

Overall, this episode of The Zoo: San Diego is a heartwarming and fascinating look at the daily workings of a world-class zoo. From the challenging logistics of transporting a gorilla across the country to the daily care of a variety of animals, viewers will be entranced by the dedication and expertise of the zookeepers and staff.