The Zoo Season 1 Episode 8 Back to Africa
- TVPG
- April 8, 2017
- 41 min
-
9.6 (17)
In season 1 episode 8 of The Zoo, titled "Back to Africa," viewers are taken on a journey across continents as zookeepers prepare to transport four young elephants from the Bronx Zoo in New York City back to their ancestral home of Swaziland, Africa.
The episode begins with a look at the cramped living conditions of the baby elephants at the zoo, and members of the staff express their eagerness for the animals to return to their natural habitat. Zookeepers understand the importance of returning these elephants to Africa to aid in the conservation efforts of their species.
Throughout the episode, viewers get an inside look at the complex process of moving the elephants thousands of miles away to the African continent. The process involves weeks of careful planning and preparation, from the construction of custom travel crates to the medical evaluations required for the animals to be eligible for transport.
The show also focuses on the emotional toll of the move on the zoo staff, particularly those who have formed bonds with the elephants during their time at the zoo. The prospect of saying goodbye to these animals is difficult for everyone involved.
As departure day approaches, tensions rise as the zoo staff is hit with unexpected challenges. One of the elephants becomes ill, threatening the entire mission. The zookeepers work tirelessly to nurse the elephant back to health as soon as possible to prevent any further delay.
Once the elephants are cleared for travel, the team sets off on a long journey to Swaziland, with plenty of obstacles along the way, including harsh weather conditions and airport delays. The stakes are high, as any delay could put the elephants' health in danger.
Upon arrival in Africa, the team faces even more challenges, from unfamiliar surroundings to the occasional hostile wild animal. However, ultimately the team is successful in releasing the elephants into their new home and witnessing them take their first steps on African soil.
Throughout the episode, viewers see the passion and dedication of the zoo staff to protect and preserve wildlife, even at the cost of their emotional distress. With this episode of The Zoo, viewers are given a glimpse of the complicated, multi-step process of animal conservation and the importance of seeing wildlife in their natural habitats.