Weird, True & Freaky Season 3 Episode 5 More Fat Animals
- October 12, 2010
In the episode "More Fat Animals" from season 3 of Weird, True & Freaky, viewers are taken on a wild ride exploring some of the most obese animals in the animal kingdom. From morbidly obese raccoons to overweight whales, each segment delves deep into the causes, effects, and potential solutions for these extreme cases of weight gain.
The episode begins by introducing viewers to a colony of wild raccoons in a suburban neighborhood. These raccoons have been gorging themselves on human garbage, leading to an alarming increase in weight and a host of health problems. Viewers get an up-close look at the raccoons as they navigate the neighborhood, and expert wildlife biologists weigh in on the best way to manage the problem before it gets out of control.
Next up, the show explores the world of domesticated animals, where overfeeding and lack of exercise can lead to extreme obesity. The segment focuses on a group of overweight cats and dogs and the families who are struggling to help them slim down. Viewers get a firsthand look at the challenges of diet and exercise when it comes to pets, and experts provide tips and advice on how to keep pets at a healthy weight.
The episode then takes viewers to the ocean, where they meet a group of humpback whales who have packed on the pounds. The whales feast on krill during the summer months, but when winter hits and the food supply dwindles, they are forced to live off their stored fat. However, in recent years, the whales have been getting thicker and thicker, and researchers are concerned about the long-term effects of this weight gain on the whale population.
The show also takes a look at obesity in the zoo, where a sedentary lifestyle and a diet of processed food can lead to extreme weight gain in captive animals. Viewers meet a group of overweight primates and learn about the challenges zookeepers face when it comes to providing healthy meals and exercise for their charges.
Additional segments explore extreme cases of obesity in the wild, such as a group of wild boars who have become so overweight that they struggle to move and a group of baboons who are suffering from heart disease due to their diet of processed food. These segments highlight the impact that human influence can have on the animal kingdom and the importance of responsible stewardship.
Throughout the episode, expert biologists, veterinarians, and animal behaviorists provide commentary and insight into these cases of extreme animal obesity. From the causes and effects of excessive weight gain to the potentially life-threatening health consequences, viewers will gain a greater appreciation for the complexities of animal health and well-being.
In the end, "More Fat Animals" is a thought-provoking and often surprising exploration of the world of animal obesity. Viewers will be left wondering about the impact of human activity on the animal kingdom and the steps we can all take to be better stewards of our planet's creatures.