Animal Park: Episode 3 (S19EP3 BBC One Thurs 11 August 2022)

There is a race to prevent the collapse of one of the park’s most significant breeding programmes. The park joined a red squirrel breeding programme last year, and since then, they have produced offspring. But those young children can’t coexist because they are already close to adulthood and fighting. Therefore, they must be divided. The keepers must devise a strategy because it is too stressful for a squirrel to simply be caught. This is one action that must be taken immediately because the safety of the animals is at risk, but can the keepers do it without seriously upsetting the squirrels?

Also, could it be ‘maybe baby’ for one of the park’s most endangered species? Kate meets a new female red panda, who has been paired to breed with a male. Kate sees that there are exciting signs that she could indeed be pregnant, and she helps the keepers weigh her. Meanwhile, wildlife photographer Hamza Yassin tries to confirm whether one of the other female pandas is building a nest high up in the enclosure’s tree? If so, it might be a sign that she could also be pregnant.

Elsewhere, Ben is serving dinner to a pair of cold-blooded killers, the Cuban crocodiles, and he has brought ‘Croc Cam’ to capture every bite. Zoologist Megan McCubbin continues to find out how the keepers in the park keep their animals entertained and in great condition. Today, she uses her skills as a former animal keeper to muck out the park’s collection of Rothschild’s giraffes and help identify whether a camel has a tooth problem.

Airdate: Thurs 11 August 2022 at 09:15 on BBC One

Season 19 Episode 3

Series exploring life behind the scenes at Longleat Estate and Safari Park.