BBC One’s Animal Park returns with a new episode airing on Tuesday, 20 August 2024, at 9:30 am. m.
The episode begins with a significant event for the park’s keepers as they successfully hatch two critically endangered white-backed vulture chicks. With limited knowledge about hand-rearing this species, the team faces a challenging task. The keepers must feed the chicks a specialised diet five times a day to build their strength. However, an emergency soon arises when one of the chicks appears to be in distress, with a potentially broken wing.
In another part of the park, it’s a day of anticipation for the giraffe keepers. Each summer, the giraffes are released from their winter enclosure into the main reserve. This year, though, there’s a twist as they will pass by a new exhibit introducing them to their natural predators: a pack of six African painted dogs. The keepers are curious and nervous about how the giraffes will react to this change, so they’ve asked the camera team to capture every moment up close using body cameras.
Ben has a special surprise for Red, the new tiger dad, to keep him entertained while he cares for his cubs. It’s a large wicker ball designed to showcase Red’s hunting skills and strength. Over in Tiger Territory, zoologist Megan McCubbin meets the binturongs for the first time and uncovers the reason behind their unique popcorn scent. She also encourages the tapirs to take a dip in their renovated pond and plans a birthday surprise for Tallulah, the oldest chicken in UK zoo records, who is turning 12.
With a new species at the park, Hamza Yassin lends his wildlife camera expertise to help monitor the hand-reared ostriches and determine if they’re getting along with the giraffes or causing a ruckus.
Animal Park: Summer 2024, Episode 7 airs on Tuesday, 20 August 2024, at 9:30 am on BBC One.
