Immediately following the previous episode, “Wildlife Rehab” shifts focus from intensive care to the ultimate goal: release. In “Survival of the Fittest,” Jan and her dedicated team at the Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation Center face the crucial, often bittersweet, task of evaluating their current animal residents. The central question: Who is ready to go back to the wild?
This isn’t simply about opening a cage door. It requires careful assessment of each animal’s physical health, foraging abilities, predator awareness, and overall fitness for independent survival. Releasing an animal prematurely can be a death sentence, making these decisions weighty. The episode looks set to present the team’s evaluation process, examining various creatures under their care and determining their readiness.
Which animals have healed sufficiently? Which ones have demonstrated the skills needed to find food and avoid danger? These evaluations involve keen observation and deep knowledge of each species’ natural behaviors. There will likely be moments of triumph as animals deemed ready are prepared for release, contrasted with the potentially difficult reality that not every creature can safely return to its natural habitat. It’s the culmination of weeks or months of hard work, hinging on one final assessment.
See who makes the cut Saturday at 10:30 PM ET on National Geographic Wild.
