0:00:02 > 0:00:06Bovine tuberculosis, also known as bovine TB, is a disease that farmers fear.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09If contracted, entire herds of cattle can be destroyed.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Now, it may surprise you to know that animals in
0:00:12 > 0:00:15a safari park are just as much at risk as farm animals.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18Today, we'll follow the keepers and local farmers,
0:00:18 > 0:00:22as they take every precaution to protect their animals against
0:00:22 > 0:00:26a disease that doesn't discriminate between the ordinary...
0:00:26 > 0:00:27And the extraordinary.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36We're back all this week, bringing you the latest stories from
0:00:36 > 0:00:38the park, packed into these Easter specials.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- And today...- Jean must perform a pedicure on the pygmy goats.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50Why do I have the feeling this is going to be harder than it sounds?
0:00:50 > 0:00:53But she's got to catch them first!
0:00:53 > 0:00:55Oh! Who's that?
0:00:55 > 0:01:00Keepers must work through the night to handle a high-risk arrival.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03This is a potentially very dangerous animal.
0:01:03 > 0:01:04Steady, steady.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06And staff are on tenterhooks,
0:01:06 > 0:01:10whilst caring for the calf of a critically endangered species.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13You just can't guarantee anything. Literally, on a sixpence.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16They can be fine one day, the next, something's gone wrong.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Parks such as Longleat are a sanctuary for animals under
0:01:28 > 0:01:31threat from extinction in the wild.
0:01:31 > 0:01:36But sometimes, even here, they're not safe.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41I remember back in 2001 when the park narrowly escaped an
0:01:41 > 0:01:45outbreak of foot and mouth, a disease that threatened the
0:01:45 > 0:01:50life of not just animals here in the park, but also surrounding farms.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55Now, there's a new threat - bovine TB, another disease that
0:01:55 > 0:01:59doesn't distinguish between farm, smallholding and safari park.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03And without vigilant testing by the team here, all the animals,
0:02:03 > 0:02:08even those that are critically endangered in the wild, are at risk.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12Bovine TB is a problem best known in cattle.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16But now, the disease may have made its way on to the park.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20Vets found positive results in a number of deer on the estate,
0:02:20 > 0:02:25but now, keepers have no idea how far the disease might have spread.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30Many of the endangered species who live in sanctuary here are at risk,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32including the two new cheetah cubs.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38It's now a race against time to find
0:02:38 > 0:02:41the disease and stop it in its tracks.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45The longer it's on the park, the more species that could be affected.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50All this week, we're following the biggest screening operation
0:02:50 > 0:02:52in the park's history.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55The man responsible is the park's head of animal operations,
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Darren Beasley.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03We have hundreds of animals here, so it's a huge undertaking.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06And then it's just the nail-biting, the nervousness
0:03:06 > 0:03:08of waiting for those results.
0:03:09 > 0:03:14Today, team leader Amy has scrambled the entire team to begin
0:03:14 > 0:03:17testing 14 of the park's famous lions.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19LION ROARS
0:03:19 > 0:03:21It is a very big day today.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26We're doing lots of animals, in the same house, all at the same time.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28But unlike testing farm animals,
0:03:28 > 0:03:32testing a lion requires a full sedation.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34We're a safari park.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Most of the things in here will either jump on your or eat you
0:03:37 > 0:03:40or chase you. That's what we are.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45So when it comes to the big cats, these are dangerous animals.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49So we have to anaesthetise them, we have to sedate them.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51LION ROARS
0:03:53 > 0:03:57Once darted, a lion will succumb fairly quickly to the sedative,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00but senior vet Chris Mangham and his team are following
0:04:00 > 0:04:04a strict protocol before anyone enters the lions' den.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07We just need to make sure that the sedatives work.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12They're just such dangerous beasts, you can't take anything for granted.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16So we give at least 15 minutes and then we make sure we poke
0:04:16 > 0:04:19them with a pole and then what we'll do, we'll open the cage door
0:04:19 > 0:04:21and we'll go in and we'll poke them again with a stick.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25And only when I'm really happy that they're fast asleep, do we let
0:04:25 > 0:04:30anybody else in. It's just too risky not to take our time.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Nothing on Claus, boy.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37Anaesthetic drugs carry their own risks, so the animals are given
0:04:37 > 0:04:42as little sedative as possible, but it's vital to get the dose right.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47You don't want a lion waking up out of its pen.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57180kg of muscle, topped off with razor-sharp teeth,
0:04:57 > 0:04:59these cats are killers.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04Once they're under, the clock is ticking.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10There's big risks any time we knock out any animal.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13They might not come back round, which is the biggest one really.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16The other risk is actually they do come back round when we're
0:05:16 > 0:05:18actually in there, we've taken them out to do the work.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21So we try to do it as quick as possible and that's why we've
0:05:21 > 0:05:23got so many people here, all working together,
0:05:23 > 0:05:27all trying to do everything as quick as we can to get them back in.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Screening is done by seeing how animals react to
0:05:30 > 0:05:33a controlled amount of TB bacteria.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36Now, we're just TB testing them, using the skin test.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40Which basically involves measuring the skin on day one,
0:05:40 > 0:05:42before we inject the samples.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48After three days, the same area is examined.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53If there's no swelling at the site, the animals is declared TB-free.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57But if there IS a swelling, then the animal has tested positive.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59It must then be put to sleep.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02This is day one, so in three days' time,
0:06:02 > 0:06:04we'll be doing the same process again.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07That's the big day really cos that's when we actually find out
0:06:07 > 0:06:10whether we do have any animals that are positive for TB.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13All the keepers can do now is wait.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17We'll return later to find out the results for this killer disease,
0:06:17 > 0:06:19which determines the future of the entire park.
0:06:21 > 0:06:22BIRDS CRY
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Since she joined the team last year,
0:06:27 > 0:06:32Jean Johansson has been involved with her fair share of feed ups.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34From the big cats of Lion Country,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37to the giant anteaters of Jungle Kingdom,
0:06:37 > 0:06:39Benito and Maroni.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43Last series, we saw how they used their incredible tongues.
0:06:43 > 0:06:48She's headed back there today, to test their other amazing adaptation,
0:06:48 > 0:06:50their claws.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- Hi, Charlie. Ah, I take it this box is for Benito.- It certainly is.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- We've got him a nice pinata. - Oh, perfect.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00And he's not in here yet, so tell me what's inside.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02So, in here we've got some leaves,
0:07:02 > 0:07:05mixed up with some mealworms and some crickets.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Oh, good. All his favourite things.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10So, what do you intend to do with it? What's the plan?
0:07:10 > 0:07:14So, we're just going to hang it up here and then, we will leave and he
0:07:14 > 0:07:18will come out and, along with Maroni, hopefully, come and rip it apart.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22Yeah, I remember meeting Maroni last year and she had massive claws,
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- so they would be perfect for ripping this box to pieces.- Yeah, exactly.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30So they use them to rip open big termite mounds in the wild,
0:07:30 > 0:07:33so hopefully we'll be seeing some of that behaviour with this box.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Well, hopefully, they're going to enjoy this, so shall we got the box
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- up there?- Absolutely.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Now, you'll have to help me out, Charlie,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52because I'm not going to know which one's Benito and which one's Maroni.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54How do I tell them apart?
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- So, the easiest way is Maroni is a lot greyer than Benito.- Ah, OK.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01And she's got much longer hair on the side.
0:08:01 > 0:08:02So they're using that sense of smell now.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- Do you think they can smell what's in the box?- Yeah, definitely.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08You can see their noses waving around all over the place.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Well, they're kind of just walking around and exploring at the moment.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14And actually, Maroni seems to have got to the box first.
0:08:14 > 0:08:15I thought she would.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Oh, really? There she is. Up on her hind legs.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20She's not sure about movement. She can't get her balance.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Yeah, she's going to have to work for it
0:08:23 > 0:08:25a little bit and Benito's up there as well.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28I really want to see them hooking in claws into those boxes.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30Yeah, you can see he's trying.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32But obviously, it's moving around quite a lot.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Oh, and they've pulled it down.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37In they go, straight in there.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Heads right in there.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Yeah, and I think they're using those claws to just pull that box
0:08:42 > 0:08:46apart. They're really getting stuck in to those treats and I can see
0:08:46 > 0:08:47their throats moving a little bit.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- Is that the tongue that's causing that?- Absolutely, yeah.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53It's a huge muscle that obviously rolls up when they're sucking
0:08:53 > 0:08:56the tongue in and out, so you can see it really working nicely there.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00They are such an amazing-looking animal, so unique.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03It's lovely to see them both kind of enjoying that treat.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05They're loving it. He's sharing quite nicely actually.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07I'm impressed.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18At this time of year, when the weather isn't great, the fields
0:09:18 > 0:09:22in the African Safari need time to recover from the heavy rainfall.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27It's at this point that the heavy-footed rhinos come down to
0:09:27 > 0:09:30the lower paddock to allow the fields to recover.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32But the rhinos need access to mud.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36Without it, their skin can become dry and damaged.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39So today, I'm joining Tina to give them a mud bath. My favourite!
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- It's going to get a bit messy, I'm afraid.- Is it going to get a bit messy?- Yes, it is.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Come on, let's get straight in. So we've got some mud here. Where are we going to...?
0:09:46 > 0:09:49Just behind us, so we've warmed it up, so it's nice and warm,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- cos it is cold weather and this is the rhino you want.- OK.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- So who have we got here? - This is Marashi.
0:09:55 > 0:09:56She's one of our adult females.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- Yeah.- So, if you want to pull the lever there.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- Pull the lever. This one?- Yeah.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- And then we just pull this bit down here.- Yeah. There we go.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- Come on, Marashi. - She's going to come in there.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09That's it, and once she's in, just shut it behind her.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- She's a big girl, isn't she? - She is. That's it.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- Wait there.- There we go.- Perfect. - I'm desperate to get my hands muddy.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- So you've just got to get your hands in there.- Yeah.- Nice big ball.- Yeah.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- And then... - And where do we want it? All over?
0:10:22 > 0:10:27All over, yeah. On the top, on the sides. As far as you can reach.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Now, I've been out in Africa a number of times and obviously,
0:10:30 > 0:10:32they love to wallow out there.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36In Africa, this keeps ticks and things off the skin as well
0:10:36 > 0:10:37and helps keep parasites away.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40What good does this do in the heart of Wiltshire?
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Exactly the same. In the summer, it keeps the parasites...
0:10:43 > 0:10:47We know they have biting flies, but in the winter down here,
0:10:47 > 0:10:49you'll find that once you put the mud on,
0:10:49 > 0:10:52their skin does get a bit dry, so what they'll do is go off and find
0:10:52 > 0:10:56a good scratching log and then all the dry skin can be scratched off.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58It encourages them to do that behaviour and that way it
0:10:58 > 0:11:00exfoliates their skin.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04You think of rhinos as being these big, tough,
0:11:04 > 0:11:07almost armoured creatures, and yet we're giving them a mud pack.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- They're actually quite soft, aren't they?- They are.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13Their skin is quite thick but they can feel an insect land on them.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15And in the summertime, they obviously do this themselves.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- They don't need your assistance cos they're out in the fields. - Exactly, yes.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22They'll make their own wallow, which can create a bit of a mess for
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- the visitors, as they have to drive around it, but they're fully capable of doing it themselves.- Fantastic.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Well, Tina, I have to say, this is a pretty unique experience.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35Thank you very much for letting me help you give a rhino a mud pack.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38Any time. I know. You've been very good.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42Caring for rare animals often calls for some good old-fashioned
0:11:42 > 0:11:44trial and error.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48One keeper who knows this more than most is team leader Mark Tye.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53Under his watchful eye are the park's group of pink-backed pelicans,
0:11:53 > 0:11:58a species who simply refuse to breed in captivity.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00All across the country,
0:12:00 > 0:12:04collections have tried and failed to convince their birds to nest.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06But around 20 years ago,
0:12:06 > 0:12:10Mark decided to hand-build nests for them.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13We built these pods for them because we figured that they were
0:12:13 > 0:12:16tree-nesting birds, so we'd raise them up off the ground,
0:12:16 > 0:12:20and that one event was the spur that got everything kicked into
0:12:20 > 0:12:25gear and, you know, they started nesting and very soon after,
0:12:25 > 0:12:30we started getting eggs and we got the first ones incubated and
0:12:30 > 0:12:32the first chick came along and was hand reared.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38Since that first chick, they've had huge success,
0:12:38 > 0:12:41with 35 more hatched into the group in Pelican Cove.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46But they've all been hand reared.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50Mark believes pelicans simply aren't natural parents in captivity.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55The parent rearing side has been rubbish, for want of a better word.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00They've fought over eggs and dropped them in the water.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03Or the time of year has never been very good,
0:13:03 > 0:13:06so there's always seemingly been something in the way of
0:13:06 > 0:13:10getting them to actually do it themselves.
0:13:10 > 0:13:11Until now.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16And this time, they've hatched one out and this time - it's worked.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21For the first time in the park's history, a pelican chick is
0:13:21 > 0:13:24being successfully reared by its mum and dad.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26We're extremely excited about it.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30It's taken us 22 years to get to this point!
0:13:30 > 0:13:32So it's quite something else.
0:13:36 > 0:13:42The chick is now 38-days old and Mark is delighted with its progress.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46It's looking really good. Starting to stand, just slightly.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49They do tend to just shuffle around when they're young,
0:13:49 > 0:13:52but it's now starting to put some pressure up on its legs.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56And has been feeding from the father this morning.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00The parents will actually just regurgitate whatever they've got.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03The chick will pick it up and help itself.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05As it gets bigger like it is now,
0:14:05 > 0:14:07it kind of forces the issue and actually,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10you'll see it going up round the side of the parent's beak and
0:14:10 > 0:14:14almost make the parent open the beak and then it will be in and
0:14:14 > 0:14:17the head will disappear down their neck and you'll see them pulling
0:14:17 > 0:14:21out bits of fish and everything, so it's quite dramatic to watch.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Mark's hoping that successful parenting here will catch on.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28I'm just delighted because all the other birds now within the
0:14:28 > 0:14:30group are seeing this bird rearing next door,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33they're learning from that, so hopefully,
0:14:33 > 0:14:37as the future goes on, we won't have to hand rear hardly any,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39that the parents will hopefully all do it themselves.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Of all the animals on the estate,
0:14:47 > 0:14:51some of the most important are the giraffe.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56These are Rothschild giraffe, one of the most endangered species,
0:14:56 > 0:14:59with less than 700 left in the wild.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05Over the past 50 years, the park has made an extraordinary contribution
0:15:05 > 0:15:09to the world population, with 121 calves born here.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16Last year, when a heavily pregnant Ella started showing signs of
0:15:16 > 0:15:20being in labour, the keepers used a small video camera to bring us
0:15:20 > 0:15:23exclusive footage of the nerve-racking event.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Come on, darling. A couple of really good pushes and it will be out.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33OK, so that's another good push.
0:15:41 > 0:15:46Finally, the calf appeared. But had it survived the six-foot drop?
0:15:47 > 0:15:49We just need movement.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56As the moments ticked by, the calf showed no signs of life.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08OK, it's moving.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Yeah, and it's breathing.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16The early signs were all positive that the calf was healthy.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19It's in a good position, it's not twisted,
0:16:19 > 0:16:21its legs are in a good position.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Well done, darling.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25After 15 months of pregnancy,
0:16:25 > 0:16:29mum Ella was delighted to meet her new baby daughter.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38This year, there's another new addition to the herd.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40We've got some big news.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44Last night, our female giraffe Gertie had a baby.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46We have been expecting it a while.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50She went into early labour yesterday morning
0:16:50 > 0:16:53and it was there this morning when we came up.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55So at the minute it's doing well.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59Our cameras have never been allowed inside the giraffe house
0:16:59 > 0:17:02on the day of the birth, to see a newborn.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Until today.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08This is a first for Animal Park fans because we've never actually shown
0:17:08 > 0:17:11them on the day, just because we like to give them that bit of time.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14But this one is really strong, so come and have a quick look.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18If we just head in and just stand in the doorway, so if the girls
0:17:18 > 0:17:21want to go and stand at the back, they can get out of the way of us
0:17:21 > 0:17:24cos, being giraffes, they're quite nervous.
0:17:24 > 0:17:25Hello, poppets.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Here they are. Steady, steady, steady.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34Can you see its feet? It's hiding.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39There it is. Less than six hours old.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44It has done all the right things. It's feeding.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47She's cleaning it, she's looking after it.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54A newborn in the giraffe house means keeper Dan is on red alert.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Despite their size, these calves are very fragile
0:17:59 > 0:18:02and a lot rests on the next few weeks.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05If there's one thing I've learnt in my time being here,
0:18:05 > 0:18:07you just can't guarantee anything.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10Literally on a sixpence, they can be fine one day
0:18:10 > 0:18:12and the next something's gone wrong.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15So it is just a day-by-day thing.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19But at the minute everything is going the right way.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25For now, the big question is - boy or girl?
0:18:26 > 0:18:30I do think it's a boy. So if it's a girl, I'm going to look very silly.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33He'll grow up to be as naughty as the rest of them, I'm sure.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38I'll be back later, to find out how he or she is getting on.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48Earlier in the show, we saw how the park's flock of pink-backed pelicans
0:18:48 > 0:18:50successfully raised a chick themselves,
0:18:50 > 0:18:53after 20 years of failed attempts.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57Well, Jean is about to meet this very important new resident.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01It's been eight weeks since we saw Mark with that precious chick,
0:19:01 > 0:19:03so I'm here to see how they're getting on.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- Hi, Mark.- Hi, Jean.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08I can see that lot over there are quite big. Which one's the chick?
0:19:09 > 0:19:11- It's the one at the back. - Yes, I can see.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Quite dark, which is pretty big.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15It doesn't look like a chick any more.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- How many weeks old, exactly, is our chick?- It's just over 12 weeks now.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- 12 weeks now?- So it's left the nest, decided to be on its own.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- Shall we go over and take a closer look?- Yeah, I'd love to.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33It's not surprising the chick has grown up fast.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Back up.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37These birds are voracious feeders,
0:19:37 > 0:19:39eating up to a kilo of fish each day.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42They're all sort of sticking together at the moment.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- Is this the way we'd see them out in the wild?- Pretty much so.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48They will congregate in large groups.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- And how's our new chick fitting into the gang, then?- Really well.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56As you can see, the chick is in with the rest, fighting its corner,
0:19:56 > 0:20:00going for the food, which is all great because it shows now
0:20:00 > 0:20:02that it's become completely independent.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- It's left its parents.- Great.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- So that's a good thing for you to see.- Yep. Absolutely. It's great.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12Having had so many failures because we have given these birds
0:20:12 > 0:20:15plenty of opportunity to rear their own - and it's just never happened.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18The chicks die normally around about a week old
0:20:18 > 0:20:21and this one has been an absolute blooming miracle.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24We've shown now that we don't need to worry about them
0:20:24 > 0:20:26as much as we thought we did.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28For them to be able to rear them out in cold and frost
0:20:28 > 0:20:31and all that kind of horrible winter conditions,
0:20:31 > 0:20:34just goes to prove they don't need us as much as we think.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- So will you attempt to do it again? - Definitely.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41They've proved they can do it once, they can do it again.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45I know you've been here for 32 years, so that must be a huge achievement for you.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- Well done.- Thank you.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53This week we're following the largest testing programme
0:20:53 > 0:20:55in the park's history.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58Many endangered species are at risk from a fatal
0:20:58 > 0:21:02and highly contagious disease - bovine tuberculosis.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07Parts of the park are on lockdown and international wildlife breeding
0:21:07 > 0:21:11programmes are at a standstill until they get the all clear.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14Unfortunately, the keepers don't have to look far
0:21:14 > 0:21:18to see the devastating effect bovine TB can have.
0:21:20 > 0:21:21Go on.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24Steve Crossman and his family have been farming land
0:21:24 > 0:21:27owned by the Longleat estate for over three generations.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29961.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32Like many farms in Britain,
0:21:32 > 0:21:35last year Steve's cattle tested positive for TB.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41Since then, his whole livelihood has been at risk.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43It's a nightmare.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47It literally does mean your business just grinds to a halt.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49There's nothing you can do about it.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Just like the animals in the safari park,
0:21:51 > 0:21:55in order to get a clean bill of health, the herd must test clear.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57It's just a waiting game.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01You're just wishing it's over by the time you get the next test in, and hope you go clear.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05482.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07Steve's cows receive exactly the same test
0:22:07 > 0:22:10as the animals in the safari park.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14It may be a safer process here on the farm, but it's no less tense.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Go on, then, big boy, off you go.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Another positive test this week for Steve would mean more cows
0:22:21 > 0:22:25being destroyed and trading restrictions remaining in place.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29You've just got to hope it all goes right now.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33If we go down with TB again on Friday,
0:22:33 > 0:22:36which is when we're going to have our reading,
0:22:36 > 0:22:39we're going to have to seriously sit down and consider the future
0:22:39 > 0:22:42and see where we go from here.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47And we'll... I don't know, sell up, I suppose. Get out.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53Just like the keepers, Steve is praying for a good result.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Friday is such an important day for us now.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59If it all goes clear on Friday,
0:22:59 > 0:23:02we're back in what I classify as the real world.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07The stress of it is just horrendous.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Uncertain times but hopefully we'll have a clear test
0:23:10 > 0:23:12and things will go away.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16Back at the park, it is results day for the lions.
0:23:16 > 0:23:2172 hours ago, we knocked down the 14 lions,
0:23:21 > 0:23:25so today really it's just a process of reading the test sites.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28The best-case scenario for us today
0:23:28 > 0:23:32is that we find absolutely no reaction whatsoever.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37The vets must carry out the all-important examination
0:23:37 > 0:23:39of each lion's skin.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43By sedating them all again.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48If one lion has this fatal disease,
0:23:48 > 0:23:50there's a strong chance others will.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Head of safari, John Merrington, is on hand.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55It's a very tense time.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59Of course, all the keepers care passionately about the animals, so fingers crossed.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02You want it all to come back as negative results for the test.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08Thankfully, the first lion shows no signs of TB.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11That's good news.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14We've just heard this one has got a negative result,
0:24:14 > 0:24:16so that's absolutely fantastic.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19A completely negative result across-the-board
0:24:19 > 0:24:21would enable us to come out of restrictions.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23Of course, with all these animals we have on the park,
0:24:23 > 0:24:27they're all part of breeding programmes throughout Europe,
0:24:27 > 0:24:29so that will enable us to do that.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36One by one, the 14 lions are sedated.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42With so many to check, the team must proceed with extreme caution.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44To enter each pen safely,
0:24:44 > 0:24:48both keepers and vets must work perfectly in tandem.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Because they're such dangerous animals, they're just testing
0:24:52 > 0:24:55for responsiveness and then once they're happy, they're
0:24:55 > 0:24:59not getting any flicking ears or the animals' heads aren't moving,
0:24:59 > 0:25:01they know it's safe to go in.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Let's get another little look.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10It's looking good.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14Halfway through and each lion is testing negative for TB.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Yeah, that's clear as well. He's clear.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Let's hope it continues. So far, so good.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Fine. Yeah, another pass.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31In fact, none of the lions were positive.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33It's a huge relief.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35That's fantastic news for today.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39However, that is only a third of the way through our entire carnivore collection.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41So very apprehensive still,
0:25:41 > 0:25:44very nervous because we've still got the others to come back.
0:25:45 > 0:25:50Later in the week, testing continues across the park and farm.
0:25:50 > 0:25:51But when disaster strikes,
0:25:51 > 0:25:55what will the consequences be for all involved?
0:26:10 > 0:26:14Exercise is essential for keeping animals in peak condition,
0:26:14 > 0:26:19but when it comes to wild animals, it's not always as easy as just popping on a lead.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23- Or is it? Hi, James.- Hiya. - This is a bit of an unusual sight.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- Slightly unusual. - Who do we have here?
0:26:25 > 0:26:28This is Rocky, he's a striped skunk.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31That makes me a little bit nervous because I'm at the back end of a skunk here.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- Should I cover my nose? - You're absolutely fine.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38- Rocky actually used to be someone's pet.- Someone's pet? - Someone's pet, yes.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41They're becoming more and more common as people's pets.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43He's actually been de-scented,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46which in the UK is actually against the law.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48Yes, that doesn't sound natural.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Even though it's possible to have a skunk as a pet,
0:26:52 > 0:26:54we certainly don't recommend it.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57Aside from the smell, they can be aggressive
0:26:57 > 0:26:59and require specialist care.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Should we take him for a quick stroll?
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Yeah, he's definitely raring to go, so let's do it.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Come on, Rocky.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10And does he like to get up to some quite fast speeds?
0:27:10 > 0:27:14This is close to top speed, so it's more of a waddle along.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17He will go wherever he likes, basically.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19- So really, he's walking you.- Yes.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23I actually can feel him just tugging me a little bit and I have to say,
0:27:23 > 0:27:27this is one of the strangest animals I've ever taken for a walk.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Tell me more about him in the wild. Who would his predators be?
0:27:30 > 0:27:34- Really, with skunks, not much wants to eat them.- I wonder why!
0:27:34 > 0:27:38Exactly. Bears are scared of them, wolves are scared of them.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43Most things will steer clear because of that immense smell.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47They can actually shoot the smell to up to 10 feet,
0:27:47 > 0:27:49which is pretty impressive.
0:27:49 > 0:27:54- So the spray, is it essentially just wee?- It's not wee.
0:27:54 > 0:27:59A lot of people also think it's just a fart. It's not.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01It's from a special scent gland.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06It's basically just a fluid, a foul-smelling fluid.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09He's very well-behaved, I have to say. He's very relaxing.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- He's doing a great job. - I'm quite enjoying this walk.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14So how did Rocky come to you?
0:28:14 > 0:28:16There's a bit of a sad story behind him.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20Because he was someone's pet, they didn't look after him great at all,
0:28:20 > 0:28:23they kept him in a very small, confined space.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25He was brought to us by the RSPCA.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29When he first arrived he was, for lack of a better term, a monster.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31He would be hissing and spitting.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34He would try and bite you at any opportunity.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37But through sheer persistence and positive reinforcement,
0:28:37 > 0:28:39this is what you've got.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41Well, he seems very happy here.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Well, James, I think he's had a good little bit of exercise today.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47- I don't know about you, Rocky, but I'm pretty tired.- Definitely.
0:28:47 > 0:28:48Come on.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02The park is increasingly involved in the conservation
0:29:02 > 0:29:04of rare and endangered species.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09Any animals bred here could one day help save a species from extinction,
0:29:09 > 0:29:12through reintroduction programmes.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16The key to successful breeding however,
0:29:16 > 0:29:18begins with two suitable mates.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24Tim has been looking after two extremely important individuals
0:29:24 > 0:29:26for the past six years.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30Up. Good boy.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34So these are binturong. We have two males here.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38We have Tai-lo and Namtok. They're brothers.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42So Tai-lo here is the one with all the grey flecks in his fur
0:29:42 > 0:29:44and then Namtok there is black
0:29:44 > 0:29:47and has a little white patch on his chest.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50The binturongs live in Jungle Kingdom.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54This part of the park has thankfully tested free from TB,
0:29:54 > 0:29:56so they can still be an active part
0:29:56 > 0:29:59of an international breeding programme.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02The binturong is under threat of extinction
0:30:02 > 0:30:04in the jungles of Southeast Asia.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07Binturong are arboreal, so they kind of live in the tree tops.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11So they are very good at climbing.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13They've got a few things that help them climb.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16They have really sharp claws, which helps them climb up trees.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19They also have this amazing tail, really long tail.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22It's normally about the size of their body and it's prehensile.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24So that means it can grab things.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27It's a bit like a fifth limb, so they can grab onto branches,
0:30:27 > 0:30:29they can even hang from it, as well, if they want to.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34Their numbers are decreasing at an alarming rate.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38Over the last 30 years, there has been a 30% drop in the population.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41To do their bit for conservation,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44big changes are due to take place tonight.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49One of our boys will be leaving us and will be going to somewhere
0:30:49 > 0:30:53in the Netherlands and then we'll be getting a female from France.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Namtok is leaving and Tai-lo will remain
0:30:56 > 0:30:58to be paired with the new female.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03The brothers have been together all their lives.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07For such endangered animals, it should be a time of celebration
0:31:07 > 0:31:11but Tim knows they have never been separated.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15You can see how comfortable they are
0:31:15 > 0:31:17and they are used to each other's company.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20This is what they do a lot of the time when it's sunny.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22They sunbathe together.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26They just lie on each other, make themselves comfortable and enjoy the sunshine.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28But, you know, it's for the best.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31These guys are vulnerable, so it is quite important
0:31:31 > 0:31:35that they have a captive breeding programme.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37So as hard as it may be to separate them,
0:31:37 > 0:31:40they will be going on to better things.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48After a long journey, the female binturong is getting close.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52This bittersweet exchange will happen after dark.
0:31:53 > 0:31:58- Your binturong transport has arrived.- That's great news.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00We'll come out now. Thank you very much.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05Just a word of caution, that obviously as you are all aware,
0:32:05 > 0:32:07this is a potentially very dangerous animal,
0:32:07 > 0:32:11so we want to try and make sure this happens as smoothly as possible.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13So I'm hoping it's just a case of unloading
0:32:13 > 0:32:17and straight into the crate but do obviously watch your fingers,
0:32:17 > 0:32:20make sure you keep your exits guarded and have somebody
0:32:20 > 0:32:23at your back just to make sure it's all nice and smooth.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Little is known about the new arrival,
0:32:27 > 0:32:29other than her name - Arabella.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33Female binturongs are on average 20% bigger than the males.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Experts have paired her with Tai-lo,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40but no-one can guarantee, of course, they'll get on.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Look at you, princess.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46You're beautiful.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49It's OK, sausage.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51With Arabella unloaded,
0:32:51 > 0:32:54the time has come for Tim to bid farewell to Namtok.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57They've worked together for six years.
0:32:59 > 0:33:00It's all right.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02You're going to a nice place.
0:33:04 > 0:33:09- Travel safely. We'll miss you. - Good boy. See you soon.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19The team's attentions must now turn to Tai-lo
0:33:19 > 0:33:22and his new mate - who's travelled all the way from France.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28Even though they're not well-studied,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31binturongs are known to make a range of noises.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35A chuckle when they're happy and a wail when disturbed.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40This pair won't be in the same pen for some time but a bad first
0:33:40 > 0:33:43impression could impact on them being a successful breeding pair.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50So obviously this is all very exciting.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53This is the first time they're meeting each other.
0:33:53 > 0:33:54BOTH SNARL
0:33:54 > 0:33:55Interesting vocals.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58BOTH SNARL
0:33:58 > 0:34:00It's not a great start.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03The hopes of an international breeding programme
0:34:03 > 0:34:05rest on these two hitting it off.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11It's been a big day for the keepers and the binturongs.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17- I think it's time we let them settle down a bit, don't you?- Yeah, I agree.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20Let's get the lights turned off and leave them to it.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29The park is home to some pretty ferocious animals,
0:34:29 > 0:34:30both large...
0:34:32 > 0:34:34..and small.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38Yes, these are the park's nine pygmy goats
0:34:38 > 0:34:41and living amongst them is the notorious Bubble.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45Probably the least friendly goat in Wiltshire.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Possibly the world.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Or maybe she just doesn't like being filmed.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57In their native Africa, their hooves get worn down in the arid terrain.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00But here, they need a bit of help
0:35:00 > 0:35:03and it's keeper Tina's job to give them a pedicure.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06Today, Jean is helping her out.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09So the first thing we have to do is pretty much catch them.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12This is Piglet, who we're going to do. She's the creamy-looking one.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16We kind of just have to pick a corner, work as a team
0:35:16 > 0:35:19and if she comes near you, don't hold back, go for the horns.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23Try not to pull her hair. She will forgive you.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25She's got tiny little horns there.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27- How am I supposed to get hold of them?- Practice.- Right, OK.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30So if we head down. We'll go for that corner over there.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34And we're trying to catch Piglet.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38Why do I have the feeling this is going to be harder than it sounds?
0:35:38 > 0:35:41She's coming over. So if you want to...
0:35:41 > 0:35:43This is never going to happen.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46Down you go. That's it.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50Who's that?
0:35:51 > 0:35:55- You nearly had her.- I nearly had her. Come on, Piglet, out you come.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Don't be shy. Pedicure time.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59That's it, well done. That's perfect.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02- This is not hurting her at all, is it?- No.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06This is the right way to move them about. We always have a couple of people.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08How often do you girls do this?
0:36:08 > 0:36:10Every four to six weeks, to be honest.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13So why do you have to cut their hooves so often?
0:36:13 > 0:36:16If we don't cut them, it causes them to be unbalanced on their feet,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19which means they're more likely to walk on their heels,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22which can cause a lot of problems later on.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24What tools do we need?
0:36:24 > 0:36:28- We need some good old hoof snips. - They look quite big, Tina.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31She has got little feet but these are absolutely fine.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35The first thing we do is... Usually she's got mud between her toes,
0:36:35 > 0:36:37so we want to take all of that dirt out.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41- And unfortunately you want to have good smell of it.- Why?
0:36:41 > 0:36:44Thankfully it doesn't smell, because one of the things you smell for
0:36:44 > 0:36:47is foot rot and you will instantly know if that smell's there
0:36:47 > 0:36:52that she's got a problem deep in her foot - but I can't smell it, so she shouldn't have it.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56You can see she's got heels here. They're all overgrown.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59These are the outer walls of the foot, so what we want to do is
0:36:59 > 0:37:02basically we want to even all this out, so she has a nice flat foot.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05You want to make it a nice long clean cut, one go,
0:37:05 > 0:37:09because if you do several cuts, it leaves jagged edges.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12- It really is just like our own fingernails.- Basically, yeah.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14It is a bit nerve-racking at first.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18You're cutting an animal's foot and they do have blood supply in here,
0:37:18 > 0:37:21so you do want to be careful that you're not going to hurt them.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24But once you learn how to handle the tools and things like that,
0:37:24 > 0:37:27everyone quite enjoys doing it really. They quite enjoy it.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30They get cuddles, they get nuts afterwards and when you've got
0:37:30 > 0:37:34an overgrown foot, there's nothing better than getting it sorted out.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38That is a perfect foot and she should be able to walk on that with no problems.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41There you go, Piglet. One pedicure done.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43So, girls, we've only got one, two, three,
0:37:43 > 0:37:47four, five, six, seven, eight to go.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50Yes. And all of them have got four feet.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54- Let's get started. Come on, you lot. Pedicure time.- Come on, Pig. - Come on.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Earlier in the show, our cameras were with the keepers
0:38:02 > 0:38:04as they welcomed a new arrival.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07Binturongs live in the forests of Southeast Asia,
0:38:07 > 0:38:11but these captive animals are part of a delicate breeding programme.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14Arabella has come from France,
0:38:14 > 0:38:18but her first impressions of Wiltshire lad Tai-lo weren't great.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20SNARLING
0:38:20 > 0:38:22So keepers have kept them apart for a week.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27It's really important we take our time with this process.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30Binturong, they're not very common,
0:38:30 > 0:38:33we've never done this before and we're not going to take any chances.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39Put them in together straight away and they didn't like each other, it could end quite badly.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44Refusing to give up, Tim has been reading
0:38:44 > 0:38:47what little information there is on binturong courtship.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51And it seems actions could speak louder than words.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57He's been using our cameras to keep a close eye on their body language.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02So this footage is a great chance for us to see how they are,
0:39:02 > 0:39:06so it will give us a good indication of what they're going to be like in the future.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09So it's really important to see that they are getting on, basically.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13Recently, he's noticed some encouraging behaviour.
0:39:14 > 0:39:19So even now they're interacting at the top end of the mesh.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21You can see she's turned upside down.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24By turning upside down, Arabella is allowing Tai-lo to smell her.
0:39:26 > 0:39:27They are very scent-based animals
0:39:27 > 0:39:31and it looks like he's sniffing her scent glands, basically.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35They have a very unique scent.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37It smells like freshly cooked popcorn
0:39:37 > 0:39:41and scent plays a big role in their courtship and mating.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43# Je t'aime
0:39:43 > 0:39:46# Je t'aime. #
0:39:46 > 0:39:49This extraordinary ritual is the first indication for Tim
0:39:49 > 0:39:52that this pair may have a beautiful friendship ahead of them.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Tai-lo's been chuckling a lot.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59He makes a vocalisation which sounds like someone laughing a bit.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01CHUCKLING
0:40:01 > 0:40:04It's a good sound, basically. It means he's happy,
0:40:04 > 0:40:08he's interested and he's showing a lot of interest in her.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11Having said an emotional goodbye to his brother,
0:40:11 > 0:40:15Tai-lo may be beginning to accept Arabella as a mate.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17It's really encouraging stuff.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20Based on this footage and how relaxed and how interested and
0:40:20 > 0:40:24calm they both seem to be, we'll be able to mix them pretty soon.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26And we'll be back this summer to let you know
0:40:26 > 0:40:28how this relationship develops.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34It's almost the end of the show but there's just time
0:40:34 > 0:40:38to meet the baby giraffe - who is a boy called Evan.
0:40:38 > 0:40:43I'm here with Polly and we've just been looking at your latest arrival.
0:40:43 > 0:40:48- And how is he doing? He looks fantastic.- He's doing really well.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50He's quite a confident little character.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52He's got that from mum Gert.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54She's quite confident character herself
0:40:54 > 0:40:57and I think Evan has taken that on as well.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00And how is he fitting in with the rest of the group? Look, here he is.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03- He's like, "I want to steal the limelight."- Yep.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06Do the rest of the group tend to be quite respectful of a youngster?
0:41:06 > 0:41:09It depends on the characters in the group.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11Quite often, the other calves are maybe a year old or so.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13Sometimes they get a little jealous
0:41:13 > 0:41:16or they want to assert themselves over the new ones.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20But generally, they want to have a sniff and they are quite respectful.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24It's just in the instance if the new calf looks for milk
0:41:24 > 0:41:27from the wrong mum, then they get a little upset about that.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29Evan is actually just having a snack.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33Someone else is trying to have milk at the same time. Gertie doesn't like that.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37- So that would have been a calf that was born last year, would it?- Yes.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39- You do get milk thieves sometimes. - Right.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42But obviously Gertie only wants Evan to feed from her,
0:41:42 > 0:41:44which is why she's walked away.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47She won't allow the others to steal her milk.
0:41:47 > 0:41:48And what's his future?
0:41:48 > 0:41:52Will he stay here or will he go to another herd and have
0:41:52 > 0:41:56another important breeding programme for Rothschild giraffes elsewhere?
0:41:56 > 0:42:00Because he's a boy, he will move on once he is mature.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03So hopefully he would go on to breed somewhere else
0:42:03 > 0:42:06but he might go to a bachelor group for a little while before that.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10So it would be lovely if he could go on breeding somewhere within the UK or in Europe.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13And what about for later this year? Have you got any more calves due?
0:42:13 > 0:42:17- Potentially we have a few during the summer.- Oh, really?
0:42:17 > 0:42:20- So maybe when we're back we might see more?- Maybe, yeah.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23That would be really exciting. Well, Polly, thank you very, very much.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25Always a real treat to see them.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29Sadly, that's all we've got time for on today's programme
0:42:29 > 0:42:31but here's what's coming up on the next Animal Park.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36Jean meets Animal Adventure's strangest resident.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41Wow, he's just completely turned into a little ball.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43How amazing is that?
0:42:43 > 0:42:48Animal Park legend Ian risks life and limb for the killer shot
0:42:48 > 0:42:50of Africa's deadliest animal.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53They wake up in the morning grumpy and they go to bed grumpy.
0:42:53 > 0:42:58And we find out what happens when a dangerous animal tries to get out.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00I've got cars coming in,
0:43:00 > 0:43:04so he knows that he's got a perfect opportunity. There he goes.