0:00:31 > 0:00:34Hello and welcome to Animal Park. I'm Ben Fogle...
0:00:34 > 0:00:37And I'm Kate Humble and we are out in the East Africa Reserve,
0:00:37 > 0:00:43which is home to giraffes, as we can see, zebras, llamas, camels and ostrich.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46And also, wallabies, tapirs, guinea-fowl,
0:00:46 > 0:00:48and giant tortoises and pygmy goats.
0:00:48 > 0:00:54With all these animals, we've got a whole host of stories for you on today's programme, including:
0:00:55 > 0:00:59The lion cubs are keen to play with their new toy,
0:00:59 > 0:01:01but Kabir's got there first.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05Jasira is thinking, "I want a go, my dad won't let me!" Oh!
0:01:06 > 0:01:11This tiny tapir tot takes his first tentative steps.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18And it's the moment of truth for the rare Pere David calf.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25We'll find out if she's managed to recover from her broken leg.
0:01:27 > 0:01:33But first, Longleat's littlest lions, Malaika and Jasira,
0:01:33 > 0:01:36are growing bigger and bolder every day.
0:01:39 > 0:01:40As the weather gets warmer,
0:01:40 > 0:01:44they've been exploring the wide open spaces of the enclosure,
0:01:44 > 0:01:46testing their limits all the time.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Lion cubs learn the crucial skills of hunting and fighting
0:01:52 > 0:01:56by playing with each other and with their parents.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01Even the larger lions can be playful beasts.
0:02:01 > 0:02:06Recently, they took a real shine to their brand new scratching post.
0:02:06 > 0:02:11But today, there's another treat in store for Malaika and Jasira.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14A happy lion family in the sun.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17I'm out in the lion enclosure with keeper, Bob Trollope.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19Why are they shut in the compound today?
0:02:19 > 0:02:24It seems like a perfect day for Kabir and his pride to be out in the big, wide open spaces?
0:02:24 > 0:02:27- We're going to be doing a bit of DIY in their section.- Right.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30Obviously, it's safer for them not to be with us.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34OK, so, what sort of DIY? It's just a big area of grass, surely?
0:02:34 > 0:02:38Well, we do, sort of, enrichment every now and again.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41We've done a scratching post in with Charlie's pride.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- Right.- So, we thought we'd try something in with Kabir's pride.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48As soon as they got a natural climbing frame...
0:02:48 > 0:02:50Yeah, this is fantastic, isn't it?
0:02:50 > 0:02:52We thought we'd add something to it.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- Right. - A few toys for them to play with.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57A brilliant idea. Yes, I can see the ropes hanging round there.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- We have dangled a few things down there.- Fantastic!
0:03:00 > 0:03:02They're going to love this!
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Well, we're hoping they are.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08It's completely new, obviously, to the cubs, they've never seen anything like this,
0:03:08 > 0:03:10I very much doubt whether the big ones have.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- Yeah.- But, hopefully, the system will encourage
0:03:13 > 0:03:17the cubs to play a bit more round here cos it's such a lovely setting.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22It's absolutely brilliant. It'll be great for visitors coming in as well to be able to see them.
0:03:22 > 0:03:29And, presumably, this will play on natural hunting instincts and playing instincts anyway?
0:03:29 > 0:03:34Hopefully, what we'll see is what your domestic cat would do with a new toy,
0:03:34 > 0:03:39using their claws, biting it, actually stalking it, all that sort of behaviour.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44Brilliant! Well, I can see head of section, Brian Kent, over there, looking puzzled.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- Brian, do you want a hand? - I'm left doing all the work!
0:03:48 > 0:03:50Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52I'm on the last one.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Right, OK. So, what are you going to do with this one?
0:03:55 > 0:03:58Hopefully, try and wrap it round this partition here.
0:03:58 > 0:04:04OK, shall I throw that over the top of...there.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06How's that looking?
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- What do you think?- I think...
0:04:12 > 0:04:15That's quite tough! What do you think, Brian?
0:04:15 > 0:04:20Do you think they're going to react quite favourably to having new toys in their enclosure?
0:04:20 > 0:04:23I think they'll really enjoy it, especially the cubs.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25It's ideal for them.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29If we hammer it down and then, join us a little bit later,
0:04:29 > 0:04:34when we've finished off the cub playground and see how they react to it.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52Many of the animals housed in the safari park are under threat in the wild.
0:04:53 > 0:04:59Part of the park's purpose is to breed them so that they never become extinct.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04These critically endangered Pere David deer
0:05:04 > 0:05:08are the rarest residents of the park.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11There are just a few thousand Pere David left in the world,
0:05:11 > 0:05:13six of them here, at Longleat.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18This spring, head of section, Tim Yeo,
0:05:18 > 0:05:22was delighted to find one of the does had given birth to a beautiful calf.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32But just days after the baby was born,
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Tim saw something which gave him cause for concern.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40The calf was lying down by itself and was not moving.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47Immediately, he called in vet Duncan Williams.
0:05:49 > 0:05:56The baby deer has got a really serious facture of its left foreleg.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00It's not just a simple break, which would heal really easily,
0:06:00 > 0:06:05it has split and there's a segment that is a bit loose.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10No-one knows how the leg was broken so badly,
0:06:10 > 0:06:14but keepers think it was caused by an adult deer.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17In the wild, the calf would surely have died,
0:06:17 > 0:06:21but with Duncan's treatment, she has a chance.
0:06:21 > 0:06:28We have stabilised it as best we could, we have put a plaster cast on it, which is a very lightweight one,
0:06:28 > 0:06:32made out of plastic, rather than plaster of Paris, it sets really hard,
0:06:32 > 0:06:36but it's nice and light and will also be waterproof,
0:06:36 > 0:06:38so it can stay outside.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41It's just really a question of how many complications we've got there.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47In the 1970s, the Pere David species dwindled
0:06:47 > 0:06:50to just 18 animals in one captive herd.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57Since then, breeding programmes have brought the species back from the brink
0:06:57 > 0:06:59and some have been reintroduced to the wild.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04But, there are still only a few thousand Pere David deer in the world
0:07:04 > 0:07:08and every single baby is precious.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13Two weeks have passed and the calf seems to be doing well.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Now it's time for the cast to be changed.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21But even a lame deer will be hard to catch.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25The calf is growing at such a rate now
0:07:25 > 0:07:28that Duncan feels that he really must take this cast off
0:07:28 > 0:07:30so, we are here to try and catch it this morning.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33It's very mobile, this little one,
0:07:33 > 0:07:37and it can move surprisingly well on three legs, really,
0:07:37 > 0:07:40so, I think it could be interesting, really.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47Even though being captured will cause stress to the calf,
0:07:47 > 0:07:50it's vital that the cast is taken off.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56Tim is hoping that a flanking manoeuvre will take her by surprise.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05The other way!
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Right, down to the fence then.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Run her along the fence, if you can.
0:08:13 > 0:08:19Even on three legs, the baby deer is much faster than her pursuers.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21And rather more nimble!
0:08:28 > 0:08:32Finally, keeper Ross Ellis manages to corner her near the fence
0:08:32 > 0:08:34and catch hold of her safely.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43If you sit down and just... shuffle yourself back.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47I'm going to take her down to the Rhino House take the cast off,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50we've got electricity and stuff, so...
0:08:51 > 0:08:53I've never run like that in my life!
0:08:56 > 0:08:58She's all right.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03We'll be back when the cast comes off.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26The sun's shining down at Half Mile Lake
0:09:26 > 0:09:29and it's the perfect weather for a spot of gardening,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32so, I'm clambering up Meerkat Mound here, to join keeper,
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Luke McGruther, up at the top here.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Hi, Luke. Now, I have to say, the mound is looking fantastic.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40It's positively overgrown!
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Yes, we're really pleased with the way it's gone,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46and as you say, it's overgrown, but it's the way we like it.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50The meerkats love to hide in the undergrowth and it attracts lots of insects as well.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Our only problem is the fact
0:09:52 > 0:09:54we've got lots of stinging nettles around
0:09:54 > 0:09:56so we need to pull them all up.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00Is that because they sting the meerkats or is that more aesthetics?
0:10:00 > 0:10:03No, it's purely aesthetic, it doesn't look nice for the public.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08It looks like we're not looking after it, as we are, but we just want lots of natural...
0:10:08 > 0:10:10Sure. Shall we start picking away?
0:10:10 > 0:10:14Now, I know it's not just the meerkats that live here now, is it?
0:10:14 > 0:10:16It's the yellow mongooses as well.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18Sometimes, they're called fox mongooses.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Because they do look strikingly like a fox when you see them,
0:10:21 > 0:10:25especially from a distance. How are they all getting on together?
0:10:25 > 0:10:30Absolutely fine. I wouldn't say they're the best of friends, they keep themselves to themselves,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33but they get on, they don't fight or argue or anything.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37The mongooses like the meerkats to be around because they keep watch.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41Mongooses keep watch anyway, but when the meerkats are around they don't need to,
0:10:41 > 0:10:44cos the meerkats always check what's going on.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46This is the meerkats' favourite place,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49to come up here... and the view is fantastic,
0:10:49 > 0:10:51of Half Mile Lake and all the visitors over there,
0:10:51 > 0:10:55but this is where they keep an eye that there are no predators coming along.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59Yes, it's not the only place they go, but lots of times they will come up here
0:10:59 > 0:11:02because they get a good view of the whole area.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06If there are buzzards flying overhead or even a plane is flying overhead,
0:11:06 > 0:11:09you'll see them look up and they will be checking it out,
0:11:09 > 0:11:14to make sure it's not going to swoop down and eat them, basically!
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Have you noticed any breeding going on between the meerkats?
0:11:17 > 0:11:21There will be pretty soon because I've noticed they've just started to fight,
0:11:21 > 0:11:24just a few hours ago, and it'll be the females versus the male.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28This is an important part of meerkat culture, they do a lot of fighting.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32People think they're vicious, they're not, they're just making sure
0:11:32 > 0:11:36they've got a nice, healthy partner cos they want a nice, strong group.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40It's just the same with any other animal - they like to pick the best partner possible
0:11:40 > 0:11:44to ensure their young are going to be nice and healthy,
0:11:44 > 0:11:48and will be able to have a high place in the hierarchy of the group in years to come.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52Excellent. Fingers crossed it all works out. Luke, thanks very much.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56I think you'd better leave us to it because we have a whole mountain still to clear.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08Spring is a special time of year all over the park
0:12:08 > 0:12:10as the animals come out to enjoy the sunnier weather
0:12:10 > 0:12:12and breeding season gets under way.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18The parks two South American tapirs,
0:12:18 > 0:12:22Jessie and Jethro, have been here for nine years,
0:12:22 > 0:12:25and over that time, they have produced four calves.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34Recently, park staff were delighted to discover that Jessie was pregnant again.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43Now, keeper Bev Evans is getting ready for the imminent new arrival.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52Since Jess is getting very close to her due date, we've started to separate them.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56Normally, we wouldn't, we always leave them together,
0:12:56 > 0:12:57they love being in a pair,
0:12:57 > 0:13:01but, yeah, a week to go, it's one of our procedures before the birth.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04All right, Jess, come here.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08It's not just for the baby's benefit that Jessie and Jethro are kept apart.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Hey, Jeth, how are you doing? Are you a good boy?
0:13:11 > 0:13:15Jethro's quite a laid back adult male, he wouldn't do anything to the baby,
0:13:15 > 0:13:21but Jess is being over-protective and beating him around a little bit and we don't really want that,
0:13:21 > 0:13:25and it's always nice for mum and baby to bond before we do any mixing of any sort.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28And he can see them, so, it should be fine.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Tapirs carry their young for 13 months.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34With such a long gestation period,
0:13:34 > 0:13:38it's almost impossible to predict exactly when Jessie will give birth,
0:13:38 > 0:13:40but Bev suspects it will happen tonight.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46Her udder is dropping quite a lot and there is a lot of change going on.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49We have just got to look out for behaviour, changes in behaviour,
0:13:49 > 0:13:51because she will tell us when she is starting.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00Now, all Bev can do is wait. We will be back to see if Jessie delivers.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23I'm out in the lion enclosure with head of section, Brian Kent, and keeper, Bob Trollope.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28And the lions, Kabir and his two wives and the cubs, have just been let out.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33A little earlier, we hung up, you can see, these toys for them,
0:14:33 > 0:14:37on the dead tree here and we're waiting to see...
0:14:37 > 0:14:39what reaction they have,
0:14:39 > 0:14:43but it looks like Kabir is more interested in us, guys.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45They'll be fine.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48So, we've got, is it Jasira on the left, the slightly smaller one?
0:14:48 > 0:14:52Yes, she's the smaller one and then, Malaika.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54The're not too sure about this, are they?
0:14:54 > 0:14:59Is this a typical reaction, a bit superstitious at first?
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- A bit cautious... - Oh, Kabir is having a go!
0:15:01 > 0:15:03He wants that one! Straight into it!
0:15:03 > 0:15:08It's a good job we absolutely nailed them down, isn't it?
0:15:08 > 0:15:10We needed to, didn't we?
0:15:10 > 0:15:15He would've been the last one I would have thought would play with them.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19Oh, look, Jasira's thinking, "Can I come in and play?"
0:15:19 > 0:15:22She thinks it's food. Will it stay there?
0:15:22 > 0:15:27That will be the test, whether it actually stands up to his strength.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31Yes, I mean, how heavy is a big, male lion like that?
0:15:31 > 0:15:36Well, he is anything in the region of 450 to 500 lbs, I would've thought.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- Wow!- He's actually pulled it out of shape already.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44You can just see those teeth as well.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48Now, it's interesting that both Luna and the Yendi, the females,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51don't seem really that interested in playing,
0:15:51 > 0:15:53more just looking at what's going on.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58I think they will do eventually, but they're a little bit more cautious
0:15:58 > 0:16:02because they are the hunters in the pride,
0:16:02 > 0:16:05so, they're taking it steady, I suppose.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10- Jasira there with Dad! - Jasira is thinking, "I want a go and my dad won't let me!"
0:16:10 > 0:16:12She has to watch out, if he lets go.
0:16:12 > 0:16:13Oh!
0:16:15 > 0:16:17That's it - lion skittles!
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Now, we can see Malaika just off to the side here,
0:16:21 > 0:16:23she's got the end of the other rope.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28There's a big knot in the end so that they can tug on that and play with it.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29That's what she's doing.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32They are putting their full force into that.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34Obviously, not as much power as Kabir.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Oh, is that Jasira?
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Come on, jump on it, then.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42Frightened Mum a bit, but...
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Go on, that's it!
0:16:47 > 0:16:54I mean, in the wild, they're not going to, obviously, find beautiful rope fenders hanging up from trees.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58But, presumably, this is quite natural behaviour for them, discovering new things?
0:16:58 > 0:17:02It is, yes, they're very inquisitive anyway.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08Something new like this, then, they're going to suss it out first
0:17:08 > 0:17:11and then play with it, as they are doing.
0:17:11 > 0:17:17It looks like play, but there's hunting instincts coming out here.
0:17:17 > 0:17:24Well, there is, they're pretending to try and kill something, the way they're going at it.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27So, although, as you say, they look quite small and cute,
0:17:27 > 0:17:32that strength that they've got, even in these early days, is really important for their survival.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37Yes, incredible power, and obviously, their teeth are incredibly sharp as are their claws.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41They would do you an awful lot of damage.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Kabir is loving them, isn't he?
0:17:44 > 0:17:47I think he'll be here for hours!
0:17:47 > 0:17:51That's great. Well, I think we can call that a success, don't you?
0:17:51 > 0:17:54I think you've got a very, very happy family of lions.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Bob, Brian, thank you very much indeed.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22Up at the deer park, the injured Pere David calf has been brought inside,
0:18:22 > 0:18:27so vet, Duncan Williams, can remove the cast and check on the broken leg.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32What we'll do is take the cast-off, see how the leg is,
0:18:32 > 0:18:36see if it's going to be any use because it was really badly broken,
0:18:36 > 0:18:40and then, if necessary, we can stick another cast on.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46This is the moment of truth for the young Pere David.
0:18:48 > 0:18:55Head of section, Tim Yeo, and the team are desperate to find out if the leg has actually healed.
0:18:55 > 0:19:03Hold that up out of the way. Have you got the leg, Kev?
0:19:03 > 0:19:04Support it under there.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Oh! Ooh, right, now, you can see what has happened there.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- Yes, yes, exactly.- It's actually, since we've cast it,
0:19:13 > 0:19:17the bones have gone through, it's stinking, it's really rotten.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21You know, this is obviously going to fall off, it's going to die.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23The leg is going to die.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25The news could not be worse.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29All the best efforts of the team have been in vain.
0:19:31 > 0:19:36Unfortunately, the fracture has not healed at all and the bones,
0:19:36 > 0:19:42the bone ends at the fracture site, have broken through the skin,
0:19:42 > 0:19:45and because it has been out in the mud and stuff, it's all infected.
0:19:45 > 0:19:50So, really, the bottom end of the leg is actually dead now and going gangrenous, really.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55So, unfortunately, we have to put the calf off to sleep.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00Putting the calf out of its misery is the kindest thing to do,
0:20:00 > 0:20:02but Tim is devastated.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08This is the worst kind of news that we could have, really.
0:20:08 > 0:20:15I mean, a female calf, I've been wanting to build the numbers up,
0:20:15 > 0:20:20so it's a real setback, it's a female calf, a hind calf.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23But there, you know, accidents happen,
0:20:23 > 0:20:28and they're big animals and if a calf,
0:20:28 > 0:20:30if it's around its mother trying to drink
0:20:30 > 0:20:34and the others, you've got a jealous female hind next to this,
0:20:34 > 0:20:42and I think, my hunch is that is somewhere along the lines of what befell this animal.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45These accidents happen and you've got to take it,
0:20:45 > 0:20:50it's a bitter pill to take, but it's the way it goes.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Although the treatment failed to save the calf,
0:20:55 > 0:21:00Duncan hopes his efforts will have some benefits for the herd.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04By casting it and giving it these two weeks,
0:21:04 > 0:21:11we have helped the mother maintain or to develop her rearing instincts
0:21:11 > 0:21:15and if we had put the calf down straightaway, she would never have done that,
0:21:15 > 0:21:19so, it's good for the future in that, if she has a calf next year,
0:21:19 > 0:21:21she will know what to do with it.
0:21:21 > 0:21:29Now, the staff can only hope the Pere David will breed again next year.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44Up at the Tapir House, there is better news.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53Overnight, Jessie delivered a healthy baby boy.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00Keeper Bev Evans was up at dawn to check on the pair
0:22:00 > 0:22:02and captured this amazing footage
0:22:02 > 0:22:05of the tapir calf at just a few hours old.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15We did, kind of, expect that he was coming
0:22:15 > 0:22:21because Jessie showed all the signs, all the labour signs, the pacing around,
0:22:21 > 0:22:24so, we were on tenterhooks, we kind of knew,
0:22:24 > 0:22:28but Andy kindly sent me on a morning check especially just to check.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32But yes, he's there, running about, which is really cool, really good to see.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Have you had something to eat this morning?
0:22:35 > 0:22:36Have you?
0:22:36 > 0:22:39Look at the stripes!
0:22:39 > 0:22:41It's a lovely coat.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46There is always a worry, she's had four really good births,
0:22:46 > 0:22:50so, you know, the probability is that some time,
0:22:50 > 0:22:54something might go wrong, you never know, nothing is ever 100%,
0:22:54 > 0:22:58But then, we do have that faith in her, she's such a good mum, she's such a natural,
0:22:58 > 0:23:04she just gets on with it, really, so, you know, there is that worry, but, you know, everything went well.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09Unlike his parents, this little boy has striking markings,
0:23:09 > 0:23:11which would be camouflage for him in the wild.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14His coat will fade to brown as he gets bigger.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19To be honest, he looks really small, but I think it's because
0:23:19 > 0:23:21we haven't had a baby for a year and a half,
0:23:21 > 0:23:24you forget how small they are when they are born.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28But he's very lively, actually,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31and yeah, very strong on his feet, so we're pleased with him.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33That's it, good boy.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36After a few days in the house to build his strength,
0:23:36 > 0:23:41the youngster is ready to take his first tentative steps outside.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47It's a whole new world of sights and smells.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49He's feeding all the time, doing really well.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53That will probably last until about six months old, when he's weaned,
0:23:53 > 0:23:57and that's also when his stripes and his spots tend to fade away.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00It's still quite cold for him, but we need to get him out and about,
0:24:00 > 0:24:04to get him a bit of sunshine, exercises his little legs, really.
0:24:08 > 0:24:14We'll be following the progress of this new tapir toddler throughout the series.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26The park's population is changing all the time,
0:24:26 > 0:24:29but many of the animals have been here for years
0:24:29 > 0:24:31and lived to a ripe old age,
0:24:31 > 0:24:34thanks to the keeper's excellent care and attention.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41Tigers Sona and Kudu are now 20 years old.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43Although somewhat past their prime,
0:24:43 > 0:24:45they still enjoy their lives in the park.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Western lowland gorillas, Nico and Samba,
0:24:50 > 0:24:52are the oldest animals here.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55At 45 years old,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58they've already lived ten years more than they would in the wild.
0:24:58 > 0:25:04And up at the rhino house, lives another park veteran.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Winston is now 37 years old.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09He's doing very well for his age,
0:25:09 > 0:25:14but after a hard winter, he's getting extra special treatment.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17We're up at the rhino house with keeper, Kevin Nibbs,
0:25:17 > 0:25:22and we've come to find out what you feed an old rhino to keep him fit and healthy.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26So, we've got Winston here, the old rhino, a couple of buckets each, Kevin.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28What have I got in mine?
0:25:28 > 0:25:31What you've got, Kate, you've got dried food, which is in pellet form,
0:25:31 > 0:25:36we have added some vitamins and minerals for him and some cod liver oil for his joints.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Very good. It's the same for rhinos as it is for people!
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- Yes, exactly the same. - And what about in my bucket here?
0:25:42 > 0:25:46You've got linseed and barley mix, which we have boiled up.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49The barley will fill him up, fill his tummy up,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52and the linseed releases an oil which is good for his skin.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55He's got very dry skin, so that will help rehydrate him.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57A brilliant idea. What I don't understand...
0:25:57 > 0:26:00Sorry, do you want us to mix this while you're going ahead?
0:26:00 > 0:26:03I'll pour it in. It's like an extreme cookery programme.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06It is! It's like a great big gloopy porridge!
0:26:06 > 0:26:10What I don't understand, Kevin, is that there is no one running around
0:26:10 > 0:26:14the African bush with linseed to keep their skin in good condition.
0:26:14 > 0:26:19So, how do you know that something like linseed will work?
0:26:19 > 0:26:20It's mostly an experiment, still.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24People use it on horses quite a lot and it's good for their coats,
0:26:24 > 0:26:28and rhinos are very similar to horses and they are very closely related,
0:26:28 > 0:26:30so we're hoping it will do the same sort of thing.
0:26:30 > 0:26:37Talking of old age and keeping the rhino healthy, are there things that you do as well?
0:26:37 > 0:26:39Yes, we do all sorts of things.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41Good exercise is the best for them, so we make them,
0:26:41 > 0:26:45we get them out into the big reserve, have a good walk around up the hill.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49If they need medication, we can give that to them.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51The linseed and barley is the big one at the moment.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55Our rhinos prone to arthritis?
0:26:55 > 0:26:59They are in our climate, I'm afraid. It's the cold, damp wind.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Whereas in Africa it's very dry,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04here it's the cold and the damp that gets to them, I'm afraid.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08- How are you getting on, Kate? - I think we're doing pretty well, what you reckon?
0:27:08 > 0:27:10- Do think these guys will enjoy that? - I hope so.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- OK.- We're not going to spoon-feed him?!
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- No, no. - Do we just put the bucket through?
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Yes, if you just come up here, away from its horn,
0:27:17 > 0:27:22maybe just for this one, give it a good bang on the floor, and he should come over.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- Just dump it out.- Will he start eating it straightaway?
0:27:25 > 0:27:26He normally does, yes.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29- So, it's pretty tasty, is this?- Yes.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Not only nutritious, but...
0:27:31 > 0:27:33It smells really good.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35It smells delicious actually. It's making me hungry!
0:27:35 > 0:27:39I know! Kevin, thank you. Enjoy your food!
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Sadly, that's all we've got time for on today's programme,
0:27:42 > 0:27:44here's what's coming up on the next Animal Park.
0:27:46 > 0:27:51Little Gertie is being groomed to within an inch of her life by her mum.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56Can the keepers stop her ear infection becoming fatal?
0:27:57 > 0:28:01Bob's jeep has broken down in the lion closure.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06But no one wants to get out and push!
0:28:08 > 0:28:12And new house steward, Steve Blyth,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15let's us in on some secrets of the great house.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19I just...I love that, it's so James Bond!
0:28:19 > 0:28:22That's all coming up on the next Animal Park.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd -2007
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk