Catch up TV

Summer 2021: Episode 15

Thorn the giraffe is an elder statesman of the park and has a reputation for a fiery temper and grumpy demeanour. But as animals get older, they come to rely on their keepers more. Thorn is having problems with his hooves, which have become overgrown. For the vet to get close enough to treat Thorn's hooves, the keepers need to train Thorn to lift his foot on command. Can the keepers train this giant giraffe without getting in the way of a potentially killer kick?\n\nElsewhere in the park, another team of vets are preparing to perform a procedure on a pair of male reindeer. They need to have their antlers removed before the new growth starts, and it’s a physically demanding job. Reindeer antlers are incredibly tough and need to be sawn off by hand while the animal is sedated. Working on two animals at the same time is a big challenge and requires teamwork between the keepers and the vets, but no anaesthetic is without risk, and one of the reindeer has not responded well to the drugs in the past. Will the two reindeer come through the operation this time?\n\nAlso, Jean Johansson finds out how fast the park’s legendary lions can run and gives the giant African land snails a bath.

Source: BBC 2