Animal Park Catch up, Summer 2023: Episode 3 on BBC 2

Animal Park

Summer 2023: Episode 3

We say goodbye to a Longleat legend, celebrating her life and the impact she has had on keepers and visitors. Hippos arrived in the park from Uganda nearly half a century ago, and ever since, they have been park favourites. We hear from a keeper who remembers the day well, and keepers who have loved working with them over the years. Sadly, hippo Sonia disappeared, and a few days later was found dead. We hear her story and the reactions from the keepers. Kate talks to one of the keepers who knew Sonia best to remember her life and some of her highlights. \n\nWildlife photographer Hamza Yassin has also been asked to use his camera and powerful zoom lens to document any behavioural changes in her companion Spot that might show signs of distress. He finds her in her wallow and looking relaxed, but are there any worrying signs that most of us would miss?\n\nOn the other side of the park, another keeper has her hands full with a cheeky Catalina macaw who loves escaping, but no-one can quite work out how. Known for their high intelligence and comedic personalities, the keepers think she may well be enjoying her escaping act. But they don’t want to encourage the behaviour, so they place cameras around the enclosure in an attempt to catch the naughty bird in the act. They strike lucky and discover her brazen tactics and create a plan to keep her at home for good. But will the plan work? Not if the macaw has anything to do with it.

Source: BBC 2

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