Ben and Kate return to Longleat where hopes are rising for the first baby southern koala in Europe.
Kate Humble and Ben Fogle return to Longleat Safari Park for a spectacular sun drenched summer series following the remarkable lives of the exotic animals and the keepers committed to help them.
In this episode, a cowardly lion is in danger of being attacked by her fellow lionesses. Beryl's solitary behaviour is putting her in peril, as an unconfident member of the pride can be rejected. To ensure her standing in the group, the keepers have come up with a plan to elevate Beryl's status amongst the lionesses, and build up her confidence. A carcass is laid in her enclosure, but only Beryl is allowed out. Our embedded cameras capture some incredible footage as she asserts herself to ‘hunt’ it and start eating. Gradually, the other lionesses are allowed out. Beryl is nervous – but will she stand her ground and share her carcass, and will her status be elevated?
It’s been three years since Europe’s only southern koala breeding programme started, and Animal Park has followed every step of their phenomenal journey. There’s been some incredible news, and it’s all been caught on camera. Violet started putting on weight last year, and after a few months, there were signs that there was life inside her pouch – little ripples and movements underneath the fur. The keepers nervously wait and hope that their dream of a precious joey could be true.
Elsewhere, Ben helps geriatric pygmy goat Jake have his first ever bath. Indeed, Jake gets the full spa treatment, as Ben uses a special shampoo to soothe Jake’s dry skin problem, trims his beard and rubs in a special hoof treatment.
