"The Wildlife Docs" takes viewers inside the work of zoological professionals -- including veterinarians, technicians and trainers -- at Busch Gardens Tampa, as they care for thousands of exotic animals whose home is the popular tourist destination. The series showcases everything from preventive care to ground-breaking medical procedures, giving viewers the opportunity to observe what the millions of people who visit Bush Gardens each year rarely get to see. The hostess of the weekly half-hour series is actress Rachel Reenstra.
A Tale of Two Tigers
Oct 5, 2013
The tiger team at Busch Gardens® Tampa is asked to help start a new bloodline of Malayan tigers. They are ecstatic when Bzui gives birth to three cubs. But the excitement is short-lived when one of the male cubs comes down with a potentially life-threatening condition. Preview this episode:
Well Wishes
Oct 12, 2013
A trio of lions has just joined the Busch Gardens family. Animal Care Specialists are hand raising these cubs starting with bottle-feeding, playtime and even a doctor’s visit. Then, two critically endangered wattled crane chicks hatch… one is healthy, but the other is on the operating table fighting for his life.
High & Lows
Oct 19, 2013
Giraffe’s Cupid and Teesa are both pregnant! We’ll experience the first hours of a baby giraffe’s life. Plus, Dr. Pete makes an alligator house call while the Animal Care specialists help some younger alligators find their way home.
Lemur Island
Oct 26, 2013
The lemurs who live on Lemur Island at Busch Gardens are jumping for joy during a series of enrichment programs while Kita, the hippo, keeps a close eye on them as she swims around the island. Meanwhile, a family of Mongoose Lemurs wait while mom, Rosalita, needs to go to the Animal Care Center for xrays… discover what happens when mom is away… how do her twin daughters, Dahlia and Leena react to her absence… and what does their dad, Guillermo, do in return?
Elephants Fancy Footwork
Nov 2, 2013
The female elephants at Busch Gardens have been trained with a revolutionary new style of positive reinforcement. Witness how they are part of their health checkups, including blood draws, trunk examinations and a pedicure. Plus, discover how a new laser treatment helps heal Eva, one of the oldest elephant’s in the park.
Meet the New Babies
Nov 9, 2013
The Wildlife Docs introduce the newest additions at the park. First, it’s a big day in the lion’s den as three lion cubs enjoy a special treat in honor of World Lion Day. Then it’s off to the Serengeti Plain to meet Jasiri, the baby rhino and Kishana the baby zebra, plus not one but two giraffe calfs are introduced to the herd. Preview this episode:
Pretty in Pink
Nov 16, 2013
Witness the Animal Care Specialists teach the Hippo’s behaviors to help the Wildlife Docs give check ups, examine teeth and even take x-rays, all in the name of hippo health! And… why do flamingos stand on one leg? Why are they pink? Do they really fall in love? You’ll get the answers to those and many more questions when the flamingos come marching in on The Wildlife Docs.
Dogs Best Friend
Nov 23, 2013
We’ll try and catch up with the world's fastest land animal, the cheetah! More than a dozen cheetahs have moved into their new home, and an unlikely pair becomes fast friends. Then, Antlers, the muntjac, is not eating so he’s brought into the ACC where The Wildlife Docs diagnose his condition. Plus, Philip the Hedgehog is an Animal Ambassador at the park, helping to educate the public about wildlife conservation. Lately, Philip hasn't been feeling well, so the Animal Care Specialists call on the Wildlife Docs to find out why.
Spikes & Stripes
Jan 11, 2014
The Busch Gardens Tampa employees offer insight on the Echidna and shares the unique traits that really set this creature apart. In addition, Bengal Tiger Jafari and many more exotic animal check ups.
Hop, Skip & Slither
Jan 18, 2014
Wallabies; rattlesnakes and eyelash vipers.
Hoots & Hooves
Jan 25, 2014
The Busch Gardens Tampa employees team up with The National Audubon Society to save hundreds of wild birds a year. In this episode, the Doctors are working on a barred owl that ruptured his air sack. In addition, they encourage the lives rhinos, giraffes, antelope, impala, and many more exotic animals for conservation.
The Miracle of Bolingo
Feb 1, 2014
A gorilla goes into labor early and must have a C-section.
Lions & Tigers & Cheetahs, Oh My!
Feb 8, 2014
Three baby lion cubs arrive from South Africa and are being hand raised by the Animal Care Specialists. Much similar to people, these babies eat a lot, crave attention and love playtime, and it is time for their vaccinations.
Big & Quick
Feb 15, 2014
It is moving day for Spike the Asian elephant. He and the Calgary Zoo employees embark on a 3,000-mile journey from Alberta, Canada to his new home at Busch Gardens, Tampa where he will breed as a herd with five female Asian elephants already residing there.
Hook, Line & Blinkers
Feb 22, 2014
A bush baby has a cyst; a common loon ingests a fishing hook.
Best of the Big Three
Apr 5, 2014
Five Asian elephants enjoy mental exercises, treats and pedicures.
Eat, Prey, Roar
Apr 12, 2014
A giant anteater gets a checkup; two lesser anteaters; the crested caracara.
The Fast and the Furriest
Apr 19, 2014
A two-toed sloth; keeping gazelles healthy.
A Hoppy Ending
Apr 26, 2014
A Malayan tiger cub has a life-threatening disease never seen in tigers before.
Grin & Bear It
May 3, 2014
An older chimp undergoes medical treatment and has a birthday party with the other chimps.
Mother's Day and Tooth Decay
May 10, 2014
An otter needs dental work; alligators' maternal instinct.
A Really Big Day at BGT
May 17, 2014
Animal ambassadors educate the public about wildlife conservation.
A Shell Game of Thrones
Jul 5, 2014
African lion sisters undergo medical examinations and training; turtles and tortoises.
Big Day at Busch Gardens
Jul 12, 2014
A day in the life of Busch Gardens Tampa; feeding and training animals; a kangaroo; an orangutan.
Meerkat's Manners
Jul 19, 2014
An orangutan needs a crucial procedure; feisty meerkat medical checkups and a new habitat.
Baby Update
Jul 26, 2014
Updates on a baby zebra, a baby rhino and two giraffe calves, three tiger cubs and two lion cubs.
