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Episode 9

Episode 9 of 15

The hand-reared fennec foxes must be weaned, but faced with their first meal, will they eat? Meanwhile, Hamza goes in search of Longleat’s finest whiskers.

The keepers are focused on three tiny fennec fox kits as they take a huge step in their young lives. Hand-reared from just one day old, their survival has been touch and go, but now they’re moving into a purpose-built playpen. The keepers are joining forces to supervise their every move as the trio begin exploring their new world. But they know they’re not out of the woods yet. Weaning has begun, and it’s make-or-break time. These delicate animals are notoriously difficult to raise in captivity, and the memory of last year’s tragedy looms large. The team are committed to do all they can to avoid another heartbreaking loss.

Elsewhere, Hamza is whisker-hunting. Keeper Ian, who has spent five decades photographing the park’s residents, sets him a challenge: find the animal with the best whiskers. From tigers to cheetahs, and Californian sea lions to African lions, Hamza is on a mission, but who will come out on top?

Also, Megan and Hamza join forces as they attempt to identify the male antelope in a herd. It sounds easy, but it’s a vital process that every keeper needs to get right. Having spent some time studying the group, will they be able to separate the boys from the girls?

Meanwhile, over at the flamingo pond, there’s hope the birds may finally be feeling broody. With the help of Ben, the nest-building plan hatched by the keepers seems to be working, but with the summer months running short and autumn approaching, will the flamingos be tempted to nest before it’s too late?

Release date:

43 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Ben Fogle
Presenter Kate Humble
Presenter Megan McCubbin
Presenter Hamza Yassin
Executive Producer Joff Wilson
Series Editor Alastair Bell
Production Manager Charlotte Hanbury
Production Company Darlow Smithson Productions Ltd

Broadcasts