The Secret Life of the Zoo is quickly proving itself to be a weekly joy.
The Channel 4 documentary series set behind the scenes at Chester Zoo has already brought us a touching story of best friend penguins Rud and Spike, and the arrival of an adorable baby elephant.
Now in Episode 3 there’s another new arrival as giraffe Orla gives birth to her three week-overdue calf. After the trauma of the birth is all said and done with, we get to see how it mingles with the rest of the herd.
It’s not about the long-limbed favourites though – elsewhere there are the adorably smiley, if scarily huge, mountain chicken frogs, which make up part of Chester’s conservation efforts as a species close to extinction.
Finally, we also meet a trio of mischievous aardvarks to see what they get up to when no-one’s looking.
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Following animals in captivity might not be the usual angle for a wildlife documentary, but this warm, funny, and caring series finds plenty to enjoy from the colourful characters that Chester has to offer - and that includes the staff.
Channel 4, 8pm
