Episode 5

With the focus on the well-being of the animals, ‘enrichment’ is used to maintain both physical and mental health, and by providing challenges and stimulation, the keepers aim to replicate natural behaviours different species would have in the wild.

So, while the female meerkats at Edinburgh Zoo forage for tasty insects in a ball pit set up by keeper Michael, at Highland Wildlife Park keeper Sophia gets busy laying scent trails for the wolverines Xale, Tina and family.

Meanwhile, at the zoo, Queensland koala Kolari needs treatment for an eye infection. Keepers Erika and Cheryl-Ann have fun trying to weigh the meerkat boys, while Andy whips up a special nutrient-packed concoction to satisfy the giant appetites of giant anteaters Lucifer and Nala.

In the bird department, a group of rainbow lorikeets have been causing worry after some sudden and unexplained weight loss. However, catching lorikeets can be a painstaking and painful process.

And it's flamingo nesting season, with keeper Kirsty hoping that this year will produce some chicks. The last hatched over three years ago and, so far, all the signs are promising.

At Highland Wildlife Park, as well as declaring her soft spot for the wolverines, Sophia hopes to net her first macaque monkey as three bad-tempered and feisty youngsters need to be caught and microchipped. When keepers spot an injured baby Himalayan tahr in the herd, vet Kirsten is called in and there are tough decisions to be made.