Storyline

"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.

First Aired

2013-10-05
Last Aired

2018-06-02
Creator
Genre

Documentary
Seasons

5
Episodes

130
Status

Ended
Language

English
Network

ABC, The CW

Keywords:

veterinarian nature wildlife conservation zoo animals

Stream and watch The Wildlife Docs

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Season 5

1. A Tale of Two Tigers

The tiger team at Busch Gardens® Tampa is asked to help start a new bloodline of Malayan tigers. They ...More

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:Less

30mins 2013-10-05

2. Well Wishes

A trio of lions has just joined the Busch Gardens family. Animal Care Specialists are hand raising the...More

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.Less

30mins 2013-10-12

3. High & Lows

Giraffe’s Cupid and Teesa are both pregnant! We’ll experience the first hours of a baby giraffe’s life...More

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.Less

30mins 2013-10-19

4. Lemur Island

The lemurs who live on Lemur Island at Busch Gardens are jumping for joy during a series of enrichment...More

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?Less

30mins 2013-10-26

5. Elephants Fancy Footwork

The female elephants at Busch Gardens have been trained with a revolutionary new style of positive rei...More

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.Less

30mins 2013-11-02

6. Meet the New Babies

The Wildlife Docs introduce the newest additions at the park. First, it’s a big day in the lion’s den ...More

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:Less

30mins 2013-11-09

7. Pretty in Pink

Witness the Animal Care Specialists teach the Hippo’s behaviors to help the Wildlife Docs give check u...More

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.Less

30mins 2013-11-16

8. Dogs Best Friend

We’ll try and catch up with the world's fastest land animal, the cheetah! More than a dozen cheetahs h...More

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.Less

30mins 2013-11-23

9. Spikes & Stripes

The Busch Gardens Tampa employees offer insight on the Echidna and shares the unique traits that reall...More

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.Less

30mins 2014-01-11

10. Hop, Skip & Slither

Wallabies; rattlesnakes and eyelash vipers.

Wallabies; rattlesnakes and eyelash vipers.Less

30mins 2014-01-18

11. Hoots & Hooves

The Busch Gardens Tampa employees team up with The National Audubon Society to save hundreds of wild b...More

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.Less

30mins 2014-01-25

12. The Miracle of Bolingo

A gorilla goes into labor early and must have a C-section.

A gorilla goes into labor early and must have a C-section.Less

30mins 2014-02-01

13. Lions & Tigers & Cheetahs, Oh My!

Three baby lion cubs arrive from South Africa and are being hand raised by the Animal Care Specialists...More

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.Less

30mins 2014-02-08

14. Big & Quick

It is moving day for Spike the Asian elephant. He and the Calgary Zoo employees embark on a 3,000-mile...More

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.Less