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The Secret Life of the Zoo
2016 - 2021 6.2 (13 votes) 10 Seasons
Official Website
Genres
Documentary Reality
Networks
Channel 4

The Secret Life of the Zoo

Overview

Chester Zoo is the most popular zoo in Britain. This observational documentary series uses micro-rig camera technology to capture, in incredible detail, the remarkable behaviour of the animals there.

Top Cast

Olivia Colman
Olivia Colman

Narrator

Seasons

Season 0 poster
Season 0 (2019)

No overview available.

11 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: Chester Zoo Goes Underwater
2019-05-23

This deep-dive special episode explores the extraordinary underwater world of Chester Zoo, featuring blind fish, rare amphibians and a frisky penguin

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 2: Extraordinary Births Special
2020-08-26

A look back at the most extraordinary births caught on camera at Chester Zoo., including a pregnant elephant and a wasp seeking a cockroach for a mate to paralyze with venom.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 3: Together Forever
2020-09-02

Some of Chester Zoo's animals are happily together forever, including penguins Rudd and Spike, and sloths Tina and Rico, who spend up to 18 hours a day fast asleep.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 4: Great Escapes
2020-09-09

A look back at some of Chester Zoo's expert escapologists, from Sumatran orangutans to blue-throated macaws and an Andean bear cub on the adventure of a lifetime.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 5: Power Play
2021-08-22

Pedro the giant anteater falls ill and faces a major operation. Chester Zoo's rare bald ibises produce a batch of new chicks. And a rhino couple are reunited after four years apart.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 6: First Time Parents
2021-10-16

A look at some memorable new families, including new arrivals for a rare breed of horse, a couple of squabbling red pandas, and a breeding phenomenon in Chester Zoo's aquarium

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 7: Bad Behaviour
2021-10-23

A look at some memorable moments of animals behaving badly at Chester Zoo. The chimps are up to no good. Two noisy otters are in for a shock when they're re-housed alongside the orangutans.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 8: Medical Mysteries
2021-10-30

More memorable moments from Chester Zoo as baby elephant Indali receives cutting-edge treatment for a deadly virus. Caiman lizard Gary keeps diving into an empty pool. Plus: camels, and clownfish.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 9: Difficult Dates
2021-11-06

More memorable moments from Chester Zoo as baby elephant Indali receives cutting-edge treatment for a deadly virus. Caiman lizard Gary keeps diving into an empty pool. Plus: camels, and clownfish.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 10: Complation
2022-05-14

Compilation of highlights from previous episodes. An orangutan has to be separated from his mother for the first time when she undergoes a CT scan to check for a life-threatening infection. The zoo's cardinal fish undergo a breeding programme, but one struggles to protect his offspring from his circling, cannibalistic neighbours.

Runtime: 30 min
Episode 100: The Secret Life of the Zoo at Christmas
2016-12-22

Young orangutan Indah decides to open all of her family's Christmas stockings. There's a Christmas baby in the tapir house. Ten brave keepers have to catch reticulated python Bali for a health check.

Runtime: 47 min
Season 3 poster
Season 3 (2017)

No overview available.

7 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: Episode 1
2017-02-28

Can mantis Bruce survive mating with deadly Natasha? Rhino couple Beni and Asha are reunited after four years apart. Giant anteater Pedro falls ill. Bald ibis chick Britney is critically underweight.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 2: Episode 2
2017-03-07

Young giraffe mum Tula gives birth, while this year's brood of penguin chicks face the ordeal of joining the main pool, where they must compete for fish with the adult penguins

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 3: Episode 3
2017-03-14

The arrival of a new female chimp causes upheaval at the zoo, baby otter Bo goes missing, cheetah mum Kinky Tail is on the operating table, and the meerkats steal the porcupines' food

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 4: Episode 4
2017-03-21

Young elephant Nandita isn't happy when her half-sister is born. Bush dog Franco has got his sister-in-law pregnant. Rhino beetle Sheldon has a damaged wing case; can he impress female beetle Alice?

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 5: Episode 5
2017-03-28

Tapir Jenny, who has two young offspring, falls ill. Can rhino Kifaru, who has arthritic knees, mate with younger, taller and heavier female rhino Malindi? Widowed porcupine Roxy meets a new mate.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 6: Episode 6
2017-04-04

Rare okapi Stomp injures K'Tusha with his horn when he tries to mate with her. Two African painted dogs compete to impress two new females. Plus: turtles and cassowaries.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 7: Episode 7
2017-04-11

Mr Parsons the chameleon meets a new mate, Daphne from Paris. Young giraffe Murchison faces the great outdoors for the first time. And another baby elephant is born.

Runtime: 47 min
Season 4 poster
Season 4 (2017)

No overview available.

10 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: Episode 1
2017-11-15

Four rare and mysterious tenrecs arrive at the zoo. Endangered eastern black rhino Kitani is due to give birth. And jewel wasp Ripley searches for a cockroach to turn into a zombie egg incubator.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 2: Baby Rhino Due Date
2017-11-22

Red panda Jung is losing weight and no one knows why. Mandrill Ludo gets over-friendly with his dad's girlfriend when his dad's at the vet's. Plus: tigers, and penguins.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 3: Adventurous Bear Cub
2017-11-29

Pygmy marmoset Audrey has to carry her babies everywhere. Andean bear cub Madidi embarks on an adventure into a neighbouring paddock. Plus: young elephants and baby hyraxes.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 4: Chimp Negotiations
2017-12-06

The chimps have been brandishing a large stick; keeper Niall tries to get it back. Male onager Holmes chases every female in sight - including the camel next door - during mating season.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 5: Lady Boss Lemur
2017-12-13

Chester's bachelor pad of lemurs is about to be in for a shock with a dominant female on her way; a novice zebra starts to make a play for power, which isn't to top zebra Florence's liking; the keepers are desperate to breed Javan green magpies.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 6: The Secret Life of the Zoo at Christmas 2017
2017-12-20

The keepers are busy making gifts for the animals but there's chaos when the chimps seek out their parcels. Will dwarf mongooses Cooper and Mini have new babies before Christmas? Plus rhinos and ants.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 7: Sloth Couples Therapy
2017-12-27

Sloth Tina has been giving her partner Rico a hard time, but the keepers have a plan to bring them closer together. And three-legged chameleon Tripod goes speed-dating.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 8: Baby Porcupine on the Loose!
2018-01-03

The tapirs move to a new home. Golden poison frog Pablo has lost interest in his partner Maria, so bad boy El Loco is brought in to shake things up. Baby porcupine Marion faces off the meerkat mob.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 9: Heating Up a Sun Bear Romance
2018-01-10

Sun bears Toni and Millie have relationship problems. Critically endangered eastern black rhino Zuri gives birth to baby Ike. Otter Annie has three new pups. And camel Shan-shan is unwell.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 10: Mouse Deer Move-out
2018-01-17

It is time for mouse deer Una to leave her parents and meet a mate of her own, but she is being shy around her future partner, Biani. Aardvark Koos gets romantic with his sister in this night-time special. Can underdog seahorse Seabiscuit grow the vital appendage he needs to attract a mate?

Runtime: 47 min
Season 5 poster
Season 5 (2018)

No overview available.

6 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: Aardvark-Free Romance
2018-04-18

Chameleons Charles and Eddie try to impress new arrival Ruby. Orangutan sisters Emma and Subis are expecting babies by male Puluh at the same time. The aardvarks are making the new meerkats anxious.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 2: Painted Dog Puppy Drama
2018-04-25

African painted dog K'mana is pregnant with Chester's first ever litter of this endangered species. Meanwhile, can atlas moths Dave and Simon find mates during their five-day lifespan? Plus: okapis.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 3: Make Way for Baby Giraffe
2018-05-02

Giraffe Orla is due to give birth. Orangutan baby Tombol tests his luck with the gibbons. Overconfident ibis chick Professor X gets into trouble. Can a timid sengi take over his dad's breeding duties?

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 4: Runt of the Litter
2018-05-09

Young orangutan Tripa is half the size of other orangutans his age. He relies on his mum for everything but can he become independent when she has a new baby? Plus: penguins, beetles and painted dogs.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 5: Episode 5
2018-05-16

Spider monkey Kiara seems more interested in hanging out with the youngsters than looking after her baby. Baby capybara Henry enjoys having the attention of all the female capybaras.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 6: Episode 6
2018-05-23

The keepers struggle to transport a suspicious warthog and a giraffe. Caiman lizard Gary keeps diving into the pool headfirst, even when it's empty. A baby gibbon is a passion killer for its parents.

Runtime: 47 min
Season 6 poster
Season 6 (2018)

No overview available.

8 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: High Risk Pregnancy
2018-10-31

The keepers think that pregnant elephant Thi is three months overdue. Rampant giraffe Meru relentlessly chases the females in his herd. Plus: anteaters and clownfish.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 2: Never Too Late For Love
2018-11-07

Chimp Zee Zee gives birth to a daughter. Elderly chameleon Mr Parsons has a date. And Gaston the banteng bull has made three females in his herd pregnant.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 3: Episode 3
2018-11-14

Young tapir Solo is moving to a new zoo. Pregnant rhino Asha goes into labour at night. Mantis Minnie is looking for a sexual partner, but female mantises have a bad habit of eating their partners.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 4: Episode 4
2018-11-21

Young meerkats Beagle and Huskie become parents for the first time. And can painted dog Ville look after his seven adolescent pups on his own while the vets check up on their mum?

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 5: Chimp Turf War
2018-11-28

Bush dog Mana is pregnant. There's a power struggle on chimp island. Otter Wallace is struck down by a mystery illness. And is romance in the air for wattled cranes Wilma and Ivan?

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 6: Episode 6
2018-12-05

Red panda Nima's new mate, Koda, chases her up a tree. Baby meerkat Junior is struggling to get enough food. And a shy penguin isn't socialising with his colony.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 7: Episode 7
2018-12-12

Tortoises Burt and Terrance, who've been best mates for 70 years, compete for the affections of breeding female Smooth Sides. Pregnant okapi K'Tusha is due to give birth. Plus: vultures and elephants.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 8: The Secret Life of the Zoo at Christmas 2018
2018-12-19

It's Christmas at Chester Zoo. The UK's first ever surviving sun bear cub is born, and there's a yuletide ceasefire in the turf war between the otters and the babirusas.

Runtime: 47 min
Season 7 poster
Season 7 (2019)

No overview available.

8 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: The Disappearance of the Warty Pig
2019-01-08

A pig goes on the run. Giraffe Narus is being moved to another zoo, but getting him into a horsebox isn't easy. And can the keepers encourage mono-browed fish Noel Gallagher and Frida Kahlo to mate?

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 2: Cheetah Brothers
2019-01-15

Can adolescent orangutan Tuti prove that she's responsible enough to hold baby Kesuma? Dangerous turtle Shrek gets a new mate. Tiny babirusa piglet Tomini is struggling to survive. Plus: cheetahs.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 3: Tough Love
2019-01-22

Sloths Tina and Rico aren't getting on, and she won't ever let him get close to her. But Tina starts to put on weight. Is she pregnant? Or just eating too much? Plus: lions and monkeys and frogs.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 4: Snakes in a Zoo
2019-01-29

When dik dik Kahri becomes a dad, his fight or flight instinct goes into overdrive. Meanwhile, the keepers face the dangerous task of replacing a broken window in the reticulated python habitat.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 5: Otterly Love
2019-02-05

Andean bears Lima and Madidi aren't getting on. Giant otter couple Diego and Icana have never mated; can new male Tarubu relight Icana's fire? And two butterflies get drunk on fermented fruit.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 6: The Trials of Parenting
2019-02-12

Flamingo mum Calypso loses interest in mothering her chick, Marley. Three of the zoo's rare onagers are pregnant at the same time. And a baby macaque gets picked on by some older females.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 7: Baby on Board
2019-02-19

Jaguars Napo and Goshi haven't been breeding. Will training Napo to be more assertive change that? Young elephants Aayu and Nandita are seriously ill. Plus: silvery gibbons and dragon-headed katydids.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 8: Underwater Special
2019-02-26

This deep-dive special episode explores the extraordinary underwater world of Chester Zoo, featuring blind fish, rare amphibians and a frisky penguin

Runtime: 47 min
Season 8 poster
Season 8 (2019)

No overview available.

7 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: Penguin House Hunters
2019-10-31

Rothschild's giraffes Mburo and Mojo miss out on their Christmas treat. Sparky is a new camel arrival. Mascara barb Clark has a date with three females named Kourtney, Kim and Khloe. Red panda Nina gives birth to twins Huey and Tiang.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 2: Macaw 911
2019-11-07

The zoo's Sumatran orangutans are recovering from the horrific fire that engulfed their habitat in December 2018. Rothschild's giraffe Dagmar gives birth, but her calf struggles with its first steps.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 3: Elephant Dynamics
2019-11-14

Keepers spot that Asian short-clawed otter pups are developing bald patches, threatening their waterproofing. Plus, Caribbean flamingos, Asian elephants and dik-dik antelopes.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 4: The Birthing Journey
2019-11-21

A pair of Bactrian camels experience the trauma of separation. Chester's Rothschild's giraffe herd expects another new arrival. Plus, spider monkeys and Cabot's tragopan pheasants.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 5: Playing Matchmaker
2019-11-28

Spotty chocolate poison dart frog Roy faces competition from hunky newcomer Hunter. And keepers hope there may be a first joey on the way for dusky padamelon Styx.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 6: Something's Fishy
2019-12-04

Keepers are keen to breed some baby eastern bongos, a critically-endangered species of antelope. Pinstripe damba fish George needs an immediate operation to prevent suffocation.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 7: The Secret Life of the Zoo at Christmas
2019-12-11

As the festive season approaches at Chester, the zoo's youngsters - from giraffes to monkeys - are about to have their first Christmas, and there are other newbies, too.

Runtime: 47 min
Season 9 poster
Season 9 (2020)

No overview available.

9 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: A Deer Family Welcome
2020-09-05

As the documentary series following life at Chester Zoo returns, on Chimpanzee Island the younger males test the pecking order. And there's a fish out of water at the aquarium. Deer couple Serena and Odin welcome their second doe.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 2: Wishing for a Meerkat Miracle
2020-10-03

Hornbills survived a fire that swept through their home, but it may have derailed their plans for chicks. Meerkat matriarch Huskie seems to have lost her breeding instincts. Sun bear Milli has her paws full bringing up her daughter Kyra.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 3: The Bermuda Skink Shuffle
2020-10-10

Adolescent babirusa Tolo has a hoof problem. Rock hyraxes Daissie and her partner Nungu are expecting their eighth litter. At the reptile house, the Bermuda skinks have a ferocious approach to mating as Poptart meets Sharkface.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 4: Protecting 007
2020-10-17

Keepers are curious when Margery the Malayan tapir is suddenly eating for two; a deadly virus is suspected of being the cause behind a female hyacinth macaw's untimely death, her partner James Bond must undergo total isolation.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 5: The New Otter Brood
2020-10-24

A couple of giant otters welcome four pups and must learn the difficulties of parenthood; a Red River hog struggles to survive alongside her two sisters; zookeepers try to help a sickly Batagur turtle that has them concerned.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 6: Habitat Fit for a King
2020-10-31

The zookeepers run into obstacles as they try to transport an Asiatic lion king Iblis and his kin to a new habitat; a fight breaks out in the vampire crab exhibit; an Andean bear suffers from a broken heart and a toothache.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 7: Bongo Love Story
2020-11-07

Zookeepers work through trouble as they try to pair Chester's newest bongo couple; a trio of silver-eared mesia chicks must find new shelter when a major storm destroys their nest; a Malagasy giant rat must undergo surgery.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 8: Survival of the Fittest
2020-11-14

A violent fight breaks out when a new chimpanzee attempts to overtake the current matriarch; the Zookeepers excitedly await confirmation that two Chinese croc lizards are expecting; two pink pigeons struggle to raise their young.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 9: Goodbye for Now
2020-11-21

A sickly orangutan named Sarkiei mus be quarantined away from her prized son; when a mother giraffe named Dagmar becomes too thin, the zookeepers consider separating her from her calf; a male giant otter pup refuses to eat.

Runtime: 47 min
Season 10 poster
Season 10 (2021)

No overview available.

6 episodes

Episodes
Episode 1: Episode 1
2021-08-10

Keepers are curious when Margery the Malayan tapir is suddenly eating for two; a deadly virus is suspected of being the cause behind a female hyacinth macaw's untimely death, her partner James Bond must undergo total isolation.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 2: Episode 2
2021-08-10

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 3: Episode 3
2021-08-17

Chester Zoo's alpha male lion is having a crisis of confidence. There's been a bloodbath among the vampire crabs. And affable Andean bear Bernie has been kicked out of the family paddock.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 4: Episode 4
2021-08-24

Newcomer Safi, a rare bongo antelope from the mountains of Kenya, is giving enthusiastic breeding partner Moti the runaround. Very soon the keepers realise why - it seems she may be about to give birth earlier than expected. Sunda gharial crocodiles Frank and Frankie need to have their blood tested - but taking a sample from one of the world's largest and most dangerous reptiles is easier said than done - and George the giant rat needs to have surgery after an X-ray pinpoints a huge lump of hard faeces in his stomach.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 5: Episode 5
2021-09-07

Vila the chimp makes a bid for the job of top female only to get hurt in a fight with rival Alice. And Chester Zoo's super-rare pink pigeons need to stop arguing and start mating.

Runtime: 47 min
Episode 6: Episode 6
2021-09-14

Young rat snake Sen meets male Jakob, but will they mate or will Jakob eat Sen for dinner?. When Bornean Orangutan Sarkiei becomes sickly, keepers must separate her from prized son Tombol and Rothschild's giraffe Dagmar becomes dangerously thin, keepers must determine whether or not to part her from calf Mburo. The male giant otter pup is struggling to eat and walk.

Runtime: 47 min

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