Red Panda Drama Mama (Full Episode) | Secrets of the Zoo

Summary

The episode follows veterinary teams treating three zoo animals while also discussing mammal care and pangolin husbandry.

• Red panda Cora and her cubs: Cora, who was nursing two nearly two-month-old cubs, suddenly avoided putting weight on a front leg. An examination found substantial swelling, but X-rays showed no obvious fracture. The team treated her with anti-inflammatory medication and returned her to her cubs, who continued to gain weight. The episode notes that nursing provides the cubs’ nutrition and that a lactating female may stop producing milk if nursing is interrupted for too long.
• Lynx Torvi’s jaw implant: Torvi had previously received a metal plate and screws to repair a broken jaw. A draining area suggested infection around the implant. X-rays showed that the fracture had healed, so the team attempted to remove the plate. A stripped, difficult-to-remove screw forced them to stop and reschedule. At MedVet, a surgeon eventually removed the plate and remaining screw. Torvi recovered and was eating normally. The case illustrates that implants can stay in place long-term, but infection is a possible complication.
• Moose Bertha’s cough: Bertha, an orphaned moose, had a persistent cough and respiratory discharge. Under anesthesia, the team used bronchoscopy—a fiber-optic scope inserted into the airways—to inspect her lungs and collect mucus. They used a bronchial lavage to obtain a sample for culture, which can identify organisms that may be contributing to illness. The lungs contained mucus but did not look as severely affected as expected. Culture results led the team to change her antibiotic treatment, given weekly.
• Pangolins and feeding: Staff discussed the challenge of weaning a young pangolin, Tony, onto food he can eat independently. The episode also notes pangolins’ ability to curl into a ball for protection, their varied habitats, and their vulnerability to wildlife trafficking.
• Lactation: The episode notes that lactation uses substantial energy. A humorous discussion about where mammal nipples are located is speculation, not a scientific finding.

Researchers and Sources Featured

• Dr. Yi — consulted about Bertha’s cough and antibiotic treatment.
• Dr. Randy — involved in Bertha’s examination and lung sampling.
• Dr. Barnhart — veterinary surgeon who treated Torvi at MedVet.
• MedVet — veterinary hospital that assisted with Torvi’s surgery.