Seen Channel 9's Mega Zoo TV show? Now see it for real as we take you behind the scenes of our three zoos and share the important conservation work that Zoos Victoria is carrying out to fight wildlife extinction
The Mega Zoo series features a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run our three incredible zoos.
Hi-tech cameras capture the special relationship between the extraordinary animals and their passionate keepers, as they fight to save critically endangered species from the brink of extinction and welcome the joyful arrival of adorable new-borns.
Read the full episode guide below.
Vet Leanne fights to save critically injured koalas rescued from Victoria’s devastating bushfires. Keepers need to find a solution for two-tonne rhino Kipenzi’s curiosity of zoo vehicles on the savannah. And is snow leopard Miska hiding an exciting secret?
A young elephant needs urgent dental surgery after breaking his tusks. Keeper Ross must move a hippo family out of their pond so a clean-up operation can begin. At the Wild Sea precinct, a crooked beak threatens to come between a couple of penguin lovebirds.
Two friends go head-to-head to win the heart of picky platypus Millsom. A high-risk procedure to help an elderly horse. A crafty orangutan puts keepers to the test, and keepers Georgie and Luke face a heart-wrenching decision - is it time to say goodbye to one of the zoo’s much-loved giraffes?
As keepers prepare to move lion brothers Lwazi and Ato to a new home interstate, emotions run high when a health check takes a frightening turn. How will major dental surgery help Tasmanian Devil Godric father some precious babies? Cheeky gorilla Kanzi must prove she’s a star student to receive vital medical care. Keepers are excited at the possibility otters Odie and Paula may be expecting pups.
Rescue wombat Daisy develops mysterious health problems that have vets baffled - can Dr Chris figure out what’s wrong in time to save the little battler’s life? Much-loved meerkat Nubby faces a daunting X-ray. Keepers Georgie and Luke set off on a challenging road trip to bring home a young giraffe. CEO Dr Jenny Gray reveals a secret that’s been hidden underneath Melbourne Zoo for decades.
The transfer of young lion brothers, Lwazi and Ato, is delayed. Meanwhile, young rhino Kifaru is about to start the mating game with some intimidating females. Marissa and Kim come up with a brilliant plan to help protect the critically endangered Mountain Pygmy Possums and a weird but wonderful outing in the Butterfly House.
A brutal bite has badly damaged zebra Zaide’s tail, and surgery on the Savannah is the only answer. Justin and Monique come up with an enriching birthday surprise for 10-year-old tiger Indrah. The Melbourne Zoo’s Marine Response Unit rescue an injured seal. Vet Sarah needs to solve a medical mystery and provide urgent care to spider monkey Isobella. Reptile keeper Tim gives rattlesnake Sally an ingenious aquatic work out.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is sweeping the world and for the first time in more than 150 years the Zoo is forced to close to the public. Behind the closed gates, the dedicated staff must face all the challenges and new restrictions while keeping their animals safe. Urgent dental surgery still has to go ahead for elderly tiger Binjai and junior Primates keeper Tahlia takes on a big job, relocating the intriguing Cotton Top Tamarin monkey family to their new habitat.
Emotions run high for keepers Justin and Monique as there are complications during on operation on much-loved African wild dog Maana. A dangerous job as a tough, elderly crocodile needs a vet visit for a ruptured cornea. Gorgeous pygmy hippo Felix is given the VIP treatment by Jose and Kristie. Dr Bonnie finds out whether a rare bandicoot can help the survival of its species and then runs the gauntlet with some cheeky ostriches.
Baboon Mum Qetesh needs a trip to the hospital but will her adorable baby Quilton cope with the separation anxiety? The vet team find a heart-warming solution. Much-loved Australian Fur Seal, 23-year-old seal Tarwin gives keeper Jose a scare. Savannah team, Dom and Ash, need to catch a new-born blackbuck for a neo-natal check but it’s definitely not child’s play. Keeper Mark steps in as a surrogate Mum for beautiful little Betsy but she’s refusing to take her bottle.
Beyond Mega Zoo
Episode one: Lord Howe Island Stick Insect
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating Lord Howe Island Stick Insect, presumed to be extinct for nearly 80 years before it was discovered on Ball's Pyramid near Lord Howe Island. Find out how the breeding program at Melbourne Zoo is helping to secure a bright future for this species.
Episode two: Mountain Pygmy-possum
Find out what makes this tiny alpine possum so special! From climate-controlled containers to 'bogong bikkies', there is so much work being done together with our partners to ensure this precious species has a bright future.
Episode three: Eastern Barred Bandicoot
What's a marsupial that is nocturnal, has stripes, and is an excellent gardener? The Critically Endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot was once widespread across the grasslands and woodlands of western Victoria and South Australia. Today, it's listed as extinct in the wild on mainland Australia. Find out how Zoos Victoria and their partners are playing a vital role in the recovery of this species.
Episode four: Helmeted Honeyeater
Did you know the Helmeted Honeyeater is the Victorian bird emblem and is the only bird species that is endemic to Victoria. The population of critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeaters is very small and vulnerable, with less than 240 individuals remaining in the wild. Find out how the captive breeding program at Healesville Sanctuary is helping to save these little fighters!
Episode five: Baw Baw Frog
Have you met the weird and wonderful Baw Baw Frog? The wild population has declined by more than 98% since the late 1980s and it's now a race against time to save this species. Take a peek inside the Baw Baw Bunker at Melbourne Zoo, built to breed precious frogs for release and hear from the experts working with these Critically Endangered amphibians.
Episode six: Tasmanian Devil
Being a top predator in Australia hasn't saved the Tasmanian Devil from extreme threats. Hear from our experts about how we're working together with partners to protect this iconic marsupial from extinction.
Episode seven: Plains-wanderer
Join Dr Jenny Gray, Zoos Victoria CEO, and Yvette Pauligk, Natives and Species Coordinator, as they shine spotlight on one of the world’s most unique and critically endangered birds, the Plains-wanderer.
Episode eight: Melbourne Zoo Marine Response Unit
The Melbourne Zoo Marine Response Unit is Victoria's first dedicated marine unit, responding to calls for assistance involving seals, turtles, dolphins, whales, seabirds and other marine wildlife in Victorian waters. They rely on the community to act as their eyes and ears, and assist with hundreds of cases each year.
Episode nine: Orange-bellied Parrot
These incredible birds weigh 45 grams and migrate each year to the mainland from Tasmania for winter. There are very few Orange-bellied Parrots left in the wild, and they're at risk of extinction. Zoos Victoria is working together with partners in the recovery of this species through captive breeding programs and supporting wild releases and over-winter ranching.
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