The Zoo: episode 2
Mum-to-be Asian elephant Karishma is one of the stars of episode two of 'The Zoo'. Here keeper Rob talks about his close bond with her :
Find out more about the Asian elephants at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Not so elephantastic wild
'The Zoo' may show happy times at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, as keepers get ready for elephant Karishma's new arrival, but in the wild the Asian elephant population is not doing so well.
In Thailand their status is particularly dire. Barely 1,500 survive in the wild, with twice that number in captivity, but neither number is assured.
Komodo dragons
With razor sharp teeth and toxic saliva that can fell a buffalo, ZSL London Zoo's pair of Komodo dragons are formidable predators.
Enter our very own dragon's den and find out more about Komodo dragons
Elephant ultrasound
With a tiny trunk already visible, this incredible image of an elephant in utero shows 'The Zoo' star George, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s latest pachyderm arrival, 19 months before he was born.
Vets in action
Whether treating a white rhino for tooth decay or pioneering artificial insemination for Sumatran tigers, ZSL's Veterinary Services department is at the heart of our commitment to animal welfare and conservation.
Spot a TV star
Meet the real stars of 'The Zoo', the animals. Visitors to our Zoos can get up close to our animals, including the lions, Komodo dragons and elephants. Buying tickets in advance online is the fastest and cheapest way to get into the Zoo.
Adopt a famous dragon
Fans of the show can even adopt its stars: Asian elephant Karishma or even Raja the Komodo dragon.
How far do you go for your job?
One thing highlighted in the series, and episode two in particular, is that our keepers are very dedicated to their jobs.
Whether its sleeping over for an imminent arrival or early starts for Komodo dragon introductions, our teams are very dedicated to the animals they look after.
Has the show inspired you? Step into keeper's shoes in our Keeper for a Day experience
How breeding programmes work
Good zoos do much more than simply display animals to visitors. They play a vital role in conservation, through breeding species at risk of extinction in the wild.
Support our work
As a charity, we raise all our money ourselves. We rely on our zoo visitors, supporters, donors and friends for the funds we need to carry out our work.
Just £50 can employ local field staff for a week, or provide a month’s vet checks and health care for half our penguin group. You can help continue this vital work by:
- Making a donation
- Becoming a Member or Patron of ZSL
