Main content
This programme will be available shortly after broadcast

Episode 4

Episode 4 of 10

Endangered African wild dog Kenya faces a pioneering operation after breaking his leg, but even a successful outcome may not guarantee his future.

In African Village, it's a worrying time for one of the park's endangered African wild dogs. After breaking his leg, Kenya faces a life-changing operation that has never been carried out in the UK before. The procedure offers his best chance of survival, but the risks are significant. And even if the surgery is successful, there is another challenge ahead. African wild dogs depend on the strength of their pack, and nobody knows how Kenya's brothers will react when he returns.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Ben and Kate look back at one of the most challenging periods in the park's history. In 2001, foot-and-mouth disease threatened animal collections across the country, and the team faced an anxious race to protect the animals in their care.

Elsewhere, Ben attempts to impress one of the park's most laid-back residents with a bouquet of edible flowers, while Megan McCubbin helps monitor the growing deer herd and joins the keepers for an important health check, We also look back at the time when Hamza attempted to check on the native herons – can he catch a glimpse of these elusive birds?

Release date:

43 minutes

On TV

Thu 16 Jul 2026 09:30

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Kate Humble
Presenter Ben Fogle
Presenter Megan McCubbin
Expert Hamza Yassin
Production Manager Charlotte Hanbury
Executive Producer Joff Wilson
Series Editor Alastair Bell
Production Company Darlow Smithson Productions Ltd

Broadcast