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Episode 4

Episode 4 of 10

The keepers hold their breath as one of the biggest and most loved characters at the park gets a visit from the vet. And Hamza Yassin discovers what happens when eight lions try and play football.

A celebration of some of Longleat's legendary animals – in particular, Thorn the giraffe.

Many of the keepers have cared for Thorn for over a decade, and in that time, the 5.5 metre giant has perhaps done more to ensure the future of his species than any other animal – fathering an astonishing 29 Rothschild giraffe calves. But now, aged 23, time is tragically catching up with Thorn. The vet team have arrived to take an x-ray of his feet, as they fear that arthritis is taking hold and the medication he is on seems to be less effective than before.

As the results of the x-ray are revealed, the keepers are rocked to see that the condition is worse than they thought. They now face an impossible decision on his future, having built such strong bonds with this giant of the park.

Meanwhile, wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin tries to capture the experience of being attacked by a pride of lions with some specialist kit.

9 months left to watch

43 minutes

Audio described

Credits

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

Broadcasts