The Zoo – This is Your Life is a five part TV One documentary series that celebrates the lives of five very special animal characters at Auckland Zoo.

 

We profile the following much loved animal icons from birth through to the present day; Indra the Orangutan, Kashin the Elephant, Kura the Lioness, Zabulu the Giraffe and Kito the Rhino.

 

Each half hour episode tells the story of one of these extraordinary animals through archive footage and stills, interviews with key people including keepers past and present and footage shot over the last ten years for The Zoo series.

 

All the stories are unique but all feature incredible highs and lows including joyous births and traumatic deaths, stressful journeys, life threatening illness and even daring escapes.

 

The whole family will be entertained and often surprised by these fascinating stories of five exceptional animal characters we have all come to know and love over the years.

 

Episodes:
Indra the Orangutan: Indra the Orangutan arrived at Auckland Zoo 25 years ago and stole the hearts of everyone she met. Indra gave birth to her first baby and the first orangutan to be born at Auckland Zoo. She made the headlines after making a daring escape, and a terrifying health scare later threatened Indra's life. Enjoy the fascinating and emotional story of this lovable ape who's life at the Zoo was about to come full circle.

 

Kashin the Elephant: Kashin the Elephant was a New Zealand Icon and one of the oldest and most recognizable residents of Auckland Zoo, after arriving in 1972 from America when she was just four years old. Famous for her easygoing personality she made front page news when she attacked an intruder while recovering from an operation on her foot. This is a gripping and endearing story of New Zealand's much loved personality.

 

Kura the Lioness: Kura the Lioness arrived at Auckland Zoo as a frightened little cub, eight years ago and then, through some nerve wracking encounters, she let everyone know who was the boss on Lion Hill. Her "don't mess with me" attitude meant she called the shots, but being a mum let her gentle side show. Much admired, occasionally misunderstood, we take a fascinating look at the exciting and unpredictable life of a very special animal.

 

Zabulu the Giraffe: Zabulu the Giraffe was just a shy one year old lad when he set off on a grueling 48 hour journey by boat from Christchurch to Auckland Zoo back in 1998. Nervy and shy he also showed a resilience in his early years that set him apart as something special. Zabulu coped with the hurdles that life set before him, growing up to quietly dominate Pridelands with his regal presence. This is a delightful story of Zabulu from his first wild days at sea to his heady domination of Pridelands and all his gripping adventures in-between.

 

Kito the Rhino: Kito was the first rare Southern White rhino to be born at Auckland Zoo and since the day she first arrived her short life was full of dramas. Absolutely adorable as a baby her effervescent spirit made her hundreds of fans but her arrival also threatened to tear her family apart. When she was just three a tragic accident would affect Kito's life forever and ultimately force her to leave the only home she had ever known. Here is the whole story of little Kito's eventful life and how she eventually overcame adversity.