1 00:00:05,422 --> 00:00:08,592 NARRATOR: For the first time ever, we go behind the scenes 2 00:00:08,675 --> 00:00:11,425 at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. 3 00:00:11,512 --> 00:00:14,102 I'm hoping, hoping, hoping that she might be pregnant. 4 00:00:14,181 --> 00:00:16,811 NARRATOR: To meet the most unforgettable animals... 5 00:00:18,477 --> 00:00:22,607 -and the team of devoted experts... -That was awesome! I'm psyched! 6 00:00:23,148 --> 00:00:27,988 NARRATOR: ...whose mission is to care for their lives, tell their inspiring stories, 7 00:00:28,445 --> 00:00:32,115 and protect their wild habitats around the world. 8 00:00:32,199 --> 00:00:34,659 The fun is just beginning. (LAUGHS) 9 00:00:36,745 --> 00:00:40,075 (THEME MUSIC PLAYING) 10 00:00:48,715 --> 00:00:52,885 NARRATOR: The sun shines down on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. 11 00:00:55,430 --> 00:01:00,350 A moment of serenity for the 34 species that call it home... 12 00:01:02,896 --> 00:01:07,026 including this herd of 11 Masai giraffes. 13 00:01:09,570 --> 00:01:14,450 But out here, the peace never lasts for long. 14 00:01:15,909 --> 00:01:18,079 RORY: Got all the giraffes running behind us right now, 15 00:01:18,203 --> 00:01:19,713 all of the kids. 16 00:01:20,914 --> 00:01:22,044 And that's Kenya. 17 00:01:23,458 --> 00:01:28,628 NARRATOR: Keeper Rory has a soft spot for 11-year-old super mom, Kenya. 18 00:01:28,964 --> 00:01:31,974 I've known her for four years and I would like to think 19 00:01:32,217 --> 00:01:33,717 she thinks that we're best friends. 20 00:01:34,428 --> 00:01:36,138 But she's a giraffe, so I don't really know 21 00:01:36,221 --> 00:01:37,851 what's happening inside that head of hers. 22 00:01:39,099 --> 00:01:42,599 Kenya's a great mom. Kenya has had four kids here at Disney, 23 00:01:42,686 --> 00:01:45,516 three of them are still on property, one of them is over at the lodge, 24 00:01:45,606 --> 00:01:49,226 his name is Maximus. And then Amira is Kenya's daughter. 25 00:01:49,359 --> 00:01:52,029 And then this is Mara, Kenya's other daughter. 26 00:01:53,697 --> 00:01:58,037 NARRATOR: The park has had success breeding Masai giraffes just like Kenya, 27 00:01:58,410 --> 00:02:01,040 with 11 born in just five years. 28 00:02:01,496 --> 00:02:05,326 Giraffes are a vulnerable species, so every new individual 29 00:02:05,417 --> 00:02:07,917 is important for the species as a whole. 30 00:02:09,296 --> 00:02:11,916 Each giraffe has an absolute individual personality, 31 00:02:12,007 --> 00:02:15,137 but Kenya, I... I just... I feel a connection with her. 32 00:02:15,344 --> 00:02:17,934 Who doesn't love a best friend with a purple tongue? 33 00:02:19,348 --> 00:02:20,678 Before coming here, 34 00:02:20,766 --> 00:02:22,926 the animal training I did was all big cats. 35 00:02:24,019 --> 00:02:26,809 When you start working with giraffes, it's like a totally different world. 36 00:02:27,356 --> 00:02:28,976 Giraffes are a prey species. 37 00:02:29,524 --> 00:02:32,284 So whenever there's something new or something weird, 38 00:02:32,444 --> 00:02:34,154 the giraffe usually will pick up on it. 39 00:02:37,074 --> 00:02:40,744 The patience level is so much bigger, but I love it. 40 00:02:40,952 --> 00:02:42,792 NARRATOR: And Rory better love it 41 00:02:42,913 --> 00:02:46,463 because Kenya will take all the time she needs. 42 00:02:48,085 --> 00:02:52,705 RORY: Kenya is a healthy giraffe, with some hoof issues. 43 00:02:52,839 --> 00:02:55,339 She has had an issue for a long time where she has overgrowth 44 00:02:55,425 --> 00:02:58,215 on her front hooves, particularly her front left. 45 00:03:00,389 --> 00:03:02,139 NARRATOR: To help Kenya’s hoof problem... 46 00:03:02,265 --> 00:03:03,385 I'm gonna bring the tools. 47 00:03:03,558 --> 00:03:06,808 NARRATOR: ...behind the scenes, the team goes above and beyond 48 00:03:07,062 --> 00:03:10,072 to create a special program for its giraffes. 49 00:03:11,024 --> 00:03:14,284 Right now, a simple hoof trim requires sedation. 50 00:03:15,070 --> 00:03:17,860 DR. DAN: It's not the easiest thing in the world to anesthetize a giraffe. 51 00:03:17,948 --> 00:03:19,198 It's a really big deal. 52 00:03:19,408 --> 00:03:22,198 They're very big, there's risk involved there, 53 00:03:22,369 --> 00:03:24,289 so if we can do all these hoof trims 54 00:03:24,371 --> 00:03:26,711 without ever having to take a single medication 55 00:03:26,790 --> 00:03:28,460 then that's the ideal scenario. 56 00:03:29,251 --> 00:03:31,001 -Rory... -NARRATOR: So cast members 57 00:03:31,169 --> 00:03:33,129 attempt something remarkable. 58 00:03:33,338 --> 00:03:35,008 She is our first giraffe that we've trained 59 00:03:35,090 --> 00:03:38,970 for voluntary hoof trims, um, ever in the history of Animal Kingdom. 60 00:03:40,095 --> 00:03:41,595 DR. DAN: Oh, this one might be good. 61 00:03:41,680 --> 00:03:44,180 We've been trying over a long period of time 62 00:03:44,599 --> 00:03:48,149 to get Kenya into this chute and put her foot on this block. 63 00:03:48,812 --> 00:03:51,362 NARRATOR: If the team can pull this off with Kenya, 64 00:03:51,440 --> 00:03:55,650 it could bring a hoof health revolution for the whole herd. 65 00:03:56,111 --> 00:03:57,571 DR. DAN: Let's do this one. 66 00:03:58,447 --> 00:04:02,237 NARRATOR: But training this girl to just take a few small steps 67 00:04:02,451 --> 00:04:05,041 has taken eight months. 68 00:04:07,247 --> 00:04:08,787 RORY: I can't say giraffes are stubborn, 69 00:04:08,874 --> 00:04:10,544 they're just really good at being giraffes. 70 00:04:10,625 --> 00:04:12,535 They're not gonna do something that they don't want to do. 71 00:04:13,587 --> 00:04:16,417 DR. DAN: Giraffes tend to do things on their own schedule, 72 00:04:16,548 --> 00:04:18,628 and so, this has been a slow process. 73 00:04:21,054 --> 00:04:22,474 -RORY: Everyone good? -DR. DAN: I'm ready. 74 00:04:22,804 --> 00:04:24,184 All right, let's rock and roll. 75 00:04:33,064 --> 00:04:34,364 RORY: Good morning, Kenya. 76 00:04:35,817 --> 00:04:36,857 Hey, baby girl. 77 00:04:37,986 --> 00:04:42,656 NARRATOR: Typically, there is one thing guaranteed to get a giraffe moving... 78 00:04:43,366 --> 00:04:44,276 RORY: Food. 79 00:04:49,372 --> 00:04:52,382 But today, mm, maybe not so much. 80 00:04:52,709 --> 00:04:54,169 RORY: She's like, "What is going on here?" 81 00:04:55,545 --> 00:04:57,415 NICOLE: She's very aware of her surroundings, 82 00:04:57,547 --> 00:04:59,537 so anything that's different, she kind of stops. 83 00:05:06,014 --> 00:05:09,524 -RORY: We might be here a while. -DR. DAN: I've got nothing but time. 84 00:05:14,189 --> 00:05:15,649 RORY: Good girl, Kenya. 85 00:05:24,157 --> 00:05:25,697 That's a good girl, come on. 86 00:05:32,165 --> 00:05:34,325 RORY: Come on, look at all the food. 87 00:05:41,341 --> 00:05:44,051 RORY: I saw that, a little glimmer in your eye. 88 00:05:45,178 --> 00:05:46,888 DR. DAN: Kenya, I implore you. 89 00:05:48,765 --> 00:05:51,805 All right, last try, Dan's got two minutes, Kenya. 90 00:05:52,769 --> 00:05:54,269 DR. DAN: Look, she's toying with me. 91 00:05:54,688 --> 00:05:57,068 NARRATOR: With Kenya unwilling to play along... 92 00:05:57,190 --> 00:05:58,900 RORY: I think that might be all she wrote. 93 00:05:59,276 --> 00:06:02,196 ...the team must figure out another plan. 94 00:06:04,197 --> 00:06:08,117 -RORY: I think we're done. -We're gonna regroup a little bit. 95 00:06:12,789 --> 00:06:15,169 NARRATOR: Back onstage in the land of Africa... 96 00:06:17,085 --> 00:06:18,245 out on the savanna, 97 00:06:18,628 --> 00:06:23,218 the biggest resident in the whole park wants his breakfast. 98 00:06:25,844 --> 00:06:27,074 BRIDGET: All right, here he comes. 99 00:06:28,138 --> 00:06:29,678 (DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING) 100 00:06:35,645 --> 00:06:37,225 BRIDGET: There he is, in all his glory. 101 00:06:38,148 --> 00:06:40,938 He's obviously the biggest and oldest male that we have. 102 00:06:41,693 --> 00:06:42,613 (TRUMPETS) 103 00:06:42,903 --> 00:06:44,823 So, yeah, he's humongous. (LAUGHS) 104 00:06:49,534 --> 00:06:52,754 NARRATOR: And where five-and-a-half-ton Mac goes... 105 00:06:54,706 --> 00:06:56,366 others follow. 106 00:06:57,751 --> 00:07:00,711 BRIDGET: So here we go, yeah, okay, so we have Jabali walking up now. 107 00:07:01,838 --> 00:07:03,548 Oh, we have Tsavo coming up. 108 00:07:05,675 --> 00:07:07,135 Our kind of hierarchy is, 109 00:07:07,302 --> 00:07:10,182 Mac's first, obviously, he's the biggest, largest, oldest. 110 00:07:12,182 --> 00:07:15,642 Underneath him is Tsavo, you know, he's the next oldest, next biggest, 111 00:07:15,727 --> 00:07:17,897 and then Jabali kind of follows in at the bottom. 112 00:07:20,815 --> 00:07:25,105 NARRATOR: At feeding time, elephants here chow down on hay and grass. 113 00:07:25,445 --> 00:07:30,655 A bull Mac's size can eat up to 300 pounds a day. 114 00:07:34,955 --> 00:07:38,535 And Mac makes the rules at this breakfast table... 115 00:07:39,250 --> 00:07:42,090 BRIDGET: Mac has a bubble around him, that's his space right now. 116 00:07:44,214 --> 00:07:46,554 They're communicating right now, we just can't hear it. 117 00:07:46,800 --> 00:07:48,590 So, he's basically already told these boys 118 00:07:48,718 --> 00:07:51,298 that this is where he's going to be eating for a little bit. 119 00:07:51,388 --> 00:07:53,008 So don't come in this bubble just yet. 120 00:07:55,725 --> 00:07:58,345 NARRATOR: But some rules are made to be broken. 121 00:08:03,233 --> 00:08:05,613 BRIDGET: Tsavo's approaching Mac, in the center of the yard. 122 00:08:07,696 --> 00:08:10,236 Tsavo's a little bit more courageous, you could say. 123 00:08:10,448 --> 00:08:13,408 He knows that there's some more green stuff, some goodies, closer to Mac. 124 00:08:15,245 --> 00:08:17,155 He's cautious, he's kind of reaching his nose out 125 00:08:17,247 --> 00:08:18,707 to sort of see where Mac's at... 126 00:08:21,501 --> 00:08:24,421 testing the waters to see what kind of mood Mac's in. 127 00:08:25,213 --> 00:08:27,173 We'll see how close he wants to get to Mac. 128 00:08:28,133 --> 00:08:29,183 Pretty brave. 129 00:08:32,470 --> 00:08:35,640 And apparently, it's not worth it... (LAUGHS) ...so he'll keep moving on. 130 00:08:37,308 --> 00:08:40,308 NARRATOR: Mac wants to enjoy his meal in peace. 131 00:08:41,396 --> 00:08:43,606 But the boys have other plans. 132 00:08:43,940 --> 00:08:46,570 BRIDGET: We're at the sparring point already this morning. (LAUGHING) 133 00:08:46,693 --> 00:08:49,533 (GRUNTS) 134 00:08:49,696 --> 00:08:52,866 BRIDGET: It can look really intense but they can handle it, basically. 135 00:08:55,618 --> 00:08:58,158 Mac regulates a lot of what happens out here, 136 00:08:58,371 --> 00:09:00,121 so if that gets a little too rough, 137 00:09:00,248 --> 00:09:03,958 he might take a step or two in that direction and maybe break it up. 138 00:09:04,252 --> 00:09:05,382 (TRUMPETS) 139 00:09:05,962 --> 00:09:08,012 NARRATOR: And enough's enough. 140 00:09:08,631 --> 00:09:10,221 BRIDGET: Oh, Mac's moving a little bit. 141 00:09:10,467 --> 00:09:11,757 (GRUNTS) 142 00:09:13,720 --> 00:09:16,180 BRIDGET: Here we go. Yeah, Mac's approaching a little bit. 143 00:09:18,224 --> 00:09:20,394 He's basically telling the boys to move off. 144 00:09:24,814 --> 00:09:28,864 Just that little step or two from Mac, and the little boys kind of moved away. 145 00:09:33,156 --> 00:09:35,826 Just little stuff like that, they're communicating with each other. 146 00:09:36,159 --> 00:09:39,659 Tsavo and Jabali are learning different social cues, 147 00:09:39,788 --> 00:09:43,628 and physical cues, and growing up, and learning around Mac, 148 00:09:43,833 --> 00:09:45,503 how to be a bigger bull. 149 00:09:46,377 --> 00:09:48,207 NARRATOR: Mac may be the model patriarch, 150 00:09:48,379 --> 00:09:51,629 but he does have a few miles on the odometer. 151 00:09:54,219 --> 00:09:55,349 And today... 152 00:09:55,553 --> 00:09:57,723 Michele, whenever you guys are ready, I have Mac. 153 00:09:57,847 --> 00:10:01,727 NARRATOR: ...he heads backstage for an inspection by Dr. Ryan. 154 00:10:03,603 --> 00:10:04,943 DR. RYAN: The check-up for an elephant 155 00:10:05,188 --> 00:10:07,568 involves the same thing as it would for a person 156 00:10:07,649 --> 00:10:10,029 or, you know, your dog or cat. 157 00:10:12,445 --> 00:10:17,405 We just really need to get a good overview of how they look, how they move. 158 00:10:17,742 --> 00:10:18,742 Hey, bud. 159 00:10:19,035 --> 00:10:20,485 DR. RYAN: Elephants are a little challenging 160 00:10:20,562 --> 00:10:22,002 just because of their sheer size. 161 00:10:22,122 --> 00:10:24,252 They let you know when they're not very comfortable 162 00:10:24,332 --> 00:10:27,042 with what's going on, so you have to be really careful. 163 00:10:28,169 --> 00:10:31,209 NARRATOR: First up, a check of the cooling system. 164 00:10:31,798 --> 00:10:34,968 FEMALE VOICE: Mac, ear. There, good boy. 165 00:10:36,096 --> 00:10:37,216 DR. RYAN: All right, going up. 166 00:10:39,347 --> 00:10:40,467 FEMALE VOICE: Good boy, Mac. 167 00:10:40,682 --> 00:10:42,982 DR. RYAN: There's a whole bunch of visible blood vessels 168 00:10:43,184 --> 00:10:45,654 that can give me some ideas about blood pressure, 169 00:10:45,770 --> 00:10:49,320 they use these blood vessels to increase blood flow to their ears 170 00:10:49,399 --> 00:10:52,359 to help blow off heat. So cool. 171 00:10:52,652 --> 00:10:55,612 Really, we're not seeing anything out of the ordinary. 172 00:10:56,239 --> 00:10:58,409 -Can I touch his tail? -FEMALE VOICE: Yeah. 173 00:10:58,491 --> 00:11:00,911 DR. RYAN: He's got a couple broken off hair shafts here, 174 00:11:00,994 --> 00:11:02,124 but they look fine. 175 00:11:02,912 --> 00:11:03,962 FEMALE VOICE: Mac, foot! 176 00:11:05,456 --> 00:11:08,626 Foot health is incredibly important in elephants. 177 00:11:09,043 --> 00:11:10,343 Most people don't realize 178 00:11:10,420 --> 00:11:13,460 that if you look at the elephant's skeletal structures, 179 00:11:13,548 --> 00:11:15,758 is they actually stand up on their toes. 180 00:11:16,301 --> 00:11:19,181 NARRATOR: A balanced built-in suspension system 181 00:11:19,304 --> 00:11:20,354 makes it possible. 182 00:11:20,513 --> 00:11:23,273 DR. RYAN: There is a large cushion under their foot, 183 00:11:23,349 --> 00:11:25,769 so that cushion absorbs a lot of the shock. 184 00:11:26,311 --> 00:11:27,911 FEMALE VOICE: Mackie, more foot! 185 00:11:28,563 --> 00:11:29,913 -DR. RYAN: Thanks, bud. -(WOMAN LAUGHS) 186 00:11:30,148 --> 00:11:32,688 DR. RYAN: You walk around, you're that big and you have toenails, 187 00:11:32,775 --> 00:11:34,235 you're gonna knock 'em, and... and nick 'em, 188 00:11:34,319 --> 00:11:36,279 and crack 'em every once in a while. 189 00:11:36,487 --> 00:11:38,447 You know, if you look, my nails aren't perfect. 190 00:11:40,366 --> 00:11:41,776 -He needs a manicure. -(WOMAN LAUGHS) 191 00:11:43,411 --> 00:11:48,001 NARRATOR: The exterior checks out. Now for a look under the hood. 192 00:11:48,082 --> 00:11:50,082 DR. RYAN: All right, let's move on to Mac's mouth. 193 00:11:51,419 --> 00:11:52,419 FEMALE VOICE: Mac, trunk. 194 00:11:54,047 --> 00:11:56,507 -Good, steady. -DR. RYAN: Very good. 195 00:11:57,634 --> 00:11:59,144 FEMALE VOICE: Good boy. 196 00:12:01,512 --> 00:12:03,562 DR. RYAN: If you can see in this thing up here, 197 00:12:03,765 --> 00:12:06,535 that little hole there, that's not supposed to be there. 198 00:12:06,611 --> 00:12:08,541 -FEMALE VOICE: Good boy. -DR. RYAN: I don't know what that is. 199 00:12:08,586 --> 00:12:11,306 NARRATOR: The spot has Dr. Ryan stumped. 200 00:12:11,397 --> 00:12:13,607 DR. RYAN: We'll figure out how to get a better look at it. 201 00:12:18,154 --> 00:12:20,164 NARRATOR: Backstage, off the savanna... 202 00:12:22,408 --> 00:12:24,618 it's take two for Kenya. 203 00:12:25,119 --> 00:12:28,159 As she attempts a first for the park's giraffes, 204 00:12:28,915 --> 00:12:30,665 a voluntary hoof trim. 205 00:12:32,168 --> 00:12:34,498 Can I have a Kenya, please? 206 00:12:34,921 --> 00:12:38,261 NARRATOR: Despite months of trying, the team won't give up. 207 00:12:40,802 --> 00:12:43,762 RORY: Good afternoon, Kenya. Let's rock and roll. 208 00:12:47,600 --> 00:12:51,100 All right, you can do it. You got it. Show your stuff, honey. 209 00:12:54,649 --> 00:12:55,729 (GROANS) 210 00:12:56,317 --> 00:12:57,607 -Hey, Nicky? -NICOLE: Yes, sir? 211 00:12:57,694 --> 00:13:01,364 You want to go up on the platform and just see what's going on? 212 00:13:01,447 --> 00:13:03,947 NARRATOR: With Kenya refusing to come out for food, 213 00:13:04,784 --> 00:13:08,254 Plan B means bringing the food to Kenya. 214 00:13:15,670 --> 00:13:17,460 NICOLE: Yeah, this is easier, huh? 215 00:13:19,007 --> 00:13:20,127 NARRATOR: Voila! 216 00:13:23,845 --> 00:13:26,385 You're drooling. You getting some of the drool, Dan? 217 00:13:26,889 --> 00:13:28,979 -DR. DAN: Something's hitting me. -RORY: That's Kenya. 218 00:13:29,559 --> 00:13:31,889 DR. DAN: It's kinda like when a bird poops on you, it's good luck. 219 00:13:36,065 --> 00:13:40,775 RORY: When she hears that noise, she knows that she is doing a desired behavior. 220 00:13:41,446 --> 00:13:43,906 We pair it with food, so that she knows, 221 00:13:43,990 --> 00:13:46,030 "Oh, I'm doing something good, I'm going to get food." 222 00:13:46,284 --> 00:13:48,454 -It's all about positive reinforcement. -NICOLE: Exactly. 223 00:13:53,041 --> 00:13:55,881 NARRATOR: This might be the big moment. 224 00:14:10,558 --> 00:14:14,058 NICOLE: You want to take some food from Rory? Look, he's got more. 225 00:14:15,980 --> 00:14:20,190 NARRATOR: One small step for Kenya could mean a giant leap 226 00:14:20,443 --> 00:14:22,613 for the park's giraffe herd. 227 00:14:30,078 --> 00:14:35,118 RORY: Yes! Great job, girl. You're doing great, I am very proud of you. 228 00:14:36,483 --> 00:14:40,913 NARRATOR: She finally hits her mark, right next to Dr. Dan. 229 00:14:41,007 --> 00:14:43,337 NICOLE: Even if she puts her foot on there for a second, I'd be happy. 230 00:14:43,424 --> 00:14:45,434 Oh my God, we're gonna give her all the food. 231 00:14:50,348 --> 00:14:51,348 Left. 232 00:14:53,101 --> 00:14:54,811 Didn't quite get it on the box. 233 00:14:55,645 --> 00:14:56,515 Left. 234 00:14:57,397 --> 00:15:01,107 She is giving it a lot of effort, she's coming really close... 235 00:15:04,028 --> 00:15:05,528 You know what to do, come on. 236 00:15:06,489 --> 00:15:09,029 -Left! -DR. DAN: Yeah, come on, you got this. 237 00:15:09,242 --> 00:15:11,202 Yep. Now roll it over. 238 00:15:11,577 --> 00:15:15,577 RORY: I'm kind of holding my breath because I want her to finally nail it. 239 00:15:16,457 --> 00:15:17,627 You are so close. 240 00:15:19,836 --> 00:15:21,626 DR. DAN: Hey, there we go. Let's take that. 241 00:15:21,712 --> 00:15:23,092 Okay, I'm gonna do some stuff here. 242 00:15:26,759 --> 00:15:30,849 She's letting me really work to get the entire abnormal part 243 00:15:31,013 --> 00:15:33,223 of her hoof off of there. 244 00:15:37,228 --> 00:15:38,938 Kenya doesn't feel what I'm doing at all. 245 00:15:39,063 --> 00:15:41,363 She can feel that something is happening, 246 00:15:41,441 --> 00:15:45,281 but the material that I'm taking off of her hoof isn't alive. 247 00:15:45,403 --> 00:15:48,993 It's the equivalent of your fingernail or your hair. 248 00:15:50,199 --> 00:15:51,449 Who the best giraffe? 249 00:15:52,702 --> 00:15:53,702 DR. DAN: Let's end it. 250 00:15:53,912 --> 00:15:55,212 -That was awesome. -NICOLE: That was... 251 00:15:55,288 --> 00:15:56,858 -RORY: That was incredible. -NICOLE: ...incredible. 252 00:15:56,956 --> 00:15:59,746 RORY: Good job, Dr. Dan. Good job, Kenya. 253 00:16:01,127 --> 00:16:03,087 -That was awesome. -NICOLE: Finally! 254 00:16:03,254 --> 00:16:05,474 I'm psyched. I'm psyched! 255 00:16:07,175 --> 00:16:10,135 People have no idea how much goes on behind the scenes here. 256 00:16:13,890 --> 00:16:15,220 I'm pumped. (LAUGHS) 257 00:16:15,516 --> 00:16:17,766 This is a big deal because at Disney, 258 00:16:17,852 --> 00:16:21,442 this is the first time we've been able to do this on any of our giraffes. 259 00:16:21,522 --> 00:16:23,772 NICOLE: From where we started with Kenya, to now being able 260 00:16:23,858 --> 00:16:28,068 to curl her foot up on that block is... is a huge monumental, um, achievement. 261 00:16:29,405 --> 00:16:31,485 -Nice work. -I'm super excited. Thank you. 262 00:16:32,158 --> 00:16:33,368 It's a momentous occasion. 263 00:16:34,994 --> 00:16:37,164 I wanna toss it like confetti, is that something we can do? 264 00:16:38,873 --> 00:16:40,213 (BIRDS CHIRPING) 265 00:16:41,876 --> 00:16:46,626 NARRATOR: Out on the savanna, the young bull elephants frolic, 266 00:16:46,923 --> 00:16:47,973 fancy free. 267 00:16:49,509 --> 00:16:52,469 -That's because big boss, Mac... -FEMALE VOICE: Mac, trunk. 268 00:16:52,803 --> 00:16:55,473 ...has an appointment backstage with Dr. Ryan. 269 00:16:56,641 --> 00:16:58,101 FEMALE VOICE: Good, steady. 270 00:16:58,309 --> 00:17:02,559 NARRATOR: He's found something unusual inside the big guy's mouth. 271 00:17:02,855 --> 00:17:05,225 DR. RYAN: He's got a defect in his palate. 272 00:17:05,358 --> 00:17:07,898 -I've got the light shined right on it. -FEMALE VOICE: It's like... 273 00:17:07,985 --> 00:17:10,395 DR. RYAN: It's like a little pocket that seems to have collected 274 00:17:10,488 --> 00:17:11,818 some food material. 275 00:17:12,406 --> 00:17:15,446 That little hole there. That's not supposed to be there. 276 00:17:15,535 --> 00:17:17,115 Huh, that's interesting. 277 00:17:18,454 --> 00:17:19,964 FEMALE VOICE: Good boy. 278 00:17:20,289 --> 00:17:22,999 DR. RYAN: I want to wash it out, 'cause he had a bunch of food stuck 279 00:17:23,084 --> 00:17:24,384 on his palate. 280 00:17:24,502 --> 00:17:26,132 -Will he let you hose him? -FEMALE VOICE: Mm-hmm. 281 00:17:26,254 --> 00:17:27,464 Let's do that. 282 00:17:27,588 --> 00:17:32,758 NARRATOR: But there's no need to offer a hose to someone with a hose of his own. 283 00:17:36,097 --> 00:17:39,727 FEMALE VOICE: Boy, trunk. Good open, Mac. Steady. 284 00:17:39,809 --> 00:17:42,189 DR. RYAN: We'll figure out how to get a better look at it. 285 00:17:43,854 --> 00:17:46,154 NARRATOR: Getting a good look requires quick thinking... 286 00:17:48,025 --> 00:17:49,855 and the help of the camera crew. 287 00:17:50,695 --> 00:17:53,985 DR. RYAN: I think, uh, a GoPro on a stick is in our future. 288 00:17:54,532 --> 00:17:56,532 Are... Are you guys okay with that? 289 00:17:57,910 --> 00:18:00,750 NARRATOR: Hopefully, this patient isn't too hungry. 290 00:18:00,871 --> 00:18:03,251 DR. RYAN: You guys won't be upset if he eats it, right? 291 00:18:03,374 --> 00:18:04,544 -MALE VOICE: No. -Okay. 292 00:18:05,710 --> 00:18:08,880 Okay, Mac, you ready? Good boy, Mackie, stretch. 293 00:18:09,255 --> 00:18:11,465 -All right, Mac. Good stretch. (LAUGHS) -FEMALE VOICE 2: Yeah. 294 00:18:11,674 --> 00:18:13,804 FEMALE VOICE 1: Good boy. Mac, trunk. (LAUGHS) 295 00:18:14,176 --> 00:18:17,596 NARRATOR: And now, time to open wide. 296 00:18:18,931 --> 00:18:21,271 FEMALE VOICE 1: Good boy, Mackie. Good. Open. 297 00:18:21,350 --> 00:18:23,850 FEMALE VOICE 2: All right, Ryan, just tell me where we need to go here. 298 00:18:23,936 --> 00:18:26,056 -FEMALE VOICE 1: Good, open. -DR. RYAN: Okay, come forward. 299 00:18:26,314 --> 00:18:28,234 -FEMALE VOICE 1: Good boy, Mac. -DR. RYAN: Okay, stop. 300 00:18:28,316 --> 00:18:30,476 Move to his left a little bit, 301 00:18:30,651 --> 00:18:32,651 -and then towards his nose. -FEMALE VOICE 1: Good. 302 00:18:33,139 --> 00:18:34,239 FEMALE VOICE 2: Anything, Ryan? 303 00:18:34,697 --> 00:18:37,487 DR. RYAN: What I can tell is there... That pocket up in there, 304 00:18:37,783 --> 00:18:39,493 it's got some stuff packed in it, 305 00:18:39,577 --> 00:18:42,157 so there was little pieces of hay sticking out of it. 306 00:18:42,256 --> 00:18:43,726 FEMALE VOICE 1: I think we're gonna lose him. 307 00:18:43,831 --> 00:18:45,671 DR. RYAN: That's okay. That was a great look. 308 00:18:45,791 --> 00:18:48,251 It's kind of hard to say what it is at this point, 309 00:18:48,336 --> 00:18:50,456 but it doesn't seem to be bothering him at all. 310 00:18:50,880 --> 00:18:53,760 So, uh, we need to investigate it a little bit more to... 311 00:18:53,883 --> 00:18:55,303 to figure out what's going on. 312 00:18:55,635 --> 00:18:56,965 -Look at that. -(WOMAN LAUGHING) 313 00:18:57,053 --> 00:18:58,763 DR. RYAN: Look at how much I just gave you. 314 00:18:58,846 --> 00:19:00,506 Right? See? 315 00:19:01,709 --> 00:19:04,309 -DR. RYAN: I'm a really nice veterinarian. -FEMALE VOICE 1: He's really nice. 316 00:19:06,479 --> 00:19:10,979 NARRATOR: At sundown, the park takes on a whole new life. 317 00:19:14,028 --> 00:19:16,858 And the animals roam under a whole new light... 318 00:19:18,032 --> 00:19:21,872 while guests head out on a Sunset Safari. 319 00:19:24,330 --> 00:19:27,460 Like every other intricately designed environment here... 320 00:19:30,127 --> 00:19:32,337 from ancient Asian temples... 321 00:19:33,506 --> 00:19:35,166 to lush African forests... 322 00:19:37,593 --> 00:19:41,393 expert habitat designers, along with the Disney Imagineers, 323 00:19:41,597 --> 00:19:43,057 bring it all to life. 324 00:19:43,516 --> 00:19:46,306 JOE: We're trying to keep you inside a world of story. 325 00:19:46,394 --> 00:19:50,694 We just want you to feel like the experience is kind of weirdly real. 326 00:19:52,191 --> 00:19:57,071 NARRATOR: Their latest creation could mean a new dawn for sunset viewing. 327 00:19:58,364 --> 00:20:00,834 It looks just like a tree... 328 00:20:02,201 --> 00:20:06,371 but it also provides an animal friendly ray of light. 329 00:20:08,082 --> 00:20:10,332 KYLE: Elephants are super important for our guests to see, 330 00:20:10,418 --> 00:20:11,708 they love seeing the elephants. 331 00:20:11,919 --> 00:20:15,919 The elephants aren't incredibly visible out on the safari at night 332 00:20:16,006 --> 00:20:17,466 so what we've ended up doing 333 00:20:17,550 --> 00:20:20,760 was making this thing look like a palm tree. 334 00:20:21,971 --> 00:20:25,681 Looks super real, that's great. You guys have done such a good job. 335 00:20:25,850 --> 00:20:27,560 A lot of things at stake here. 336 00:20:27,685 --> 00:20:29,845 This is the first time we've ever done this. 337 00:20:29,937 --> 00:20:33,607 This is, I think, one of the coolest fake trees that has ever been built. 338 00:20:37,778 --> 00:20:41,738 NARRATOR: More than a year of work went into creating a tree 339 00:20:41,824 --> 00:20:43,084 that looks natural. 340 00:20:43,659 --> 00:20:45,159 STEVE: This is all stainless steel, 341 00:20:45,578 --> 00:20:50,078 and all the steel has been coated with epoxy and sculpted, 342 00:20:50,332 --> 00:20:53,752 and then the moss, the lichen, those are all paint treatments. 343 00:20:54,837 --> 00:20:57,507 These are the stainless-steel mesh palm fronds. 344 00:20:57,590 --> 00:21:01,010 This has a translucent character to it so it feels more organic. 345 00:21:01,260 --> 00:21:04,930 What differentiates Animal Kingdom is the safety of the animals as well, 346 00:21:05,014 --> 00:21:08,434 so making sure that the whole pole is high enough 347 00:21:08,517 --> 00:21:11,057 that the elephants, they don't get light shined in their eyes 348 00:21:11,145 --> 00:21:12,095 is super important. 349 00:21:12,605 --> 00:21:15,145 NARRATOR: Tonight brings the make or break moment... 350 00:21:15,983 --> 00:21:19,403 to the latest addition to the Sunset Safari. 351 00:21:20,070 --> 00:21:24,280 KYLE: We've put all this work into this beautiful piece of nature 352 00:21:24,408 --> 00:21:27,368 and then we want it to be essentially hidden. 353 00:21:27,536 --> 00:21:30,116 So, hopefully, all that pays off tonight. 354 00:21:38,589 --> 00:21:40,169 NARRATOR: Not far from the savanna... 355 00:21:40,424 --> 00:21:41,514 (TRAIN WHISTLES) 356 00:21:41,592 --> 00:21:44,932 NARRATOR: ...sits a corner of the park where guests can get up-close 357 00:21:45,012 --> 00:21:47,222 -to some of its cuddliest critters. -(GOATS BLEATING) 358 00:21:48,849 --> 00:21:52,139 NARRATOR: It's known as the Affection Section. 359 00:21:52,603 --> 00:21:57,823 Some of these residents are rescues, enjoying a safe and cozy new home. 360 00:21:57,900 --> 00:21:59,440 (BLEATS) 361 00:22:00,611 --> 00:22:04,451 One favorite fowl is Popcorn, the Frizzle Chicken. 362 00:22:07,117 --> 00:22:09,197 LISA: Popcorn's been here for about a year. 363 00:22:09,662 --> 00:22:11,872 Poor Popcorn was just found in a parking lot. 364 00:22:11,956 --> 00:22:14,916 We don't really know much about her background except for that. 365 00:22:15,292 --> 00:22:16,672 (SOFT MUSIC PLAYING) 366 00:22:17,253 --> 00:22:20,593 LISA: When Popcorn was brought here, she was in rough shape. 367 00:22:20,798 --> 00:22:23,468 When I saw her, my heart just broke for her. 368 00:22:23,884 --> 00:22:29,274 She was super comfortable around people, but when she met the other chickens, 369 00:22:29,390 --> 00:22:32,390 the color drained from her face and she hid under my arms. 370 00:22:32,476 --> 00:22:35,596 So, best guess is that she was a discarded pet. 371 00:22:38,607 --> 00:22:42,857 But our flock accepted her and now she gets the best of both worlds, 372 00:22:42,945 --> 00:22:46,405 she knows how to be a chicken and she still loves being around people. 373 00:22:46,490 --> 00:22:48,780 So, it really doesn't matter if you were born here 374 00:22:48,868 --> 00:22:52,078 or if you're a rescue. Every animal gets the same love and care 375 00:22:52,204 --> 00:22:53,834 here at Disney's Animal Kingdom. 376 00:22:54,164 --> 00:22:57,424 NARRATOR: But now Popcorn has her keepers worried. 377 00:22:57,751 --> 00:23:01,841 LISA: Popcorn started to present signs of illness about two days ago, 378 00:23:01,922 --> 00:23:08,222 and upon examination, the vets found out that they needed her to get surgery today. 379 00:23:08,429 --> 00:23:10,179 (INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING) 380 00:23:11,932 --> 00:23:15,142 DR. RYAN: Popcorn has an issue with her reproductive tract. 381 00:23:15,728 --> 00:23:19,568 Uh, essentially what's happened is the egg has partially developed, 382 00:23:19,815 --> 00:23:23,775 it got stuck in there, and if an egg gets stuck in the reproductive tract, 383 00:23:23,944 --> 00:23:26,284 it can make, uh, chickens extremely ill. 384 00:23:27,406 --> 00:23:30,446 NARRATOR: The team must correct the problem by removing 385 00:23:30,534 --> 00:23:32,414 her reproductive organs. 386 00:23:33,454 --> 00:23:37,544 Major surgery like this requires help from Dr. Geoff. 387 00:23:39,043 --> 00:23:41,053 Popcorn's very special to me. 388 00:23:41,170 --> 00:23:45,550 Uh, I was here when she arrived, and it was just a great connection for me. 389 00:23:45,716 --> 00:23:47,466 She'd had a really hard life, 390 00:23:47,551 --> 00:23:50,351 and we just had the opportunity to make her life wonderful. 391 00:23:50,846 --> 00:23:52,636 NARRATOR: In Popcorn's time of need, 392 00:23:52,932 --> 00:23:57,392 one member of her Disney family flies to her side. 393 00:23:57,978 --> 00:24:00,898 LISA: They've decided that we would bring Orange over here, 394 00:24:01,065 --> 00:24:04,025 Orange is our rooster, and take blood from him 395 00:24:04,109 --> 00:24:06,859 in case we needed to do a blood transfusion. 396 00:24:07,404 --> 00:24:09,744 So, thank you, Orange, for the donation. 397 00:24:12,743 --> 00:24:14,913 DR. RYAN: It's a fairly complicated surgery. 398 00:24:15,329 --> 00:24:16,749 Just take a nice breath. 399 00:24:17,289 --> 00:24:20,379 Chickens are somewhat fragile anesthetic patients. 400 00:24:20,459 --> 00:24:23,169 Uh, they can be a little unpredictable in how they respond. 401 00:24:23,504 --> 00:24:24,924 LISA: I'm really nervous right now, 402 00:24:25,005 --> 00:24:28,045 because my little friend here is going in for surgery, 403 00:24:28,175 --> 00:24:31,345 and every time someone goes in for surgery, it's risky. 404 00:24:32,137 --> 00:24:33,137 FEMALE VOICE: Ready. 405 00:24:39,937 --> 00:24:41,147 DR. RYAN: It's a little tense. 406 00:24:43,983 --> 00:24:46,403 DR. GEOFF: Ryan and I are just clamping the blood vessels. 407 00:24:48,028 --> 00:24:49,238 So far, so good. 408 00:24:54,118 --> 00:24:57,118 NARRATOR: Dr. Ryan and Dr. Geoff now move forward 409 00:24:57,204 --> 00:24:59,124 with the delicate procedure. 410 00:25:00,791 --> 00:25:03,671 LISA: Trying to be very cautiously optimistic, 411 00:25:03,752 --> 00:25:06,342 but I don't really want to get my hopes up too much. 412 00:25:11,844 --> 00:25:14,434 DR. RYAN: We have her oviduct and uterus out. 413 00:25:15,180 --> 00:25:19,060 Not having a reproductive tract won't affect Popcorn at all. 414 00:25:19,143 --> 00:25:21,523 If anything, it'll make her life a little bit easier 415 00:25:21,729 --> 00:25:23,649 because she'll no longer lay eggs. 416 00:25:24,231 --> 00:25:27,361 NARRATOR: With brave little Popcorn's surgery a success, 417 00:25:27,568 --> 00:25:29,238 the team wakes her up. 418 00:25:29,445 --> 00:25:31,065 There she is. 419 00:25:32,114 --> 00:25:33,874 DR. RYAN: Good morning. 420 00:25:34,324 --> 00:25:35,784 Are you thirsty, girl? 421 00:25:36,326 --> 00:25:38,746 Popcorn's better. Thank you, Dr. Ryan. 422 00:25:39,163 --> 00:25:40,293 DR. RYAN: You're welcome. 423 00:25:40,706 --> 00:25:42,956 LISA: I feel a huge amount of relief, 424 00:25:43,083 --> 00:25:46,133 but there's still hurdles ahead as she recovers. 425 00:25:50,966 --> 00:25:53,756 (MONKEYS CHATTERING) 426 00:25:54,553 --> 00:25:56,433 NARRATOR: Long after the park closes, 427 00:25:56,555 --> 00:25:59,345 the spotlight turns to the Disney Imagineers. 428 00:26:00,267 --> 00:26:01,937 STEVE: Just bringing in the light pole now. 429 00:26:02,936 --> 00:26:06,816 NARRATOR: Their brand-new palm tree light is ready for installation. 430 00:26:08,609 --> 00:26:11,109 KYLE: We've done a lot of work to prepare for this, 431 00:26:11,195 --> 00:26:13,355 we've been waiting such a long time for this to happen. 432 00:26:13,572 --> 00:26:16,782 STEVE: Now we're going to put it up, so we'll see how this goes. 433 00:26:17,242 --> 00:26:19,162 With any luck, everything's perfect. 434 00:26:21,997 --> 00:26:24,667 They're gonna use that machine with a strap just to lift it up. 435 00:26:27,211 --> 00:26:28,921 Let the machine do the work. 436 00:26:29,421 --> 00:26:32,631 It's just a delicate thing right now with all those branches out. 437 00:26:40,349 --> 00:26:44,649 NARRATOR: With the 5,000-pound tree suspended in mid-air, 438 00:26:45,354 --> 00:26:49,194 the team must lower it precisely into position. 439 00:26:49,858 --> 00:26:51,028 There it goes. 440 00:27:01,161 --> 00:27:02,911 NARRATOR: Once secured, the palm light 441 00:27:02,996 --> 00:27:05,456 will be able to handle hurricane force winds 442 00:27:05,541 --> 00:27:09,251 of up to 180 miles per hour. 443 00:27:09,920 --> 00:27:12,170 STEVE: It's now installed, bolted down. 444 00:27:12,798 --> 00:27:15,508 MALE VOICE: Looks great, right? Looks like a real tree. 445 00:27:19,221 --> 00:27:23,101 NARRATOR: Last but not least, the team positions the light 446 00:27:23,183 --> 00:27:24,313 to just the right angle. 447 00:27:24,393 --> 00:27:27,153 We want everybody to have a good time, and be able to see all the animals. 448 00:27:27,479 --> 00:27:30,269 But the reason why I'm out here is that it also has to be enjoyable 449 00:27:30,357 --> 00:27:31,227 for the elephants. 450 00:27:32,109 --> 00:27:34,489 KYLE: We've done extensive testing, to make sure 451 00:27:34,570 --> 00:27:37,070 that the elephants are going to be okay with the lights. 452 00:27:37,698 --> 00:27:40,528 Our color temperature really mimics the sunset, 453 00:27:40,701 --> 00:27:43,411 so it really helps with the animals at night. 454 00:27:44,454 --> 00:27:46,674 MALE VOICE 1: Can we angle that light down 455 00:27:46,748 --> 00:27:49,588 so it lights the top of the palms a little less? 456 00:27:49,710 --> 00:27:51,440 -MALE VOICE 2: Okay, yeah. -MALE VOICE 1: All right. 457 00:27:51,628 --> 00:27:54,968 We're adjusting the angle that the light hits the yard, 458 00:27:55,257 --> 00:27:56,757 and we're gonna play with the intensity, 459 00:27:56,842 --> 00:27:58,682 we're gonna make it a little brighter, a little darker. 460 00:27:59,720 --> 00:28:01,430 MALE VOICE 2: Okay, I gotta go more left. 461 00:28:03,932 --> 00:28:06,602 I'm happy with the spread. Much better. 462 00:28:08,645 --> 00:28:11,185 Now it's just to see if the elephants like it. 463 00:28:11,815 --> 00:28:12,855 Yeah, bring 'em out. 464 00:28:18,697 --> 00:28:19,907 KYLE: Nothing so far. 465 00:28:23,118 --> 00:28:24,788 Okay, I can see movement. 466 00:28:29,875 --> 00:28:33,085 NARRATOR: Herd boss Mac ventures out first. 467 00:28:34,421 --> 00:28:36,131 KYLE: That's what I'm looking for, perfect. 468 00:28:40,677 --> 00:28:43,057 NARRATOR: And as always, where Mac goes... 469 00:28:45,182 --> 00:28:47,272 others follow close behind. 470 00:28:52,105 --> 00:28:53,315 KYLE: It's been a long night. 471 00:28:53,482 --> 00:28:56,322 Super happy that we've got the habitat finally lit up. 472 00:28:57,653 --> 00:29:00,453 RICK: It's a huge undertaking here at Animal Kingdom, 473 00:29:00,656 --> 00:29:03,116 just to make sure that the elephants have what they need. 474 00:29:05,661 --> 00:29:06,751 Very happy with that. 475 00:29:12,834 --> 00:29:14,294 NARRATOR: At the Affection Section... 476 00:29:17,005 --> 00:29:21,215 almost a week has passed since brave little Popcorn's procedure. 477 00:29:21,593 --> 00:29:24,933 -MALE VOICE: Good girl. -Yay! Oh my God, she looks great. 478 00:29:25,430 --> 00:29:28,270 NARRATOR: And now keepers want to show her off to guests. 479 00:29:28,767 --> 00:29:30,057 ADRIEL: This is Popcorn. 480 00:29:30,352 --> 00:29:32,602 We named her Popcorn, obviously, she kind of looks like 481 00:29:32,688 --> 00:29:34,228 a little kernel of popcorn, right? 482 00:29:35,107 --> 00:29:37,607 So, we're doing her final recovery check here, 483 00:29:37,734 --> 00:29:40,954 to make sure she is ready to go back home and be back with her flock. 484 00:29:42,332 --> 00:29:43,762 DR. RYAN: See if she'll should stand up. 485 00:29:43,824 --> 00:29:46,334 Her attitude's great, she's doing fantastic. 486 00:29:46,702 --> 00:29:49,122 You know, she doesn't mind it when you give her some scratches 487 00:29:49,204 --> 00:29:51,374 if you give her some scratches in the right place. 488 00:29:51,873 --> 00:29:54,963 She looks really good. Looks like she's recovered nicely. 489 00:29:57,838 --> 00:30:00,258 NARRATOR: She's had some time to get back on her feet, 490 00:30:00,882 --> 00:30:05,052 and now Adriel returns Popcorn to her feathered friends. 491 00:30:05,304 --> 00:30:07,264 ADRIEL: She's a really big part of our flock. 492 00:30:07,639 --> 00:30:10,179 It'll be really amazing to see them reunited. 493 00:30:13,061 --> 00:30:15,441 You're back home. Good girl. 494 00:30:16,273 --> 00:30:17,523 She's looking great. 495 00:30:20,360 --> 00:30:22,700 So, we'll just try to let one out of the door 496 00:30:22,779 --> 00:30:24,529 -at a time. -All right. I'll try my best. 497 00:30:25,574 --> 00:30:28,164 -All right, here comes Buffalo. -ADRIEL: Buffalo. 498 00:30:28,618 --> 00:30:31,158 Biscuit. Hi, good morning. 499 00:30:31,538 --> 00:30:34,958 I know Orange is one of her biggest fans. 500 00:30:35,042 --> 00:30:36,382 All right, here comes Orange. 501 00:30:36,460 --> 00:30:38,310 ADRIEL: Excited to have your old flock back together? 502 00:30:38,378 --> 00:30:40,298 -MALE VOICE: All the girls. -ADRIEL: There's all my ladies. 503 00:30:41,757 --> 00:30:43,717 She's back to her normal behavior. 504 00:30:43,842 --> 00:30:46,352 I'm thinking it went really well. I'm happy with the result. 505 00:30:47,179 --> 00:30:51,219 It's fabulous, it's really awesome to have her back. 506 00:31:00,901 --> 00:31:03,401 NARRATOR: This morning, Dr. Ryan returns backstage 507 00:31:03,487 --> 00:31:06,987 to check on the unusual hole in Mac's mouth. 508 00:31:07,240 --> 00:31:08,910 FEMALE VOICE: Mac, stretch. Good boy. 509 00:31:09,117 --> 00:31:12,327 NARRATOR: And this time, he brings some high-tech gear. 510 00:31:12,454 --> 00:31:14,044 DR. RYAN: I'm gonna look with this first. 511 00:31:14,122 --> 00:31:17,082 NARRATOR: A state-of-the-art thermography camera. 512 00:31:17,501 --> 00:31:18,711 DR. RYAN: His armpits are warm. 513 00:31:19,086 --> 00:31:22,756 -Good boy. -Yes. Snuggle up in an elephant armpit. 514 00:31:23,006 --> 00:31:25,126 NARRATOR: This specialty camera will reveal 515 00:31:25,217 --> 00:31:30,887 if Mac's mouth is giving off excess heat, a potential sign of inflammation. 516 00:31:31,056 --> 00:31:34,476 Just trying to see if there's any changes in the heat signature 517 00:31:34,601 --> 00:31:35,811 of his hard palate. 518 00:31:37,354 --> 00:31:39,864 NARRATOR: There's no obvious cause for concern, 519 00:31:40,190 --> 00:31:42,820 but Dr. Ryan still needs to be sure. 520 00:31:42,901 --> 00:31:45,701 -FEMALE VOICE: Good open, Mac. -All right, you ready? 521 00:31:45,779 --> 00:31:46,659 Ready. 522 00:31:47,364 --> 00:31:49,914 DR. RYAN: I have a really good view of it right now, 523 00:31:50,492 --> 00:31:53,582 it looks like just a little expanded pocket, 524 00:31:53,703 --> 00:31:57,043 -but it looks exactly the same. -FEMALE VOICE: Good boy, Mac. 525 00:31:57,916 --> 00:32:00,246 DR. RYAN: It looks all nice and smooth, it's not inflamed. 526 00:32:02,421 --> 00:32:03,461 Okay. 527 00:32:05,340 --> 00:32:07,840 Elephants, and animals in general, just like people, 528 00:32:07,926 --> 00:32:09,546 you know, they're not all built the same, 529 00:32:09,636 --> 00:32:11,716 and they have little variations on normal. 530 00:32:11,888 --> 00:32:14,928 I don't think it's causing him any discomfort whatsoever. 531 00:32:17,436 --> 00:32:18,516 FEMALE VOICE: Are you done? 532 00:32:18,603 --> 00:32:21,403 No, you have to give me the bucket, though. Like, it's... 533 00:32:22,190 --> 00:32:23,070 Thank you. 534 00:32:32,325 --> 00:32:33,785 DR. RYAN: All hail the king. 535 00:32:33,910 --> 00:32:36,080 NARRATOR: Now that Mac's got the all clear, 536 00:32:36,163 --> 00:32:37,833 he can return to his day job 537 00:32:37,914 --> 00:32:41,844 on the savanna, reigning as king of the herd. 538 00:32:42,461 --> 00:32:44,961 But he doesn't just keep the boys in check. 539 00:32:45,464 --> 00:32:47,844 As the park's only breeding bull, 540 00:32:48,008 --> 00:32:51,848 he's responsible for creating the next generation. 541 00:32:53,054 --> 00:32:57,064 And today, Big Mac has a date. 542 00:32:57,642 --> 00:33:00,232 STEVE: Kianga is our up and coming matriarch 543 00:33:00,312 --> 00:33:03,022 so she's very important to this herd for the next generation. 544 00:33:03,940 --> 00:33:07,610 NARRATOR: If Mac does become a dad, for the fourth time, 545 00:33:07,777 --> 00:33:10,987 it's more than just great news for everyone at the park. 546 00:33:14,242 --> 00:33:17,542 Because they face threats of poaching and habitat loss, 547 00:33:17,829 --> 00:33:22,829 Mac plays an important role for elephants all over the world. 548 00:33:24,794 --> 00:33:27,304 STEVE: Mackie's just eating his shredded wheat. 549 00:33:31,009 --> 00:33:35,179 Now we're seeing interest from Kianga, that's a big, big change in behavior, 550 00:33:35,263 --> 00:33:37,023 her being that confident with Mac. 551 00:33:38,642 --> 00:33:39,982 NARRATOR: But right now... 552 00:33:42,395 --> 00:33:44,475 Mac has other priorities. 553 00:33:46,525 --> 00:33:49,105 STEVE: Mac's giving her kind of a bit of a standoffish look. 554 00:33:49,528 --> 00:33:52,488 NARRATOR: But Kianga does not give up easily. 555 00:33:53,657 --> 00:33:55,617 STEVE: Nah, she's not taking no for an answer. 556 00:34:00,330 --> 00:34:03,960 What you see right now is a definition of interest. 557 00:34:08,547 --> 00:34:11,587 That determination, that's pretty impressive. 558 00:34:14,511 --> 00:34:17,311 (ORCHESTRAL MUSIC PLAYING) 559 00:34:19,766 --> 00:34:21,636 STEVE: Look at that, that's insane. 560 00:34:28,567 --> 00:34:30,317 He's being incredibly patient. 561 00:34:32,737 --> 00:34:35,067 She's pestering, even when he's given her signs 562 00:34:35,198 --> 00:34:39,788 to go away, she continues. Oh, here we go. (LAUGHS) 563 00:34:40,537 --> 00:34:42,327 But she's doing everything she can. 564 00:34:42,872 --> 00:34:46,132 That behavior is just, "Look, I'm being totally submissive." 565 00:34:46,376 --> 00:34:50,626 NARRATOR: And that means Kianga wants some romance. 566 00:34:51,047 --> 00:34:53,547 This could mean a second date. 567 00:34:54,009 --> 00:34:58,099 And ultimately, promising news for the species. 568 00:34:58,221 --> 00:35:02,481 Seeing Kianga's relationship with Mac blossom is super exciting. 569 00:35:02,559 --> 00:35:05,809 Even if he doesn't breed this round this is all, like, super cool 570 00:35:05,895 --> 00:35:08,815 for building relationship and building confidence. 571 00:35:09,357 --> 00:35:11,437 Kianga's learning how to interact with Mac. 572 00:35:13,820 --> 00:35:15,360 So, it's up to them.