It was an extraordinary year for London Zoo..!

London Zoo, which stretches over 36 acres in Regents Park, is home to over 20,000 animals across 698 species.

Founded in 1826 by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), it was originally created by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles to keep animals for scientific research.

For its first 20 years, only fellows from the Society were allowed in.

However, in 1847, London Zoo was opened to the public, and it has since become one of the capital’s biggest tourist attractions, with more than 1.25 million visitors passing through the gates every year.

What many people may not realise is that London Zoo doesn’t actually receive any public funding, and it is run using cash from admissions, charges and donations.

Therefore, with zoos and other public areas closed due to the pandemic earlier this year, the people who run the zoo faced challenges like never before.

ITV has been given exclusive access inside London Zoo and it’s sister property Whipsnade Zoo, the 600-acre sanctuary atop the Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire, during lockdown.

This series will provides a unique view of the two zoos from the perspective of their close-knit teams of keepers and vets.

ZSL’s Director of Zoos and Engagement Rich Storton, said: “We hope that this unique journey behind the scenes at London and Whipsnade during these challenging times will give the public a real insight into the vital importance of ZSL’s work – and how much we need their support to continue working for wildlife.

“This new documentary will explore the most recent chapter in ZSL’s rich history of overcoming adversity: during its 192-year history, ZSL has survived two world wars and grown into a world-leading international conservation charity.

“The coronavirus pandemic has presented our dedicated team with a previously unimaginable set of challenges – we look forward to sharing this era-defining period with ITV viewers.”

In tonight’s first episode, we see how, despite the world going into lockdown, the skeleton staff of zookeepers are still needed to feed 20,000 hungry mouths at the zoo.

Meanwhile, Gemma and Meg must find a way to ensure that the pregnancy care for Oni the okapi, an important member of this endangered species, isn’t blown off track by the unavailability of staff.

Alex is struggling to come to terms with the fact that Dominic and his sea lion family – who she’s been looking after for 16 years – are due to move to another zoo. And despite the pandemic, she’s got to be sure they’re ready to leave.

With team leader Dave on furlough, it’s up to Jamie to continue the zoo’s arachnid breeding programme as he introduces a couple of venomous huntsman spiders to each other.

It’s a fraught business that could end up in lovemaking or cannibalism. And, after hearing that one of the big cats in a New York zoo has contracted coronavirus, the London team is alarmed to discover that Indi, one of their lions is sick.

As well as revealing what is going on behind the scenes when the parks are eerily quiet, the series will also delve into the 192-year history of London Zoo.

We learn how it has overcome adversity in the past, particularly when its closure appeared imminent in 1991.

The only time it has ever closed was during the Blitz in the Second World War, and it appears its dedicated staff, as well as furry, slimy and prickly residents, are well equipped to deal with this latest challenge.

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