Conservation is real star of ITV’s fifth series of The Zoo

The fifth series of documentary The Zoo, following life at Whipsnade and its sister attraction in London, is to start on ITV this Sunday at 8pm.

The three-part series features a new focus on the breeding of critically endangered animals.

Since 2010, programme-makers have been given unique behind-the-scenes access at the nearby zoo, filming the keepers through the ups and downs that go along with caring for nearly 3,000 animals at the 600-acre site.

Whipsnade’s general manager Owen Craft said: “The camera crew has been filming all the highs and lows at the Zoo, and that variety is what makes it such an amazing place to work.

“Our dedicated team of keepers, vets and scientists give viewers an insight into what it takes to care for the animals, as well as the vital conservation work being done.”

From the journey of three tiger cubs from the moment they are born to a pygmy hippo receiving cancer treatment, the series covers all aspects of life at the attraction.

The second episode follows elephant keepers as they anxiously await the birth of a new baby elephant while another features a new keeper starting to look after Whipsnade’s feisty group of chimpanzees.

For more about the zoo, visit zsl.org/whipsnade.