Eight Go Rallying: The Road to Saigon
However, it was the most amazing job; I absolutely loved it. In all my pictures of that day, I’m smiling ear-to-ear, like a Cheshire cat.
What other animals did you get a chance to work with on the show? I spent time with the newborns. I saw a baby zebra and kangaroo joeys as they were getting used to their new surroundings. The joeys are the first twins born in the UK. I desperately wanted to cuddle one, but you can’t. A baby penguin pooed on me! You just go along with it…
What have you learned from big week at the zoo?
That the keepers must run miles every day! They do not stop – they’re on call 24/7 in case an animal needs care. The series is a celebration of British zoos, their conservation and how they look after animals. It’s a real insight into what goes on behind the scenes, from looking after bears that have been kept in captivity in Japan to the crazy hours the keepers work to look after the wildlife.
Did your hands-on experience with animals while filming wild at heart in South africa help? When we worked at Glen Afric lodge, where the series was filmed, we were given lessons in what to do and what not to do, so that the animals could get used to us being around. They sense fear quickly and I learned that the more relaxed you are, the more hands-on you can be. Wild at Heart finished six years ago, so it’s been a long time since I’ve been up close and personal with wild animals, but it felt natural.
Did you find yourself reminiscing about your time on the show? Completely! Doing Big Week at the Zoo has taken me back to my Wild at Heart days. I was only 21 when I started in it. It was my first time being really far away from home. But, every year, I got more confident with the animals. I’ve not been back, but I’d love to take my daughter, Sienna, there when she’s older.