Predator Pets

From cowboys to Hollywood legends this episode has it all, and that’s just the owners. We meet Bonnie and her bears, RC the cowboy and his pet Wildthing, the world’s only tame bison, and venture into Tippi Hedron’s big cat sanctuary Shambala. It’s a dangerous world out there, especially for these exotic animal lovers!

When you’ve raised cattle and horses for decades, running a herd of zebra is almost like raising any other livestock. Duane Gilbert shows us around his picturesque Utah ranch and introduces us to his aggressive herd that packs a kick capable of killing a lion. In California, we learn just how brutal Chimpanzees can be and two experts explain just what makes them such dangerous pets.

From conservationists and rescuers to an Australian snake man, this episode is packed with action! We meet Jill and her animal family at a sanctuary and home to a large variety of exotic animals. We meet Gary, a daring reptile owner who has a collection of venomous and non venomous snakes and we venture to The Cats Survival Trust, where we meet Dr. Terry Moore who cares for a number of wild cats.

We learn about Mark’s exotic animals including his alligator and tarantula. We see how Mark is an expert handler and cares for many different exotic animals. We then venture to visit Joe Taft at the Exotic Feline Rescue Center, which has rescued just under 200 big cats where staff and volunteers are trained in caring for these magnificent creatures. We visit Val and her energetic bobcats.

Who knew that one incident in small town Zanesville, Ohio would lead an unpredicted legal change in surrounding states in the US. One man’s drastic action to set loose his collection of exotic animals opened up an animal massacre that made global headlines. We then adventure on to the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park to visit Joe Exotic, the exotic animal conservationist and country musician.

This week’s Predator Pets deals with some of the most ferocious predators on the planet. Wolves may be the ancestors of our most beloved house pet, but they’re far from being an animal you can cuddle up with. The circus is now a controversial environment for exotic animals, but Australia’s longest running family circus know that the Lion Tamer is still guaranteed to draw gasps from the crowd.

Getting a 500-pound lion to do what you want is no mean feat; getting that lion to do what you want repeatedly and on-cue requires a talent. In this week’s episode we’ll learn the tricks of the trade from respected animal trainer, Steve Martin. We’ll also meet the Snake Man of La Perouse. His family have been treating visitors to the area to an amazing snake show for more than 100 years.

This week’s episode takes you inside the elephant enclosure at Charlie Sammut’s Monterey Zoo. The largest horn circumference on record belonged to Woody, a Watusi bull from Bar G ranch in Utah. Seeing the aftermath of pet owners who don’t properly care for their predator pets inspired Bobbi Brink to open a sanctuary and bring lions, tigers, and bears to California.

The daughter of a Belgian diplomat and avid naturalist, Martine Colette grew up traveling the world. In this episode, we talk to Martine about how she went from Hollywood socialite to founding her own wildlife sanctuary. We learn about Bob Ingersoll, a Primatologist who forged very special bonds with chimpanzees. We also hear the remarkable story of Jaxson the alligator.

Gane Doyle Jr from the WA Reptile Park has been bitten by almost all of them, but he still enjoys an extraordinary relationship with his Predator Pets. We’ll also meet the officers whose job it is to capture stray exotics in Riverside County and we talk to the team at a sanctuary for former performing animals who have some very clear opinions about keeping exotics in captivity.

In this week’s episode we meet the young woman happy to be known as the “crazy zebra lady” along with her pet zebras, camels, and water buffalo. We also meet some majestic birds of prey and their equally extraordinary human. And, while small and furry may not seem frightening, we’ll meet some compact critters that many forget are predator pets that can pack a powerful bite.

It’s difficult for anyone not to get attached to a cute baby animal, and it turns out that when you own a zoo, it can be even harder not to blur the line between exhibit and pet—especially when the animal babies live in your house. Charlie Sammut shows us around Monterey Zoo this week and takes us closer than we’ve ever been to some truly incredible animals.