Behind the scenes at zoo

FOR the first time in 10 years, television cameras have been given an access all areas pass to Whipsnade Zoo and its sister park London Zoo for a fly-on-the-wall series, which starts next week.

The Zoo, which will run on ITV1 for three weeks, looks behind the scenes at Whipsnade and will feature favourite animals and introduce the faces of some of the staff who work for ZSL – Zoological Society London – the charity which runs both sites.

Viewers will see the birth of George, Whipsnade’s youngest elephant calf, and hear the story of the UK conservation project for the corncrake, with Whipsnade keeper Jamie Graham.

The series follows the emotionally intense - and at times heartbreaking - experiences, of the devoted keepers who inevitably become very close to the animals in their care.

Chimpanzee Coco also makes an appearance as the zoo’s director David Field visits.

David has a life-long passion for animals and he has known Coco since he was 12.

The Zoo starts on Tuesday, November 9, at 8pm on ITV1.