Through four seasons Animal Academy has celebrated animals and
animal lovers and explored New Zealand's rich and diverse animal
life - and we've only scratched the surface!
Animal Academy continues to entertain and delight animal lovers
across New Zealand. From a clear starry night studying bats in
Fiordland to snorkelling with fish at Goat Island, the Animal
Academy team has driven, dived, flown, crawled, swum and tramped to
reveal the depth and breadth of Animal life that this country has
to offer, meeting a host
Between them, presenters Olympic Gold Medallist Sarah Ulmer and
Wildlife Park Ranger Jeremy Maguire have:
- Got up close and personal on almost 50 Animal Encounters
ranging from Kiwi egg tracking and collecting honey from hives to
swimming with sharks
- Walked 39 different dog breeds
- Met the country's most passionate animal lovers, including a
couple with over 30 miniature donkeys, the owners of 40 shortlegged
"Munchkin" cats, and a woman who has 35 rats in her living
room
- Profiled 46 dedicated professionals who work with animals every
day, from dog rescue trainers to a bat Researcher and takahe
ranger
Animal Academy's resident vet Geoff Mehrtens has treated dozens
domestic pets with common and rare disorders on the show : Rocket
the dog with a rare cleft palate condition, Chester the cat with
advanced cancer, and the not-so-lucky Lucky with multiple fractures
- Geoff gives owners peace of mind and shares valuable information
The show also profiles SPCAs around the country - from the busy and
bustling Auckland branch to tiny Te Awamutu - meeting the teams and
seeing the valuable work they do.
Fun and informative, Animal Academy has become part of the TVNZ
digital landscape - getting to the heart of the special
relationship we have with the creatures we share our world
with.