ANIMAL
Behind the scenes of
Zoos Victoria’s TV Show Project Manager, Natalie Filmer, lifts the lid on the behind-the-scenes of Mega Zoo. WORDS
T
he Mega Zoo TV series provides viewers with never-before-seen insights into the world of the incredible animals and staff at Zoos Victoria. But what was involved in securing this jawdropping and intimate access to some of the world’s most precious animals? GoPro cameras, 4K mountable recording devices, night-vision technology and remotely accessible camera equipment are just some of the technical tools that helped bring Mega Zoo viewers closer than ever to Zoos Victoria’s resident animals. “The technical equipment and expertise that production company WTFN employed to film Mega Zoo has taken Zoos Victoria’s storytelling to a whole new level,” says Natalie Filmer, Senior Manager Digital Newsroom and Mega Zoo Project Manager. “The array of purpose-built devices, such as log and nest box cameras, take viewers inside an animal’s habitat, providing an intimate look at these animals’ lives in a way we’ve never been able to share before.”
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Jesse Failla
“We knew that we’d only have one chance to capture the moment when Melbourne Zoo veterinarian Dr Kate learned that Miska was pregnant.” With a wealth of potential stories to tell, WTFN’s camera technicians and producers worked closely with keepers and specialists in animal welfare science to brainstorm innovative ways to capture the many precious moments seen in the show. “Mega Zoo was an opportunity for us to show the expertise and care that goes into ensuring that every single animal at our three zoos is treated as an individual with specific needs,” Natalie says. “For example, animal training sessions are a sensitive and delicate process that rely on trust between keeper and animal, without the distractions of a cameraman. However, lots of carefully placed mini cameras, operated remotely, allowed us to capture these moments, showing how zoo animals of all shapes and sizes
participate in their care in a voluntary and positive way.” One of the most impressive training sessions, accessed via 12 of WTFN’s strategically placed cameras, is the pregnancy ultrasound on Melbourne Zoo Snow Leopard, Miska. “We knew that we’d only have one chance to capture the moment when Melbourne Zoo Veterinarian Dr Kate learned that Miska was pregnant,” Natalie recalls. “Miska was being asked to remain still while allowing her tummy to be touched by a vet through a small hole cut underneath her training chute – and we couldn’t risk the distraction of an unfamiliar cameraman.” WTFN’s safely placed, discreet cameras included GoPro chest mounts on the keepers and vet; small mounted recording devices on magnetic arms
