A family-friendly, animal-filled show is coming to RTÉ One next week. Hosted by Sinead Kennedy, Zoo Live will broadcast live from a purpose-built studio at Dublin Zoo's African Savanna for three nights.
"I don't know how it happens or who is looking out for me, but I get the nicest gigs," laughs Sinead. "I'm buzzing for it. The fact that it's three days makes it all the better because if you fly in and fly out in a day, you won't immerse yourself in it in the same way."
Across the three days, while Sinead Kennedy chats to a variety of guests, Ella McSweeney will go behind the scenes with zookeepers to look at some of the most interesting and unexpected aspects of their work and find out more about the animals they care for.
"I love live TV," says Sinead. "This is the first time they've ever broadcast live from Dublin Zoo, it's so exciting. The studio itself is in the African Savanna. The backdrop will be giraffes and zebras - it's just going to be absolutely stunning and an awesome experience."
"They actually have the set in now," she continues, "so that the animals can habitualise to it and get used to it before we all start arriving. We're in their space and renting space in their home for a few times, which was of prime concern. Animal welfare is of top priority so when you consider all the work that goes on behind the scenes, it's amazing."
Speaking about her return to work following maternity leave, Sinead says that this has been a very cool experience to share with her little girl, Indie.
"She'll have to be close by, I'm breastfeeding still, so she'll be close by over the few days that I'm working there. I'm sure she'll be taking it all in and enjoying every bit of the zoo. The older they get, the more they understand and enjoy these things."
"Last week for my photoshoot, it was her first time in Dublin Zoo," she beams. "Conor took her off for the day while I was working and she had a gorgeous time."
"It wasn't her first time at a Zoo, my husband is based in Belgium, so we've been to the Zoo there multiple times. I spent a lot of my maternity leave there, bless her, she was getting carted into the Zoo before she ever had a clue what was going on, it was purely for Conor and I," she laughs.
As well as discussing wildlife conservation, climate change and the major threats facing animal species, viewers will take a look at the history and cultural importance of Dublin Zoo and show archive footage of the very early days of Zoo life.
Education and science workshops are located in the Congo Camp. Over the three days, children will get to have some fun, ask questions, meet stick insects and see a reptile up close.
Not only that but very special guests will join the show to get down and dirty behind the scenes. Doireann Garrihy, Kevin McGahern and Jedward will all take on the real work of a zookeeper from food prep, to feeding time, to cleaning out habitats.
"This is a family show, it's for all ages," says Sinead. "We're all going to learn things that we never knew about various animals. We're going to talk about education, conservation, habitats, and even little things about the Zoo itself. There's so much thought and care that goes into their habitats, it's phenomenal."
Red Panda Competition
A competition to name the red panda will give one lucky viewer a chance to win an annual pass to Dublin Zoo and experience the wonder and magic of seeing wild animals in the wonderful parkland location.
According to Sinead, the Zoo likes to keep the animal's country of origin in mind when naming them. The red panda in question is from Nepal so keep that in mind when sending your entries!
Zoo Live can be watched on RTÉ One on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 7pm.
