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Transcript: Guardians of the Rainforest
A child says, WHEE!
TVO Kids and Fifth Ground Entertainment, Original.
[Child giggles, joyful music plays, pop]
Text over video footage of a forest reads, “T.V.O. kids presents.”
[Tranquil music plays]
Taviss, a ten-year-old girl, walks in a rainforest. Her dark brown hair is pulled into a high ponytail. She wears a blue denim vest, a green T-shirt, and blue jeans.
Taviss narrates, THE RAINFOREST IS A PRECIOUS HABITAT. THAT'S NO SECRET. THERE ARE SPECIES WHOSE ENTIRE EXISTENCE DEPENDS ON THE WET GREEN ECOSYSTEM. BUT THE RAINFOREST IS IN DANGER. AND SO IS ONE ANIMAL THAT CALLS IT HOME. WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT IS?
Water drips off a leaf. An orange and white sign is shaped like an orangutan’s face.
[Water dripping]
Taviss says, COME ON, I'LL SHOW YOU.
[Inspiring music plays]
Taviss runs on a dirt path lined with trees on both sides.
Title: Secrets of the Forest.
A drawing beside the title shows a girl sitting on green tree roots. She holds a magnifying glass and gazes towards the title.
[Whooshing, upbeat music plays]
Taviss narrates, WE'LL DISCOVER TODAY'S SECRET ON THE LAND OF THE MISSISSAUGAS OF THE CREDIT, THE ANISHINAABE, THE CHIPPEWA, HAUDENOSAUNEE AND THE WENDAT PEOPLES.
In a forest, Taviss holds her arms out and walks on a narrow log. She jumps off the end.
Taviss narrates, I BET YOU'RE, LIKE, "WHAT THE WHAT? THAT'S NOT A RAINFOREST." AND I KNOW THAT, OBVI. BUT CHECK IT OUT. I COULDN'T GO ALL THE WAY TO THE TROPICAL RAINFOREST, SO I'M GOING TO THE ZOO!
Signs over the zoo entrance read, “Welcome to Toronto Zoo” and “Our Mission: Our Toronto Zoo connecting people, animals and conservation science to fight extinction.”
Taviss narrates, KICKING OFF MY BEHIND-THE-SCENES V.I.P. ZOO ACCESS IS JAY. HE'S ON THE HORTICULTURE TEAM, WHICH MEANS HE MAKES THE ZOO'S INDOOR RAINFOREST HABITAT COME TO LIFE. NO BIG DEAL.
Jay Bell wears a bright green ball cap over his curly brown hair and a dark green “Toronto Zoo Staff” T-shirt. He wears eyeglasses. Jay waters the plants and checks their leaves.
[Chiming]
A wooden sign reads, “Indomalaya.”
[Upbeat music plays]
Jay says, WELCOME TO INDO-MALAYA PAVILION, TAVISS. THIS IS WHERE YOU FIND ALL THE ZOO'S TROPICAL ANIMALS FROM INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA.
In an exhibit, a snake lies coiled on leaves.
Taviss says, WOW. IT'S INCREDIBLE IN HERE. IT LOOKS LIKE A REAL RAINFOREST.
Jay says, 'CAUSE IT IS A REAL RAINFOREST. IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT FOR OUR VISITORS TO EXPERIENCE AND KNOW WHAT THE RAINFOREST IS ALL ABOUT. SO WE'RE SIMULATING IT HERE FOR THEM.
Taviss says, WELL, I THINK YOU DID IT. THESE PLANTS LOOK SO REALISTIC.
Jay says, 'CAUSE THEY ARE REAL.
[Whooshing, musical flourish plays, slide whistle]
An animated plant says, I'M A REAL PLANT.
[Whooshing]
In reality, Taviss and Jay kneel on the ground.
[Birds calling, gentle music plays]
Jay says, ALL THE PLANTS IN THIS BUILDING GROW RIGHT INTO THE GROUND.
Taviss asks, FOR REAL?
Jay says, YEAH, THEY DO. EVERYTHING. EVEN THE BIG TREES.
Taviss asks, HOW DO THEY DO THAT?
Jay says, THE ONLY PAVED PARTS OF THE BUILDING ARE THE WALKWAYS. EVERYTHING ELSE IS IN SOIL AND GOES DOWN INTO THE EARTH.
Taviss says, IT MUST BE SO MUCH WORK TO KEEP THEM ALL ALIVE. I HAD A CACTUS ONCE AND I COULDN'T KEEP UP.
[Boing]
A photograph shows Taviss holding a cactus. Her bottom lip sticks out.
Taviss narrates, YEAH, I KILLED IT.
[Descending tones, whooshing]
Jay says, IT SURE IS A LOT OF WORK TO LOOK AFTER THESE PLANTS. THEY'RE ALL NATIVE TO TROPICAL ASIA SO THEY NEED EXACT CONDITIONS IN ORDER TO GROW PROPERLY.
Taviss says, AND THAT MUST MEAN A LOT OF WATER.
Jay says, IT SURE DOES. YOU WANT TO GIVE ME A HAND?
Taviss says, WELL, I'VE GOT TWO OF THOSE.
[Rim shot plays]
Taviss narrates, I KNOW, I KNOW. HOW DID I GET SO FUNNY, RIGHT?
[Whooshing, rapid footsteps]
Jay gives Taviss a coiled yellow hose.
OH, IT'S A BIT HEAVY.
[Rapid footsteps, water spraying]
Taviss turns on the hose and waters plants.
Taviss says, IT'S SHOWER TIME.
Jay says, SO, NEXT, WE'RE GOING TO WATER THE FLOORS, AND IT'S TO KEEP THE HUMIDITY VERY HIGH. THE MORE WATER, THE BETTER.
Taviss stops by a plant in a large black pot.
Taviss says, SHOULD I WATER THIS ONE? IT LOOKS PRETTY HEALTHY.
Jay says, SO YOU JUST FOUND THE ONLY PLANT IN THE ENTIRE BUILDING THAT'S NOT NATIVE TO TROPICAL ASIA. THIS IS AN AFRICAN OIL PALM TREE. IT'S ACTUALLY HARVESTED TO PRODUCE PALM OIL. IT'S ONE OF THE BIGGEST THREATS TO THE RAINFOREST.
[Record scratching]
Taviss narrates, BIGGEST THREAT? WHAT AM I FORGETTING?
[Rewinding]
[Inspiring music plays]
A flashback shows Taviss walking on the log.
Taviss narrates, BUT THE RAINFOREST IS IN DANGER. AND SO IS ONE ANIMAL THAT CALLS IT HOME.
[Fast forwarding]
Taviss narrates, OH, YEAH! THE SECRET! HOW COULD I FORGET?
In the present, Taviss says, PALM OIL. I THINK I'VE HEARD OF THAT BEFORE.
Jay says, I'M SURE YOU HAVE. IT'S IN MOST THINGS IN THE GROCERY STORE. YOU COULD FIND IT IN CHOCOLATE, ICE CREAM, TOOTHPASTE, CLEANERS, JUST ABOUT ANYTHING.
A montage shows a person breaking a chocolate bar, scooping pink ice cream, squeezing toothpaste on a toothbrush, and spraying a cleaner on a faucet.
[Chocolate snapping, toothpaste squelching, spraying, solemn music plays]
Taviss asks, SO WHAT MAKES IT A THREAT?
Jay says, OH, IN INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA, WHERE THEY GROW MOST OF IT, THEY CUT DOWN HUGE AREAS OF THE RAINFOREST TO MAKE FARMS TO GROW THIS TREE AND THEN HARVEST THE PALM OIL FROM THEM. IT'S A HUGE THREAT TO SPECIES THAT CALL THE RAINFOREST HOME, ESPECIALLY THE ENDANGERED ONES.
A sign with a photograph of an orangutan reads, “Palm Oil. Unsustainable Palm Oil can be devastating to Orangutan Populations. Check out the Toronto Zoo website for an Orangutan-friendly grocery shopping list. www.TorontoZoo.com/tz/PalmOil.”
Taviss asks, WHAT SPECIES IS ENDANGERED?
Jay says, SEE FOR YOURSELF.
Jay points at the orangutan enclosure. An adult and a baby orangutan rest on a platform.
Taviss says, IT'S AN ORANGUTAN!
A montage shows rocks in a desert, a giraffe, mist rising off a river, mountains, blue water splashing against a shore. Text reads, Where in the World?
[Exciting percussive music plays]
An orangutan sits on a branch and chews leaves.
[Leaves rustling, percussive music continues]
Taviss narrates, ORANGUTANS ARE A GREAT APE SPECIES NATIVE TO TROPICAL RAINFORESTS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA.
A map shows the previous range of orangutans in Southeast Asia.
Taviss narrates, NOW, ORANGUTANS CAN ONLY BE FOUND IN THE INDO-MALAYSIAN COUNTRY OF BORNEO AND ON THE ISLAND OF SUMATRA.
The map shows the locations of Borneo and Sumatra. In a rainforest, a baby orangutan dangles from a branch. Beside the rainforest, rows of African oil palm trees grow.
[Whooshing]
Taviss narrates, IN THE PAST 20 YEARS, MORE THAN 80 PERCENT OF THEIR HABITATS HAVE BEEN CUT DOWN, LEAVING ONLY 14,000 ORANGUTANS LEFT IN THE WILD.
[Birds chirping, whooshing]
At the zoo, Matt Berridge stands beside photographs of individual orangutans. He wears a grey ball cap over his brown hair. He wears a dark green Toronto Zoo Staff T-shirt. Matt wears eyeglasses and has long sideburns.
Taviss narrates, THIS IS MATT. HE'S THE HEAD OF THE ANIMAL CARE TEAM. HE'S SHOWING ME THE BRAND-NEW OUTDOOR HABITAT FOR THE ORANGUTANS.
Matt leads Taviss to the outdoor habitat with trees and high platforms connected by ropes.
Taviss says, WHOA.
Matt says, SO TALL. RIGHT? ORANGUTANS ARE ARBOREAL, WHICH MEANS THEY LIVE IN TREES. THEY MAKE THEIR NESTS UP THERE, THEY FIND THEIR FOOD UP THERE. THEY DO EVERYTHING IN THE TREES. SOME ORANGUTANS WILL NEVER EVEN TOUCH THE GROUND.
[Upbeat music plays]
Taviss says, OH, THAT'S WHY IT'S SO IMPORTANT NOT TO CUT DOWN RAINFOREST TREES. BECAUSE THEY LITERALLY HAVE NOWHERE TO LIVE.
Matt says, EXACTLY. ORANGUTANS ARE SOMETIMES CALLED GUARDIANS OF THE RAINFOREST. THEY'RE PROTECTING THE RAINFOREST BY LIVING IN IT, AND IF WE PROTECT RAINFORESTS, WE CAN PROTECT THE ORANGUTANS.
In an animation, an orangutan lands on a treetop. The orangutan jumps from treetop to treetop.
[Slide whistle, leaves rustling]
The orangutan says, THIS IS WHERE I SLEEP. OH, OH, THIS IS WHERE I EAT. HOME SWEET HOME!
[Slide whistles]
[Whooshing, upbeat music plays]
In reality, Matt says, BUT HERE AT THE ZOO, I'M THE GUARDIAN OF THE ORANGUTANS, SO WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SAFE.
Taviss asks, HOW CAN I HELP?
Matt says, WE CAN SET UP THEIR HABITAT AND DO A TRAINING SESSION.
Taviss says, LET'S DO IT.
Matt says, LET'S GO.
[Whooshing]
In a room, Matt and Taviss wear facemasks and gloves.
Matt says, OKAY, FIRST THINGS FIRST. WE GOTTA CLEAN UP.
[Rustling]
Matt gives Taviss a rake.
Taviss asks, WHAT'S THIS FOR?
Matt says, FOR PICKING UP POOP.
[Boinging]
Taviss narrates, I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN.
Matt pushes a door open.
[Rattling]
Matt says, OKAY, HERE WE GO.
They enter the enclosure. Matt carries a plastic crate. An orangutan watches them through a window.
Taviss narrates, GOOD THING WE HAVE MASKS ON. THEY NOT ONLY PROTECT THE ORANGUTANS FROM OUR GERMS, BUT THEY PROTECT US FROM THEIR POOP.
[Upbeat music plays]
Matt says, USUALLY THEY JUST GO ONCE A DAY. CAN YOU FIND SOME POOP? THERE YOU GO.
Taviss says, THIS IS HARDER THAN I THOUGHT.
[Groaning, rustling]
Taviss says, YEAH.
[Whooshing]
In an animation, a shovel lifts a Pile of Poo Emoji.
The Emoji says, NO. YOU CAN'T MAKE ME GO. YOU. CAN'T. MAKE. ME. GOOOOO!
The shovel throws the Emoji.
[Whooshing]
[Upbeat music plays]
In the enclosure, Matt says, AN ORANGUTAN WILL BE SPENDING ABOUT 50 PERCENT OF HER DAY JUST LOOKING FOR FOOD. THEY CALL IT FORAGING.
Video footage shows an orangutan foraging in long grass.
Matt explains, SO, HERE, WE WANT HER TO BE COMING OUTSIDE, LOOKING AROUND AND FORAGING FOR FOOD HERE AT THE ZOO.
Matt moves items inside a plastic crate. He and Taviss walk around the enclosure.
Matt says, WE'VE GOT DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOOD, WE'VE GOT DIFFERENT WAYS TO PRESENT IT. WE CALL IT ENRICHMENT. ALL THAT MEANS IS WE'RE TRYING TO MAKE THEIR DAY A LITTLE MORE INVOLVED.
WE PLANTED ALL SORTS OF PLANTS, AND ALL OF THEM ARE SAFE FOR THE ORANGUTANS TO EAT, SO THEY CAN FORAGE OUT HERE AND TASTE ALL THE THINGS THAT ARE PART OF THEIR HABITAT.
Taviss says, NICE. IT'S LIKE A YUMMY BUFFET.
Matt says, EXACTLY.
Taviss hides food in tall grass. Matt puts food on a branch.
Matt says, THAT'S PRETTY GOOD. THERE WE GO.
Matt sprinkles food by a viewing area. Taviss puts a jar on a tree.
Taviss says, OH. THEY'LL BE HER LATE-NIGHT SNACK WHEN SHE GOES TO BED.
Matt says, THERE, I THINK WE'VE GOT THE HABITAT SET UP. SO LET'S DO A QUICK TRAINING SESSION WITH HER AND THEN WE CAN LET HER EXPLORE. WE'RE GONNA PRACTICE A FEW THINGS WITH HER, AND ALL THESE THINGS ARE GOING TO HELP US WHEN THE VETS COME AND WANT TO LOOK AT HER, WE'VE ALREADY PRACTICED IT AND SHE GETS PAID WITH FOOD FOR IT, SO IT'S POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT.
Taviss says, OH, SO KIND OF LIKE IF A TODDLER GOT A TREAT FOR USING THE POTTY FOR THE FIRST TIME.
[Boinging]
Taviss narrates, OKAY, THAT WAS A WEIRD EXAMPLE. SORRY.
Matt says, IF SOMETHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER YOU'VE DONE SOMETHING, YOU'RE LIKELY TO DO IT AGAIN. OKAY, LET'S MASK UP.
Taviss says, WE'RE COMING FOR YOU, POOPY!
Taviss and Matt put on their facemasks.
[Whooshing, cheerful music plays]
Taviss narrates, OKAY, FAM, I'M TRYING TO KEEP COOL, BUT THAT IS AN ORANGUTAN! RIGHT THERE!
Taviss and Matt kneel beside a wire fence. Poopy holds the other side of the fence and looks at them.
Matt says, THIS IS POOPY. SHE'S OUR 56-YEAR-OLD FEMALE SUMATRAN ORANGUTAN. SHE'S BEEN AT THE ZOO SINCE THE ZOO OPENED IN 1974.
Taviss says, THAT'S SUPERCOOL.
[Upbeat music plays]
Matt says, THE TRAINING THAT WE DO WITH THE ANIMALS HERE AT THE ZOO HELPS US LOOK AFTER THEM BETTER. EVERYTHING WE DO IS HER CHOICE. IF SHE WANTS TO PARTICIPATE, SHE GETS PAID FOR IT WITH FOOD. AND IF SHE DOESN'T, THEN SHE DOESN'T HAVE TO DO IT.
ARE YOU READY, POOP? OKAY, CAN I SEE YOUR HANDS UP HERE?
Poopy puts her fingers through the fence, and Matt touches them.
Matt explains, SO, WHEN WE LOOK AT HER HANDS, WE COULD LOOK AT HER NAILS AND TRIM HER NAILS IF THEY'RE GETTING LONG.
CAN I SEE YOUR OTHER HAND OVER HERE? CAN YOU PUT YOUR HAND OVER HERE?
GOOD GIRL. OKAY, CAN I SEE YOUR HEAD?
Matt rubs Poopy’s forehead.
Matt says, SO, JUST LIKE WITH PEOPLE, WE CAN DO, LIKE, FOREHEAD TEMPERATURES, LOOK AT HER FOREHEAD.
Poopy tilts her head, and Matt touches her ear.
Matt says, OR CAN I SEE YOUR EAR? THERE, I CAN DO EAR THERMOMETER TEMPERATURES.
Taviss says, THAT'S INCREDIBLE.
Matt says, SHE DID A COUPLE GOOD THINGS. WE'LL GIVE HER A LITTLE PIECE OF BANANA FOR THAT.
Matt feeds Poopy a piece of banana.
Matt asks, CAN YOU STAND UP FOR ME? CAN YOU STAND UP FOR ME? THIS ONE TOO. YOU'RE NOT GOING TO STAND UP, ARE YOU? COME HERE. CAN I GET YOUR HEAD UP HERE? OH, SO GOOD. GREAT. CAN I SEE YOUR SHOULDER?
Matt feeds Poopy a piece of banana.
Matt says, SO, WHEN SHE GIVES ME HER SHOULDER, THE VETS CAN USE THAT TO GIVE HER A NEEDLE WHETHER TO HELP HER GO TO SLEEP IF WE NEED TO LOOK AT HER FOR SOMETHING OR TO GIVE HER A VACCINE.
CAN I SEE YOUR MOUTH? LOOK AT THOSE CHOMPERS. GOOD GIRL. SO THAT'S PRETTY MUCH IT FOR OUR TRAINING. ONCE SHE FINISHES THIS JUICE, WE GET HER OUT OF HERE.
Poopy drinks juice.
Taviss says, DON'T WORRY, I PICKED UP YOUR POOP. I GOT YOU, GIRL.
[Drumsticks beating time, rock music plays]
Text reads, “The Fun Factor.”
Taviss says, I'M AT THE TORONTO ZOO, SO YOU KNOW I HAVE TO MEET THE OTHER RAINFOREST ANIMALS THAT CALL THE ASIA RAINFOREST HOME.
The snake lies coiled in their enclosure.
Taviss says, THIS IS PIERRE, THE BIG, BIG PYTHON. LET'S GO FIND SOME OTHER ANIMALS. THIS IS HOOT, THE WHITE-HANDED GIBBON. HEY, HOOT. ARE YOU HAVING A HOOT? SHE'S BUSY.
Taviss hurries on a path.
Taviss says, LET'S GO FIND A TIGER. THIS IS HARRY THE TIGER AND HARRY'S TAKING A NAP.
Harry lies on his side, sleeping.
Taviss says, THIS IS JONAH THE HORNBILL. SMILE JONAH.
Taviss smiles into her camera.
[Whooshing]
[Serene music plays, cicadas humming]
Poopy enters the outdoor enclosure. She walks on ropes between platforms.
Taviss says, WOW! THERE'S POOPY. SHE'S SO AMAZING.
Matt says, ORANGUTANS ARE INCREDIBLE, AND THEY'RE VERY SMART. DID YOU KNOW ORANGUTANS HAVE THE INTELLIGENCE OF A 7-YEAR-OLD?
Taviss says, THAT'S A COUPLE OF YEARS YOUNGER THAN ME. THAT'S WILD.
Poopy knocks over the jar that Taviss put in the tree.
[Tinking]
Taviss says, LOOK, SHE'S GETTING THE FOOD WE SET OUT. IT'S SAD TO THINK THAT ORANGUTANS ARE IN DANGER BECAUSE OF PALM OIL.
Matt says, YEAH, I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT PALM OIL WAS WHEN I STARTED WORKING WITH ORANGUTANS. THEN I LEARNED IT'S IN ALMOST ALL THE PRODUCTS IN THE GROCERY STORE.
Taviss asks, HOW CAN WE HELP?
Matt gives Taviss a piece of paper.
[Paper rustling]
Matt says, THE ZOO HAS ACTUALLY DEVELOPED A SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL LIST. SO WHEN YOU'RE OUT SHOPPING, YOU CAN FOLLOW THE GUIDE AND LOOK FOR PRODUCTS THAT USE SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL. AND ALL OF THESE LITTLE CHOICES ADD UP TO PROTECT THE RAINFOREST AND HELP ORANGUTANS.
Taviss asks, DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE COPIES? I WANT TO SHOW IT TO MY FRIENDS. AFTER SEEING THEM HERE, I WANT TO DO WHAT I CAN.
Matt says, THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT WE WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL WHEN THEY COME TO SEE THE ORANGUTANS.
Taviss says, WELL, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
Taviss and Matt fist-bump.
[Matt makes explosion sound]
[Whooshing, gentle music plays]
Taviss narrates, TROPICAL RAINFORESTS ARE PRECIOUS HABITATS FULL OF AMAZING PLANTS AND ANIMALS LIKE THE ORANGUTAN.
BY AVOIDING HARMFUL PALM OIL PRODUCTS AND SHOPPING SUSTAINABLY,
WE CAN DO OUR PART AS HUMANS TO PROTECT BOTH THE RAINFOREST ECOSYSTEM AND THE CREATURES THAT CALL IT HOME.
Taviss says, THE SECRET IS OUT. ORANGUTANS ARE THE GUARDIANS OF THE RAINFOREST!
[Inspiring plays]
Text reads, “Secrets of the Forest is grateful to work in the traditional territories of many different First Nations. We acknowledge their stewardship of these lands since time immemorial and our responsibility to ensure it is never forgotten.”
End credits. Directed by Kara Harun. Created by Melissa Peters, Raj Panikkar, Christopher Szarka. Written by Melissa Peters. Produced by Raj Panikkar, Christopher Szarka. Featuring Taviss Paula Millington Edwards with Jay Bell and Matt Berridge. Logos: Fifth Ground Entertainment, T.V.O. Kids.
TVO Kids and Fifth Ground Entertainment, Original.
[Child giggles, joyful music plays, pop]
Text over video footage of a forest reads, “T.V.O. kids presents.”
[Tranquil music plays]
Taviss, a ten-year-old girl, walks in a rainforest. Her dark brown hair is pulled into a high ponytail. She wears a blue denim vest, a green T-shirt, and blue jeans.
Taviss narrates, THE RAINFOREST IS A PRECIOUS HABITAT. THAT'S NO SECRET. THERE ARE SPECIES WHOSE ENTIRE EXISTENCE DEPENDS ON THE WET GREEN ECOSYSTEM. BUT THE RAINFOREST IS IN DANGER. AND SO IS ONE ANIMAL THAT CALLS IT HOME. WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT IS?
Water drips off a leaf. An orange and white sign is shaped like an orangutan’s face.
[Water dripping]
Taviss says, COME ON, I'LL SHOW YOU.
[Inspiring music plays]
Taviss runs on a dirt path lined with trees on both sides.
Title: Secrets of the Forest.
A drawing beside the title shows a girl sitting on green tree roots. She holds a magnifying glass and gazes towards the title.
[Whooshing, upbeat music plays]
Taviss narrates, WE'LL DISCOVER TODAY'S SECRET ON THE LAND OF THE MISSISSAUGAS OF THE CREDIT, THE ANISHINAABE, THE CHIPPEWA, HAUDENOSAUNEE AND THE WENDAT PEOPLES.
In a forest, Taviss holds her arms out and walks on a narrow log. She jumps off the end.
Taviss narrates, I BET YOU'RE, LIKE, "WHAT THE WHAT? THAT'S NOT A RAINFOREST." AND I KNOW THAT, OBVI. BUT CHECK IT OUT. I COULDN'T GO ALL THE WAY TO THE TROPICAL RAINFOREST, SO I'M GOING TO THE ZOO!
Signs over the zoo entrance read, “Welcome to Toronto Zoo” and “Our Mission: Our Toronto Zoo connecting people, animals and conservation science to fight extinction.”
Taviss narrates, KICKING OFF MY BEHIND-THE-SCENES V.I.P. ZOO ACCESS IS JAY. HE'S ON THE HORTICULTURE TEAM, WHICH MEANS HE MAKES THE ZOO'S INDOOR RAINFOREST HABITAT COME TO LIFE. NO BIG DEAL.
Jay Bell wears a bright green ball cap over his curly brown hair and a dark green “Toronto Zoo Staff” T-shirt. He wears eyeglasses. Jay waters the plants and checks their leaves.
[Chiming]
A wooden sign reads, “Indomalaya.”
[Upbeat music plays]
Jay says, WELCOME TO INDO-MALAYA PAVILION, TAVISS. THIS IS WHERE YOU FIND ALL THE ZOO'S TROPICAL ANIMALS FROM INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA.
In an exhibit, a snake lies coiled on leaves.
Taviss says, WOW. IT'S INCREDIBLE IN HERE. IT LOOKS LIKE A REAL RAINFOREST.
Jay says, 'CAUSE IT IS A REAL RAINFOREST. IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT FOR OUR VISITORS TO EXPERIENCE AND KNOW WHAT THE RAINFOREST IS ALL ABOUT. SO WE'RE SIMULATING IT HERE FOR THEM.
Taviss says, WELL, I THINK YOU DID IT. THESE PLANTS LOOK SO REALISTIC.
Jay says, 'CAUSE THEY ARE REAL.
[Whooshing, musical flourish plays, slide whistle]
An animated plant says, I'M A REAL PLANT.
[Whooshing]
In reality, Taviss and Jay kneel on the ground.
[Birds calling, gentle music plays]
Jay says, ALL THE PLANTS IN THIS BUILDING GROW RIGHT INTO THE GROUND.
Taviss asks, FOR REAL?
Jay says, YEAH, THEY DO. EVERYTHING. EVEN THE BIG TREES.
Taviss asks, HOW DO THEY DO THAT?
Jay says, THE ONLY PAVED PARTS OF THE BUILDING ARE THE WALKWAYS. EVERYTHING ELSE IS IN SOIL AND GOES DOWN INTO THE EARTH.
Taviss says, IT MUST BE SO MUCH WORK TO KEEP THEM ALL ALIVE. I HAD A CACTUS ONCE AND I COULDN'T KEEP UP.
[Boing]
A photograph shows Taviss holding a cactus. Her bottom lip sticks out.
Taviss narrates, YEAH, I KILLED IT.
[Descending tones, whooshing]
Jay says, IT SURE IS A LOT OF WORK TO LOOK AFTER THESE PLANTS. THEY'RE ALL NATIVE TO TROPICAL ASIA SO THEY NEED EXACT CONDITIONS IN ORDER TO GROW PROPERLY.
Taviss says, AND THAT MUST MEAN A LOT OF WATER.
Jay says, IT SURE DOES. YOU WANT TO GIVE ME A HAND?
Taviss says, WELL, I'VE GOT TWO OF THOSE.
[Rim shot plays]
Taviss narrates, I KNOW, I KNOW. HOW DID I GET SO FUNNY, RIGHT?
[Whooshing, rapid footsteps]
Jay gives Taviss a coiled yellow hose.
OH, IT'S A BIT HEAVY.
[Rapid footsteps, water spraying]
Taviss turns on the hose and waters plants.
Taviss says, IT'S SHOWER TIME.
Jay says, SO, NEXT, WE'RE GOING TO WATER THE FLOORS, AND IT'S TO KEEP THE HUMIDITY VERY HIGH. THE MORE WATER, THE BETTER.
Taviss stops by a plant in a large black pot.
Taviss says, SHOULD I WATER THIS ONE? IT LOOKS PRETTY HEALTHY.
Jay says, SO YOU JUST FOUND THE ONLY PLANT IN THE ENTIRE BUILDING THAT'S NOT NATIVE TO TROPICAL ASIA. THIS IS AN AFRICAN OIL PALM TREE. IT'S ACTUALLY HARVESTED TO PRODUCE PALM OIL. IT'S ONE OF THE BIGGEST THREATS TO THE RAINFOREST.
[Record scratching]
Taviss narrates, BIGGEST THREAT? WHAT AM I FORGETTING?
[Rewinding]
[Inspiring music plays]
A flashback shows Taviss walking on the log.
Taviss narrates, BUT THE RAINFOREST IS IN DANGER. AND SO IS ONE ANIMAL THAT CALLS IT HOME.
[Fast forwarding]
Taviss narrates, OH, YEAH! THE SECRET! HOW COULD I FORGET?
In the present, Taviss says, PALM OIL. I THINK I'VE HEARD OF THAT BEFORE.
Jay says, I'M SURE YOU HAVE. IT'S IN MOST THINGS IN THE GROCERY STORE. YOU COULD FIND IT IN CHOCOLATE, ICE CREAM, TOOTHPASTE, CLEANERS, JUST ABOUT ANYTHING.
A montage shows a person breaking a chocolate bar, scooping pink ice cream, squeezing toothpaste on a toothbrush, and spraying a cleaner on a faucet.
[Chocolate snapping, toothpaste squelching, spraying, solemn music plays]
Taviss asks, SO WHAT MAKES IT A THREAT?
Jay says, OH, IN INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA, WHERE THEY GROW MOST OF IT, THEY CUT DOWN HUGE AREAS OF THE RAINFOREST TO MAKE FARMS TO GROW THIS TREE AND THEN HARVEST THE PALM OIL FROM THEM. IT'S A HUGE THREAT TO SPECIES THAT CALL THE RAINFOREST HOME, ESPECIALLY THE ENDANGERED ONES.
A sign with a photograph of an orangutan reads, “Palm Oil. Unsustainable Palm Oil can be devastating to Orangutan Populations. Check out the Toronto Zoo website for an Orangutan-friendly grocery shopping list. www.TorontoZoo.com/tz/PalmOil.”
Taviss asks, WHAT SPECIES IS ENDANGERED?
Jay says, SEE FOR YOURSELF.
Jay points at the orangutan enclosure. An adult and a baby orangutan rest on a platform.
Taviss says, IT'S AN ORANGUTAN!
A montage shows rocks in a desert, a giraffe, mist rising off a river, mountains, blue water splashing against a shore. Text reads, Where in the World?
[Exciting percussive music plays]
An orangutan sits on a branch and chews leaves.
[Leaves rustling, percussive music continues]
Taviss narrates, ORANGUTANS ARE A GREAT APE SPECIES NATIVE TO TROPICAL RAINFORESTS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA.
A map shows the previous range of orangutans in Southeast Asia.
Taviss narrates, NOW, ORANGUTANS CAN ONLY BE FOUND IN THE INDO-MALAYSIAN COUNTRY OF BORNEO AND ON THE ISLAND OF SUMATRA.
The map shows the locations of Borneo and Sumatra. In a rainforest, a baby orangutan dangles from a branch. Beside the rainforest, rows of African oil palm trees grow.
[Whooshing]
Taviss narrates, IN THE PAST 20 YEARS, MORE THAN 80 PERCENT OF THEIR HABITATS HAVE BEEN CUT DOWN, LEAVING ONLY 14,000 ORANGUTANS LEFT IN THE WILD.
[Birds chirping, whooshing]
At the zoo, Matt Berridge stands beside photographs of individual orangutans. He wears a grey ball cap over his brown hair. He wears a dark green Toronto Zoo Staff T-shirt. Matt wears eyeglasses and has long sideburns.
Taviss narrates, THIS IS MATT. HE'S THE HEAD OF THE ANIMAL CARE TEAM. HE'S SHOWING ME THE BRAND-NEW OUTDOOR HABITAT FOR THE ORANGUTANS.
Matt leads Taviss to the outdoor habitat with trees and high platforms connected by ropes.
Taviss says, WHOA.
Matt says, SO TALL. RIGHT? ORANGUTANS ARE ARBOREAL, WHICH MEANS THEY LIVE IN TREES. THEY MAKE THEIR NESTS UP THERE, THEY FIND THEIR FOOD UP THERE. THEY DO EVERYTHING IN THE TREES. SOME ORANGUTANS WILL NEVER EVEN TOUCH THE GROUND.
[Upbeat music plays]
Taviss says, OH, THAT'S WHY IT'S SO IMPORTANT NOT TO CUT DOWN RAINFOREST TREES. BECAUSE THEY LITERALLY HAVE NOWHERE TO LIVE.
Matt says, EXACTLY. ORANGUTANS ARE SOMETIMES CALLED GUARDIANS OF THE RAINFOREST. THEY'RE PROTECTING THE RAINFOREST BY LIVING IN IT, AND IF WE PROTECT RAINFORESTS, WE CAN PROTECT THE ORANGUTANS.
In an animation, an orangutan lands on a treetop. The orangutan jumps from treetop to treetop.
[Slide whistle, leaves rustling]
The orangutan says, THIS IS WHERE I SLEEP. OH, OH, THIS IS WHERE I EAT. HOME SWEET HOME!
[Slide whistles]
[Whooshing, upbeat music plays]
In reality, Matt says, BUT HERE AT THE ZOO, I'M THE GUARDIAN OF THE ORANGUTANS, SO WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SAFE.
Taviss asks, HOW CAN I HELP?
Matt says, WE CAN SET UP THEIR HABITAT AND DO A TRAINING SESSION.
Taviss says, LET'S DO IT.
Matt says, LET'S GO.
[Whooshing]
In a room, Matt and Taviss wear facemasks and gloves.
Matt says, OKAY, FIRST THINGS FIRST. WE GOTTA CLEAN UP.
[Rustling]
Matt gives Taviss a rake.
Taviss asks, WHAT'S THIS FOR?
Matt says, FOR PICKING UP POOP.
[Boinging]
Taviss narrates, I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN.
Matt pushes a door open.
[Rattling]
Matt says, OKAY, HERE WE GO.
They enter the enclosure. Matt carries a plastic crate. An orangutan watches them through a window.
Taviss narrates, GOOD THING WE HAVE MASKS ON. THEY NOT ONLY PROTECT THE ORANGUTANS FROM OUR GERMS, BUT THEY PROTECT US FROM THEIR POOP.
[Upbeat music plays]
Matt says, USUALLY THEY JUST GO ONCE A DAY. CAN YOU FIND SOME POOP? THERE YOU GO.
Taviss says, THIS IS HARDER THAN I THOUGHT.
[Groaning, rustling]
Taviss says, YEAH.
[Whooshing]
In an animation, a shovel lifts a Pile of Poo Emoji.
The Emoji says, NO. YOU CAN'T MAKE ME GO. YOU. CAN'T. MAKE. ME. GOOOOO!
The shovel throws the Emoji.
[Whooshing]
[Upbeat music plays]
In the enclosure, Matt says, AN ORANGUTAN WILL BE SPENDING ABOUT 50 PERCENT OF HER DAY JUST LOOKING FOR FOOD. THEY CALL IT FORAGING.
Video footage shows an orangutan foraging in long grass.
Matt explains, SO, HERE, WE WANT HER TO BE COMING OUTSIDE, LOOKING AROUND AND FORAGING FOR FOOD HERE AT THE ZOO.
Matt moves items inside a plastic crate. He and Taviss walk around the enclosure.
Matt says, WE'VE GOT DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOOD, WE'VE GOT DIFFERENT WAYS TO PRESENT IT. WE CALL IT ENRICHMENT. ALL THAT MEANS IS WE'RE TRYING TO MAKE THEIR DAY A LITTLE MORE INVOLVED.
WE PLANTED ALL SORTS OF PLANTS, AND ALL OF THEM ARE SAFE FOR THE ORANGUTANS TO EAT, SO THEY CAN FORAGE OUT HERE AND TASTE ALL THE THINGS THAT ARE PART OF THEIR HABITAT.
Taviss says, NICE. IT'S LIKE A YUMMY BUFFET.
Matt says, EXACTLY.
Taviss hides food in tall grass. Matt puts food on a branch.
Matt says, THAT'S PRETTY GOOD. THERE WE GO.
Matt sprinkles food by a viewing area. Taviss puts a jar on a tree.
Taviss says, OH. THEY'LL BE HER LATE-NIGHT SNACK WHEN SHE GOES TO BED.
Matt says, THERE, I THINK WE'VE GOT THE HABITAT SET UP. SO LET'S DO A QUICK TRAINING SESSION WITH HER AND THEN WE CAN LET HER EXPLORE. WE'RE GONNA PRACTICE A FEW THINGS WITH HER, AND ALL THESE THINGS ARE GOING TO HELP US WHEN THE VETS COME AND WANT TO LOOK AT HER, WE'VE ALREADY PRACTICED IT AND SHE GETS PAID WITH FOOD FOR IT, SO IT'S POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT.
Taviss says, OH, SO KIND OF LIKE IF A TODDLER GOT A TREAT FOR USING THE POTTY FOR THE FIRST TIME.
[Boinging]
Taviss narrates, OKAY, THAT WAS A WEIRD EXAMPLE. SORRY.
Matt says, IF SOMETHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER YOU'VE DONE SOMETHING, YOU'RE LIKELY TO DO IT AGAIN. OKAY, LET'S MASK UP.
Taviss says, WE'RE COMING FOR YOU, POOPY!
Taviss and Matt put on their facemasks.
[Whooshing, cheerful music plays]
Taviss narrates, OKAY, FAM, I'M TRYING TO KEEP COOL, BUT THAT IS AN ORANGUTAN! RIGHT THERE!
Taviss and Matt kneel beside a wire fence. Poopy holds the other side of the fence and looks at them.
Matt says, THIS IS POOPY. SHE'S OUR 56-YEAR-OLD FEMALE SUMATRAN ORANGUTAN. SHE'S BEEN AT THE ZOO SINCE THE ZOO OPENED IN 1974.
Taviss says, THAT'S SUPERCOOL.
[Upbeat music plays]
Matt says, THE TRAINING THAT WE DO WITH THE ANIMALS HERE AT THE ZOO HELPS US LOOK AFTER THEM BETTER. EVERYTHING WE DO IS HER CHOICE. IF SHE WANTS TO PARTICIPATE, SHE GETS PAID FOR IT WITH FOOD. AND IF SHE DOESN'T, THEN SHE DOESN'T HAVE TO DO IT.
ARE YOU READY, POOP? OKAY, CAN I SEE YOUR HANDS UP HERE?
Poopy puts her fingers through the fence, and Matt touches them.
Matt explains, SO, WHEN WE LOOK AT HER HANDS, WE COULD LOOK AT HER NAILS AND TRIM HER NAILS IF THEY'RE GETTING LONG.
CAN I SEE YOUR OTHER HAND OVER HERE? CAN YOU PUT YOUR HAND OVER HERE?
GOOD GIRL. OKAY, CAN I SEE YOUR HEAD?
Matt rubs Poopy’s forehead.
Matt says, SO, JUST LIKE WITH PEOPLE, WE CAN DO, LIKE, FOREHEAD TEMPERATURES, LOOK AT HER FOREHEAD.
Poopy tilts her head, and Matt touches her ear.
Matt says, OR CAN I SEE YOUR EAR? THERE, I CAN DO EAR THERMOMETER TEMPERATURES.
Taviss says, THAT'S INCREDIBLE.
Matt says, SHE DID A COUPLE GOOD THINGS. WE'LL GIVE HER A LITTLE PIECE OF BANANA FOR THAT.
Matt feeds Poopy a piece of banana.
Matt asks, CAN YOU STAND UP FOR ME? CAN YOU STAND UP FOR ME? THIS ONE TOO. YOU'RE NOT GOING TO STAND UP, ARE YOU? COME HERE. CAN I GET YOUR HEAD UP HERE? OH, SO GOOD. GREAT. CAN I SEE YOUR SHOULDER?
Matt feeds Poopy a piece of banana.
Matt says, SO, WHEN SHE GIVES ME HER SHOULDER, THE VETS CAN USE THAT TO GIVE HER A NEEDLE WHETHER TO HELP HER GO TO SLEEP IF WE NEED TO LOOK AT HER FOR SOMETHING OR TO GIVE HER A VACCINE.
CAN I SEE YOUR MOUTH? LOOK AT THOSE CHOMPERS. GOOD GIRL. SO THAT'S PRETTY MUCH IT FOR OUR TRAINING. ONCE SHE FINISHES THIS JUICE, WE GET HER OUT OF HERE.
Poopy drinks juice.
Taviss says, DON'T WORRY, I PICKED UP YOUR POOP. I GOT YOU, GIRL.
[Drumsticks beating time, rock music plays]
Text reads, “The Fun Factor.”
Taviss says, I'M AT THE TORONTO ZOO, SO YOU KNOW I HAVE TO MEET THE OTHER RAINFOREST ANIMALS THAT CALL THE ASIA RAINFOREST HOME.
The snake lies coiled in their enclosure.
Taviss says, THIS IS PIERRE, THE BIG, BIG PYTHON. LET'S GO FIND SOME OTHER ANIMALS. THIS IS HOOT, THE WHITE-HANDED GIBBON. HEY, HOOT. ARE YOU HAVING A HOOT? SHE'S BUSY.
Taviss hurries on a path.
Taviss says, LET'S GO FIND A TIGER. THIS IS HARRY THE TIGER AND HARRY'S TAKING A NAP.
Harry lies on his side, sleeping.
Taviss says, THIS IS JONAH THE HORNBILL. SMILE JONAH.
Taviss smiles into her camera.
[Whooshing]
[Serene music plays, cicadas humming]
Poopy enters the outdoor enclosure. She walks on ropes between platforms.
Taviss says, WOW! THERE'S POOPY. SHE'S SO AMAZING.
Matt says, ORANGUTANS ARE INCREDIBLE, AND THEY'RE VERY SMART. DID YOU KNOW ORANGUTANS HAVE THE INTELLIGENCE OF A 7-YEAR-OLD?
Taviss says, THAT'S A COUPLE OF YEARS YOUNGER THAN ME. THAT'S WILD.
Poopy knocks over the jar that Taviss put in the tree.
[Tinking]
Taviss says, LOOK, SHE'S GETTING THE FOOD WE SET OUT. IT'S SAD TO THINK THAT ORANGUTANS ARE IN DANGER BECAUSE OF PALM OIL.
Matt says, YEAH, I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT PALM OIL WAS WHEN I STARTED WORKING WITH ORANGUTANS. THEN I LEARNED IT'S IN ALMOST ALL THE PRODUCTS IN THE GROCERY STORE.
Taviss asks, HOW CAN WE HELP?
Matt gives Taviss a piece of paper.
[Paper rustling]
Matt says, THE ZOO HAS ACTUALLY DEVELOPED A SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL LIST. SO WHEN YOU'RE OUT SHOPPING, YOU CAN FOLLOW THE GUIDE AND LOOK FOR PRODUCTS THAT USE SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL. AND ALL OF THESE LITTLE CHOICES ADD UP TO PROTECT THE RAINFOREST AND HELP ORANGUTANS.
Taviss asks, DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE COPIES? I WANT TO SHOW IT TO MY FRIENDS. AFTER SEEING THEM HERE, I WANT TO DO WHAT I CAN.
Matt says, THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT WE WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL WHEN THEY COME TO SEE THE ORANGUTANS.
Taviss says, WELL, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
Taviss and Matt fist-bump.
[Matt makes explosion sound]
[Whooshing, gentle music plays]
Taviss narrates, TROPICAL RAINFORESTS ARE PRECIOUS HABITATS FULL OF AMAZING PLANTS AND ANIMALS LIKE THE ORANGUTAN.
BY AVOIDING HARMFUL PALM OIL PRODUCTS AND SHOPPING SUSTAINABLY,
WE CAN DO OUR PART AS HUMANS TO PROTECT BOTH THE RAINFOREST ECOSYSTEM AND THE CREATURES THAT CALL IT HOME.
Taviss says, THE SECRET IS OUT. ORANGUTANS ARE THE GUARDIANS OF THE RAINFOREST!
[Inspiring plays]
Text reads, “Secrets of the Forest is grateful to work in the traditional territories of many different First Nations. We acknowledge their stewardship of these lands since time immemorial and our responsibility to ensure it is never forgotten.”
End credits. Directed by Kara Harun. Created by Melissa Peters, Raj Panikkar, Christopher Szarka. Written by Melissa Peters. Produced by Raj Panikkar, Christopher Szarka. Featuring Taviss Paula Millington Edwards with Jay Bell and Matt Berridge. Logos: Fifth Ground Entertainment, T.V.O. Kids.
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