Zoo Quest 1954
What is Zoo Quest?
Zoo Quest is a documentary series that follows the activities of a team from the London Zoo. The program features David Attenborough as he accompanies zoo keepers on expeditions to various locations.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1954
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 42
- Runtime
- 30 minutes
- First aired
- Dec 21, 1954
- Last aired
- May 31, 1963
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- GB
- Networks
- BBC One
- Genres
- Documentary
- Updated
Where to watch
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 42 episodes and an average 30-minute runtime.
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Find the trailer on YouTube ↗Overview
Zoo Quest is a documentary series that follows the activities of a team from the London Zoo. The program features David Attenborough as he accompanies zoo keepers on expeditions to various locations. The primary objective of these journeys is to search for and capture exotic animals. Once the team successfully locates and secures these creatures, the animals are transported back to the United Kingdom. Upon their arrival, the animals are placed into the care of the zoo to be presented for public exhibit. The series documents the collaborative efforts of the expedition team as they work to acquire new additions for the zoo collection. By focusing on the process of tracking and capturing wildlife, the show provides viewers with insight into the methods used by the London Zoo to expand its animal population. The series highlights the logistical challenges and the specific goals involved in bringing exotic species from their natural habitats to be housed and displayed within the zoo environment.
Should you watch it?
“David Attenborough travels internationally to capture exotic animals for display at the London Zoo.”
- features early work by David Attenborough
- provides a historical look at zoo practices
- dated production techniques
- focuses on animal capture rather than modern conservation
Watch it if you are interested in the early television career of David Attenborough and historical wildlife documentation.
The series reflects the historical methods and attitudes toward animal collection prevalent in the 1950s.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 6 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →Season 2 · 6 episodes
- E1 Zoo Quest To Guina, Episode 1 Sep 13, 1955
- E2 Zoo Quest To Guina, Episode 2 Sep 20, 1955
- E3 Zoo Quest To Guina, Episode 3 Sep 27, 1955
- E4 Zoo Quest To Guina, Episode 4 Oct 4, 1955
- E5 Zoo Quest To Guina, Episode 5 Oct 11, 1955
- E6 Zoo Quest To Guina, Episode 6 Oct 18, 1955
Season 3 · 6 episodes
- E1 Borneo (1) Oct 5, 1956
- E2 Borneo (2) Oct 12, 1956
- E3 Java Oct 19, 1956
- E4 Bali (1) Oct 26, 1956
- E5 Bali (2) Nov 2, 1956
- E6 Dragons Of Komodo Nov 9, 1956
Season 4 · 6 episodes
- E1 The Barrier Reef Nov 10, 1957
- E2 Raine Island Nov 17, 1957
- E3 Base Camp In New Guinea Nov 24, 1957
- E4 People of The Wahgi Valley Dec 1, 1957
- E5 Into The Stone Age Dec 8, 1957
- E6 Pygmies And Paradise Birds Dec 15, 1957
Season 5 · 6 episodes
- E1 Butterfly Birds And Armadillos Mar 20, 1959
- E2 Oven Birds And Capybaras Mar 27, 1959
- E3 Argentine Excursion Apr 3, 1959
- E4 The Gran Chaco Apr 10, 1959
- E5 Cactus Island In The Desert Apr 17, 1959
- E6 Return From The Chaco Apr 24, 1959
Frequently asked questions
Who stars in the series?
The series stars David Attenborough.
What is the main goal of the team?
The team travels to find and capture exotic animals to bring back for exhibit at the London Zoo.
Who does the team travel with?
The team consists of David Attenborough and staff from the London Zoo.
What is the format of the show?
It is a documentary series following the quest to locate and collect animals.
Where are the animals taken?
Captured animals are transported back to the United Kingdom for the zoo.