The Supervet gets safari special: See the amazing animal photos

The Supervet is getting a safari special that will see Professor Noel Fitzpatrick swap small domestic animal patients for lions and tigers in South Africa.

Fitzpatrick is used to treating small animals at his Surrey practice, where he is at the forefront of orthopaedics and neurosurgery for his patients.

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Now, a new Channel 4 special will see him take his skills to the majestic and powerful wild animals of South Africa, performing procedures that have rarely been offered to them before.

He will meet patients endangered by poaching, suffering from injuries due to neglect in captivity, or who have been exploited in circuses and zoos in war zones, all in urgent need of life-transforming treatment.

Fitzpatrick’s patients – in wildlife reserves, orphanages, and sanctuaries - include a rhino mauled by hyenas and in need of a new prosthetic limb, and another being fitted with anti-poaching protection; and a tiger and a lion who after a lifetime of suffering may finally be freed from pain.

The Supervet said: "Having the opportunity to travel to South Africa and spend time with the magnificent animals of the savannah and the wonderful selfless people who dedicate their lives to looking after them - often in very difficult circumstances, including illegal poaching and conflict - was truly life changing. I found the dedication, compassion, and clinical skill of the veterinary professionals I met profoundly inspirational.

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"What I experienced was eye opening to the immense challenges and responsibility we have as humankind to step up and look after these incredible animals who are intrinsic to our legacy on planet earth."

Alex Sutherland, executive producer for Blast! Films which makes the series, said: "We have always been looking for ways to expand the enormously successful Supervet brand, particularly as Noel’s own reputation has reached an increasingly large worldwide audience. This South Africa Special is the perfect opportunity.

"We have worked with some amazing local vets and wildlife conservationists who welcomed Noel’s expertise and his ideas for the treatment of wild animals.

"Seeing Noel enthused by this collaboration - and adapting his deep love and knowledge of domestic pets to help endangered wild species like rhinos, as well as a tiger and a lion, was awe-inspiring; I hope the film will have a lasting legacy."

The Supervet: Safari Special airs at 9pm on 23 February on Channel 4.