Marie-Ève Potvin is a seasoned content girl who has made her mark in both cultural and scientific productions. Researcher, screenwriter, she recently directed the documentary Behind the Door of a Caregiver. Retired Animals, 100% Animal and Crazy about Animals are just some of the projects that confirm his love for animals. It is this passion that led her to the Miller Zoo, which she introduces us to thanks to A zoo like no other, which is in its fourth season.
A zoo like no other has quickly taken root in people’s hearts. What do you attribute that to?
People have fallen in love with Clifford and Émilie because they are real and they see how much they care about their mission. Cliff is funny, super creative, resourceful. He is a real sugar daddy for animals. It was nice to see him installing the games for the cubs. We feel his happiness to make them happy. Émilie is passionate, completely dedicated to animals. She has the ability to put herself in their shoes, to understand them. He sometimes wakes up every two hours to feed an injured robin in his basement. For them, all lives are important. Despite their success, they remained themselves.
In the series, we have access to the residents of the zoo, but also to all those who have survived.
It’s a huge part of their job and it’s what people know the least about. It allows for education. Before releasing an animal, it passes a behavior test. If he is too friendly, he will not be released. The goal is for it to become wild again. More than a hundred animals are rehabilitated each year.
You are documenting living beings over which you have no control. How do you do it?
This is the most difficult part because in TV, we like to plan things. Fortunately, the team is extraordinary and adapts quickly. Two days of filming are planned for an episode. I always prepare a plan with what we want to shoot. But it often happens that in the morning, we crumple the schedule and follow what is happening. A bear’s veterinary intervention is difficult to assess because it’s unclear how long it will take to get it through the narrow gate or put it to sleep. Same thing for a birth of a tapir. There is always the unexpected in the daily life of the zoo. We must also give the animals time to tame us. It is a time when nothing happens, but which is essential.
Are there any animals that are “kid kodak”?
Several. Opy bears and Chibs are very curious. They always go to see what Cliff is up to. When he put a hammock down for them, they immediately rushed to get into it. Louna the wolf was always happy. She liked to have her belly scratched. Lemurs are my favorites. They are always willing. When we do an enrichment period, they are nice and delicate with the cameramen, they give them kisses. We did yoga in their enclosure, they participated. Most animals know camera means reward! With more embarrassed, stealthy or solitary animals, we film from afar or install GoPros. On the set, we have always focused on the safety of the teams and the well-being of the animals. Nothing is forced.
In four seasons, you must have lived privileged moments as sad as happy. Which ones caught your attention?
The day Louna died following surgery is probably the most difficult moment. I still get emotional when I talk about it. She was a golden retriever in a wolf body. When we left with the camera, we all cried. We took a long break. Everyone was affected by his departure. Happy times, there are so many! But I think seeing Opy and Chibs come out of hibernation is a great privilege. There was a big crust of snow and Clifford went to see if they were sleeping. He turned his head, giving us a big smile. The bears came out of their den. They were crazy stiff. A moment of pure joy, happiness.
A zoo like no other Monday 7:30 p.m. on TVA
