australian television information archive

Zoo Family

Episode 1
1985
Writer: Vincent Moran
Director: Chris Langman

Veterinarian Dr. Mitchell has his hands full. An international commission is coming to visit the zoo. On top of that, Ted the chimpanzee is sick. Nick is neglecting his duties at the zoo. He's too busy with his new girlfriend Robyn.

Starring: Peter Curtin as Dr. David Mitchell, Steven Jacobson as Nick Mitchell, Kate Gorman as Susie Mitchell, Robert Summers as Tim Watson

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek [Maciej Staniewicz] as Harry Zychia, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Emma Bathgate as Robyn

Note: all episode summaries have been translated into English from a German source so they may read a bit strangely.

A Bird in the Hand

Episode 2
Writer: Andrew Kennedy
Director: Mark DeFriest

Barry Cating is in debt. He wants to pay it off by selling valuable birds. His buddy Rick is supposed to help him steal them from the zoo. Tim doesn't trust Barry but everyone laughs at him when he claims that Barry wants to steal parrots.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Peter Snook as Barry, David Swann as Rick

Seal Song

Episode 3
Writer: Cassandra Carter
Director: Howard Neil

Every day, a girl comes to the seals at the zoo, watches them, and sings to them. She believes in the old legend that seals are the souls of drowned people.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Melissa Kounnas as Meg, John McTernan as Mr MacLeod, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer [uncredited]

The Last Cheetah

Episode 4
Writer: Alison Nisselle
Director: Howard Neil

When the zoo's last cheetah dies, Harry wants to give up his job. Everyone thinks about how they can keep him. They want to get money from Mr. Spencer for new cheetahs.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer, William Upjohn as Patrick

Short Waves, Tall Stories

Episode 5
Writer: Cassandra Carter
Director: Chris Sheil

Filming for a commercial with giraffes causes unrest at the zoo. In addition, someone plays a prank: false alarms are constantly being sent over the radio.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer, Chris Connelly as Andrew, Bruce Spence as George, Brian Hannan as Steve White, Paul Makin as Director, Neil Melville [uncredited]

Going Home

Episode 6
Writer: Leon Saunders
Director: Howard Neil

In his memories, Tim has romanticized his grandfather, Pop Sutcliffe, as a shining war hero. In reality, he is a tired old man. But when it comes to his grandson, Pop pulls himself together. He shows what he is still capable of.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer, Julia Blake as Mrs. Watson, Gerry Duggan as Pop Sutcliffe, Clive Hearne as Mr Watson [uc]

Diamonds Are Forever

Episode 7
Writer: John Alsop
Director: Mark Callan

Madame Rosalita, a a fortune teller, has parked her mobile home at the zoo entrance. Mr. Spencer wants to chase the lady away as quickly as possible. To stop him, the children team up with Madame Rosalita to perform a little hocus pocus and scare him.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Bunney Brooke as Madam Rosalita, Nikki owned and trained by Luke's Canine Actors

Pengiun Parade

Episode 8
Writer: Roger Dunn
Director: Mark DeFriest

The penguins are the attraction of the Phillip Island. In the evening, they come ashore like a parade to feed their young. Julie, Susie, and Tim observe hooligans on the island. They are targeting the penguins. Stewart teaches them a lesson.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Peter Darby as Stewart, Mark Hennessy as Phil, Darren Boyd as Oilzy, Tibor Gyapjas as Jacko

Ride for Your Life

Episode 9
Writer: John Reeves
Director: Howard Neil

The day before his birthday, Tim is allowed to take part in the transfer of Fred the giraffe to the Werribee Safari Park. However, the zoo receives an anonymous letter threatening to kill the giraffe if it is moved.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Tommy Dysart as MacGregor, Rodney Bell as Robbie

Trust Me

Episode 10
Writer: Roger Dunn
Director: Howard Neil

Saffron is terrified of animals. The Mitchells take her to the Healesville Sanctuary, where Saffron can interact with wild animals in their natural habitat.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer, Susan Gorence as Holly Walden, Michaela Abay as Saffron Walden, Nigel Bradshaw as Bernie Barker

Elephants and Runaways

Episode 11
Writer: David Phillips
Director: Chris Sheil

Nick's friend Fred has run away from home. His parents want to send him to boarding school. He is hiding in the zoo. Tim also wants to run away for fear of punishment. In doing so, he falls into a flower bed.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer, Mark Kounnas as Fred Robinson, Nick Waters as Mr. Robinson

Note: guest star Mark Kounnas (Fred, pictured) is the brother of episode 3 guest star Melissa Kounnas

Watson of the Jungle

Episode 12
Writer: Peter Hepworth
Director: Howard Neil

Tim sees himself as the hero of a crime thriller. So he is not surprised when he meets a supposed special agent hiding in the zoo. Tim gives him his word of honor not to reveal anything about the man's presence but this puts Tim in danger.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, David Letch as Smitty, Jeffrey Hodgson as Mac, Brett Lewis as Simon

Love, Romance, Elephants

Episode 13
Writer: Alison Nisselle
Director: Bud Tingwell

Bonzu the elephant has a new mate. Peta is convinced that the two like each other and hopes for offspring. But Mr. Spencer has a completely different opinion.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer, Max Phipps as Elephant Jim

All in a Day's Holiday

Episode 14
Writer: Roger Moulton
Director: Chris Sheil

The zoo has been bequeathed $20,000. Miss Beacon has to decide how it should be spent. Deaf-mute Michael plays a special role in this.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Natalie Lewenberg as Kathy, Barbara West as Miss Beacon, Robyn Gibbes as Michael's Mother, Mark Reuter as Michael and The Children from the Yooralla Special School Glenroy as Springdale Kids

Reptiles Can't Cry

Episode 15
Writer: Mary Dagmar-Davies
Director: Mark Callan

Fifteen-year-old Jeff has nothing but nonsense on his mind. Dr. Mitchell wants to give the parentless teenager a chance. Jeff is allowed to work in the zoo's reptile house. The boy wants to stay but Mr. Spencer has something against it.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer, Justin Coleman as Ace, Tim McKenzie as Len Leonard

Rotters and Otters

Episode 16
Writer: John Lord
Director: Howard Neil

Hilary Spencer has come to visit from England. Mr. Spencer suspects that his son is up to something. In fact, Hilary is only interested in getting money somehow. He has his eye on the valuable furs that Dr. Mitchell keeps in his house.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer, Huw Williams as Hilary

Tote That Bale

Episode 17
Writer: Andrew Kennedy
Director: Chris Sheil

Geoff Noble is new at the zoo. Susie is thrilled and offers to help him with his work. Everyone notices that Geoff is lazy and is taking advantage of Susie but she refuses to believe it.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer, Mark Ferguson as Geoff Noble

Star Attraction

Episode 18
Writer: Terry Stapleton
Director: Chris Sheil

Susie is beside herself with joy: a commercial featuring star Vince Colosimo is to be filmed at the zoo. Unfortunately, she is not allowed to be there during the shoot. But a baby gorilla provides a happy twist.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Vince Colosimo as Himself, Fiona Corke as Fiona

Me and Jane

Episode 19
Writer: Michael Joshua
Director: Chris Sheil

Tim has befriended the new gibbon at the zoo. He is to be presented to the press on the occasion of the Spencers' 30th wedding anniversary. But on the big day, everything goes wrong.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer, Marion Edward as Mona Vale

Mavies of the Apes

Episode 20
Writer: Mary Dagmar-Davies
Director: Colin Budds

Celeste the gorilla is lonely and sad. She needs a companion but Mr. Spencer is not willing to cough up the necessary money. However, Mrs. Spencer, who is neglected by her husband, intervenes.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer

Yvonne the Terrible

Episode 21
Writer: Andrew Kennedy
Director: Howard Neil

Yvonne, who is visiting the Mitchells for the weekend, proves to be a nuisance. She harms Susie and Nick wherever she can. Life at home and in various foster homes has made her distrustful.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer, Kylie Minogue as Yvonne

The Good, the Bad and Martin

Episode 22
Writer: Deb Cox
Director: Howard Neil

Shy Martin wants to go to the school dance with Susie. He wants to get her attention so he hides a koala bear, hoping to find it again when everyone searches for it.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer, Ben Mendelsohn as Martin

Monkey Business

Episode 23
Writer: Alison Nisselle
Director: Chris Sheil

Susie doesn't want to give back the baby monkey she is fostering after becoming attached to the animal. Meanwhile, Tim and Mrs. Spencer are taking care of a litter of kittens.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer

A Bunch of Emigrants

Episode 24
Writer: Judith Colquhoun
Director: Colin Budds

Manuel has immigrated illegally from South America. He has been working at the zoo for three years. But someone knows about him. Because he receives a letter. Manuel gets scared and packs his things.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Anthony Martin [Tony Martin] as Manuel, Carl Price as Constanzo

Dangers of the Job

Episode 25
Writer: Mary Dagmar-Davies
Director: Colin Budds

Dr. Mitchell resigns from his position as a veterinarian at the zoo. He has been attacked by a big cat for the second time. But Susie and Nick want their father to stay at the zoo.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer

Way of the Bison

Episode 26
Writer: David Phillips
Director: Chris Sheil

Lisa, who is ill, sits in front of the bison enclosure every day. She feels a kinship with these animals. Lisa thinks that she and the bison will disappear from the earth. But an operation could help Lisa. Everyone tries to distract Lisa and cheer her up.

With: John Orcsik as Ken Bennett, Rebecca Gibney as Julie Davis, Gennie Nevinson as Peta Hamilton, Maciek as Harry Zychia, Chris Connelly as Andrew Webster, Jon Finlayson as Mr. Spencer, Marion Heathfield as Mrs Spencer, Susie Lindeman as Lisa, Victoria Jackson as Cheryl