Shropshire celebrity vet Steve Leonard goes wild in new TV series

Teaming up with presenter Clare Balding, the pair will present the new three-part BBC One science series, Operation Wild, which will start this week.

They will join teams of pioneering vets around the world who are using the most cutting edge techniques, often adapted from human medicine, to save the lives of animals.

Viewers will be able to see world-first operations and surgeries that have never been seen before on television.

In Laos the pair will meet Champa, the first moon bear in the world to have keyhole brain surgery for a rare condition called hydrocephalus.

Over in South Africa, Thandi, a white rhino was attacked by poachers for her horn and left for dead. Her wound never healed and vets decided their only option was a skin graft, so they called in specialist help from a plastic surgeon who usually operates on people.

There is also Fuji, a dolphin who can't swim as her tail was destroyed by infection. Vets attempt to fit her with a prosthetic tail.

In Sichuan Province, China, a giant panda rescued from the wild is given an MRI scan to uncover what's behind her highly unusual behaviour.

Mr Leonard, of Whitchurch-based Leonard Brothers Veterinary Centre, said: "I loved being part of the show and being hands on with the animals.

"The vets we meet in this series are truly brilliant, using pioneering techniques which are so important for the animals and which, hopefully, will set a precedent and be used again."

Ms Balding said: "Being an animal lover, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this new series and it was fascinating to see the new ways in which extremely talented vets are saving these precious animals."

Aidan Laverty, commissioning editor, added: "I've been amazed by the groundbreaking operations, cutting edge science and medical techniques featured in the series.

"Clare and Steve are the perfect team to take viewers on this epic global journey."

The series starts tomorrow on BBC One at 9pm.

Cameras have followed Mr Leonard's career ever since he made regular appearances on BBC wildlife shows including Vet School.

In 2012 Mr Leonard featured in ITV1 programme Safari Vet School which was screened for 12 weeks.

It tracked the fortunes of student vets as they took part in a summer placement at the 15,000 acre Amakhala Game Reserve (CORR) in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

He has also featured in Vets In Practice, Vets In The Wild, Ultimate Killers, Journey of Life and Extreme Animals.