Continuing this week on Five is a new wildlife series anchored by animal expert Michaela Strachan and ex-‘Blue Peter’ presenter Matt Baker. Airing on weeknights, the series looks at the urgent work going on to save and protect animals in the UK and abroad – from large-scale conservation projects to tiny wildlife sanctuaries.

Animal Rescue Squad follows the efforts of dedicated zoologists, vets and volunteers to help animals around the world. The programmes focus on the unsung heroes of animal conservation and protection, who work tirelessly to improve the lives of creatures in zoos, safari parks, wildlife reserves and public areas. The series also examines the life-and-death dramas that unfold in vets’ surgeries up and down the country on a daily basis.

Monday
Gilly the rescued seal must put on enough weight to be released back to sea; while a group of penguins give their keepers the runaround as they try to avoid their flu jabs. In Florida, Michaela lends a helping hand as two rescued turtles are released into the wild; and the vets do everything they can to save the sight of a diabetic husky called Diesel.

Tuesday
Michaela nursing some orphaned baby manatees back to health before helping them into the water. Elsewhere, Florence the cat has a nose for a problem: she has a blade of grass stuck in her nostril. Can vet Jason remove it for her?

Thursday
It is a race against time to save retired racing greyhounds from being abandoned and killed. Michaela is in the Cape Flats in South Africa helping to save hard-working cart horses from neglect and abuse, and Alfie the rabbit faces the dentist’s drill.

Friday
Michaela is on the road with the American Society for the Protecton of Animals helping a possum who has got his head stuck in a parmesan cheese jar. Plus, can the vets save Mack the dog –and will Phillip the love-sick rabbit find the perfect bunny girl?