Continuing this week on Five is the wildlife series anchored by animal expert Michaela Strachan and ex-‘Blue Peter’ presenter Matt Baker. 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. In this week’s instalment, Michaela is in San Diego helping a team of vets as they examine an injured tiger. In Scotland, a sea eagle is trained to hunt. And vets in Newcastle treat more mystifying animal ailments.

Animal Rescue Squad follows the efforts of zoologists, vets and volunteers to help animals around the world. The series focuses on the unsung heroes of animal conservation, who work tirelessly to improve the lives of creatures in zoos, safari parks, wildlife reserves and public areas.

Tonight, Michaela is at the Lions, Tigers and Bears Sanctuary in San Diego helping to prepare Natasha the tiger for a sensitive exploratory examination. Natasha was pregnant when she was rescued from a tiny cage that also housed her mate, Rajar. The team is worried that she may be yet another victim of the cruel craze for keeping big cats as pets. These animals often have their claws surgically removed to render them less dangerous. In order to assess the extent of Natasha’s worrying injuries, the vets separate the tiger from her cubs and sedate her. What will they find during the exam?

Elsewhere, at the Blair Drummond Safari Park in Scotland, Snatch the sea eagle is in urgent need of hunting lessons. Raised in captivity, this majestic bird struggles to get to grips with the simple task of fishing. Can she learn to take the bait?

And at the Eden Hill surgery in Newcastle, vet Jacqui Griffiths is concerned about Jackson the German shepherd. After a seemingly innocuous fall from a sofa, Jackson has developed a worrying problem. And fellow vet Jason Atherton must solve the mystery of Frankie the tortoise, whose nose will not stop running.