Donald is now well-known as a zoo vet, and is travelling the country dealing with circus animals, but still finds time to deal with the Great Northern Zoo's animals. The Northern Zoo itself is having a rough patch with Paddy acting as senior keeper and manager, and doesn'thold any illusions as to what is going to happen to the zoo. Maurice is annoyed about the amount of time Donald is away from the practice, and is even more annoyed when Donald informs him of a proposed safari park he will be involved with. Things finally come to a head when an elephant escapes from Ben Bishop's circus and injures a man, and forces Donald to split up the partnership.