Throughout this week, plenty of natural history programs have been shown across the BBC. Some, being extraordinary, displaying unique animal behaviour whilst also reflecting real and upsetting issues and events
BLACKFISH - The Whale That Killed
This is a documentary which reveals the ins and outs of the story of the notorious performing whale Tilikum. Tilikum (a male killer whale) took the lives of several people whilst in captivity and endangered many more. A team of investigators bring this documentary to our screens for an hour and twenty minutes, full of interviews with trainers, experts and never before seen footage.
Orcas have received cruel treatment whilst in captivity over the last four decades and the film explores the shock and horror of fellow sea-park workers and trainers at the deaths of colleagues. The footage shows of quick rescues, but all because of the flaws in the safety and misleading of sea-park workers in order for management to obtain a higher net profit.
Orcas have received cruel treatment whilst in captivity over the last four decades and the film explores the shock and horror of fellow sea-park workers and trainers at the deaths of colleagues. The footage shows of quick rescues, but all because of the flaws in the safety and misleading of sea-park workers in order for management to obtain a higher net profit.
"This emotionally-wrenching, tautly-structured story challenges us to consider our relationship to nature and reveals how little we humans have learned from these highly intelligent and enormously sentient fellow mammals"
This is one of my favourite natural history documentaries, the real life stories full of horrors will leave you clinging on the edge of your sofa, hands on face and tears in the eyes. You'll be taken from the very beginning of the sea-park industry and taken from the USA to Teneriffe, if you watch one documentary this week, make sure its this one. We know nothing of how to care for an orca and we must send out our prayers for those lost to the killer whales in captivity.
Read more about the investigation into the deaths plus more facts
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/nature/Blood-in-the-Water-Keto.html
http://www.seaworldofhurt.com/ten-things.aspx
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/nature/Blood-in-the-Water-Keto.html
http://www.seaworldofhurt.com/ten-things.aspx
Animal Odd Couples
This natural history program aired for the first time on the BBC on Thursday 21st November 2013 uses presenter and wildlife biologist Liz Bonnin travelling around the world, meeting the people who witnessed and the animals who have created bizarre relationships.
Some of the 'Odd Animal Couples' include:
Some of the 'Odd Animal Couples' include:
- A lion, tiger and bear
- A domestic cat and three ducklings
- An orangutan and a domestic dog
- A wild lioness looking after its own prey
"These animals are displaying what looks like friendship, affection and even love towards one another"
With guest appearances of psychological experts and videos which have gained millions of views on the interweb, join the adventure to try and understand why different species are interacting in ways never thought possible. What's behind this behaviour? Can we explain them? How much do we really know about the natural world?
I found this program quite interesting in the variety of different animal relationships, but I felt it lacked the 'gripping program' feeling. Maybe that just be my personal opinion but it wasn't keeping my attention as I ended up channel flicking. I think these type of programs appeal to some people and not others... don't get me wrong, I really like Liz Bonnin programs such as her search for tigers in Russia/Siberia but I think the producers here created a program for the general public famillies and not something like a documentary that might not neccairily appeal to the younger children.
Can be found here on BBC IPlayer
I found this program quite interesting in the variety of different animal relationships, but I felt it lacked the 'gripping program' feeling. Maybe that just be my personal opinion but it wasn't keeping my attention as I ended up channel flicking. I think these type of programs appeal to some people and not others... don't get me wrong, I really like Liz Bonnin programs such as her search for tigers in Russia/Siberia but I think the producers here created a program for the general public famillies and not something like a documentary that might not neccairily appeal to the younger children.
Can be found here on BBC IPlayer
TIMESHIFT - A Day At The Zoo
How have our Great British adapted to our demands through the years, from the very first zoos where animals were kept in atrocious conditions for our entertainment all the way to the modern day, featuring some of our most famous zoo animals. These animals include the original Jumbo the elephant, Bristol Zoo's Gorilla called Alfred whilst also following the change in enclosures and the optical illusions of London Zoo's 'mountains'.
"Using unique home movie footage, this is the story of how zoos captured the imagination of the British"
Whilst they explore why Dudley zoo scrapped the bars so the animals appeared to be more free, this film will bring back that nostalgic feeling for those who are old enough. Despite the ever growing concern of captive animals who belong in the wild (watch Blackfish), a day at the zoo is still at the top of one of our great British family days out.
Can be found here on BBC IPlayer
Can be found here on BBC IPlayer
ALSO SHOWN THIS WEEK -
West Coast Otters
NEXT WEEK
WILD BURMA: Nature's Lost Kingdom FRIDAY 9PM
Countdown To the Rains SUNDAY 8PM
Countdown To the Rains SUNDAY 8PM