Endangered

Gr 7 Up—This episode from the award-winning public television show Nature has been adapted for classroom use. It focuses on six of the most endangered animals in the world and what is being done to save them. The last Galapagos tortoise may have mated with a female from another species; scientists are waiting to see the results. Two Chinese zoos worked together to breed the last two Yangtze Rafetus turtles, with disappointing results. Sumatran rhinoceroses are being bred in zoos, but not as successfully in conservation parks. Qatar has created an entire rainforest in the middle of a desert in an attempt to save the Spix's macaw, a bird from Brazil. Duke University's Lemur Center studies and breeds lemurs, hoping to be able to return them to the wilds of Madagascar one day. Scientists, zookeepers, conservationists, and biologist E. O. Wilson appear throughout the film offering their opinions on captive breeding programs, conservation strategies, and how individual species fit into the "big picture" of all life on earth. The camerawork is exciting, with stunning photography and dramatic music. Subtitles highlight place and animal names (common and scientific) and unfamiliar vocabulary. The teacher's guide offers thoughtful discussion questions. A valuable resource for classes studying endangered animals, habitats, and sustainability.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT