 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Champions of the Wild
- Animal Planet
- Genre: Educational
Common Sense Media says
Classic nature show looks at endangered species.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that here, as in most animal shows, mating practices and reproductive habits will be discussed, some of which can be disturbing -- like the wild dogs who kill the pups of lesser females. Hunting, both by the animals and by humans, also comes up frequently, especially if hunting has contributed to endangering the species in question.
What's the story?
CHAMPIONS OF THE WILD follows animal biologists who work with endangered species, from chimpanzees and wild dogs to elk and elephants. Each episode features a different scientist and follows the same format. In the first half, the species' social behavior is discussed, while the second half deals with how the animals have become endangered and what the biologist is doing to save them.
Is it any good?
This is classic nature programming, without any particular twists to hold young, media-savvy viewers. The narrator is omniscient, omnipresent, and uninvolved, creating a sense of detachment from the animals and the scientists. The discussions of animal behavior are always interesting, but they're no different from the norm.
Real fans of nature programming or children who are already interested in the animals being profiled will like Champions of the Wild, but younger viewers -- and most kids in general -- are likely to prefer nature programming that reaches them more directly.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the animals' social habits. Would the wild dogs be able to survive on their own, or do they need the pack? Why do bears prefer to be on their own? Families can also discuss the factors that led to the animal in question becoming endangered. What can we do to help these creatures? Is there anything your family can do differently?
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- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
When was really little, like say 5 to 6 years ago, I watched this show A LOT. And I watched it because it really is a good show. The educational value in this show really was a good thing and it isnt corny like most children shows about animals tend to be.
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AGE
Eh, it's okay.
Not as good as Meerkat Manor,(THE BEST SHOW EVER!!!!!!)but waaaaaaaaaaaaaay better that Orangutan Island(THE MOST DISPICABLE SHOW EVER!!!!!)! It's kind of boring though. I go to sleep with Animal Planet on my TV, and I usually wake up to this. Quite a pleasant way to start the day. I think Marty Stouffer's "Wild America" is better, though.
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| Topics: | science and nature, wild animals |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Animal Planet |
| Cast: | Andrew Gardner |
| Genre: | Educational |
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