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Champions of the Wild (Animal Planet)

common sense media says

Classic nature show looks at endangered species.


parents & educators 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.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence & scariness: Animals may be shown hunting for food or fighting one another for dominance.
Sexy stuff: Animal mating and reproductive practices are discussed.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Champions of the Wild

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Animal Planet
Cast: Andrew Gardner
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: Animal Planet

This review was written by KJ Dell Antonia
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

DPNorman
kid, 13 years old
 
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.

Meerdog
teen, 14 years old
 
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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