Television Review: Jeff Corwin Unleashed
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this is a wildlife series for
kids, but little ones might need a slow introduction to these
animals from around the globe, which include Asiatic lions,
Bengal tigers, Hanuman langurs, spitting cobras, and
blue-tongued skinks. The host shows great appreciation for the
animals and for preserving their natural world. Kids will learn
about various aspects of the animals' lives, from what they eat
to where they live.
Families can talk about biology and ecology. The series lends
itself to discussions about conservation, human-animal
interactions, and what we can do to help wild animals survive.
The series can create an opportunity to research the animals
further at the library or (supervised) on the Internet.
JEFF CORWIN UNLEASHED channels the herpetologist's passion for wildlife into a show for kids. Slightly slower-paced and more thoughtful than the manic Croc Files, Jeff Corwin Unleashed not only gives kids fascinating facts about various animals, but also shows how animals adapt to and interact with their environments. Corwin interacts with local scientists, guides, and trackers in the various locations he travels to, which allows the show to introduce experts from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds, all dedicated to preserving wildlife.
Corwin almost glows with enthusiasm as he encounters a Bengal tiger in India, creeps closer to a snoozing Asiatic lion with her cubs nearby, or handles a deadly spitting cobra. His excitement helps bring the science to life as he explains facts about each animal's biology, behaviors, and habitat in terms that kids will easily understand. Kids accustomed to striking, close-up shots of captive animals might find the show's photography a bit dull and the animals hard to spot, but there's an extra thrill in knowing that you're seeing animals in the wild, where they belong. This is a show with a lot to offer and is an especially good fit for kids who already like animals and want to learn more.
Corwin's QuestGet Out There!
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