About this season
Consistently stunning documentaries transport viewers to far-flung locations ranging from the torrid African plains to the chilly splendours of icy Antarctica. The show's primary focus is on animals and ecosystems around the world. A comic book based on the show, meant to be used an as educational tool for kids, was briefly distributed to museums and schools at no cost in the mid-2000s.
Episodes (15)
1. In the Lion's Den with Anthony Hopkins
Aired 2 October 1994 • 53 min
Following Anthony Hopkins to Tanzania to study lions. Included: an encounter with Masai warriors; the lioness's role in the hunt; footage of zebras and wildebeests.
2. Pandas of the Sleeping Dragon
Aired 9 October 1994 • 53 min
This installment of PBS's multi-award winning Nature series delves into the life and history of the highly endangered giant panda. Nature: Pandas of the Sleeping Dragon studies the habits and habitats of the giant panda throughout China's Sleeping Dragon Mountains.
3. Warts and All
Aired 6 November 1994 • 53 min
"Warts and All" follows three generations of a wart-hog family over the course of a year. Observed: attacks by hyenas, leopards and flamingos; how wart-hog males fend for themselves from an early age.
4. Nomads of the Wind: The Faraway Heaven
Aired 20 November 1994 • 53 min
The first programme in a five part series that combines wildlife footage with drama and documentary in exploring the fundamental relationship between man and nature across the Pacific Ocean. Explores the islands of Tahiti and Marquesas, which were settled some 2000 years ago by Polynesian seafarers.
5. Nomads of the Wind: Crossroads of the Pacific
Aired 20 November 1994 • 53 min
6. Nomads of the Wind: Burning Their Boats
Aired 21 November 1994 • 53 min
7. Nomads of the Wind: Distant Horizons
Aired 21 November 1994 • 53 min
8. Nomads of the Wind: The Pierced Sky
Aired 22 November 1994 • 53 min
9. Fire Bird
Aired 8 January 1995 • 53 min
Following the flamingo as it searches for places to feed and breed in East Africa's Great Rift Valley. Observed: flamingos feeding on algae, dancing and attempting to escape predators.
10. Creatures in Crime
Aired 5 February 1995 • 53 min
Following the work of forensic experts who use plants, insects and animals to help solve police cases. Included: how seeds on a blanket placed a rape suspect at a crime scene; how fly eggs helped police identify a serial killer.
11. Tigers with Bob Hoskins
Aired 26 February 1995 • 53 min
Bob Hoskins travels through Sumatra, India and Nepal to learn about wild tigers.
12. Ghost Bear
Aired 5 March 1995 • 53 min
Following a rare ghost bear, a black bear with all-white fur, as it hones survival skills on an island off the western coast of Canada. Included: salmon migration; preparations for hibernation; black gray wolves; killer whales.
13. Born to Run
Aired 21 May 1995 • 53 min
Following a herd of Thomson's gazelles, a species that uses swift, “life-saving legs” to survive attacks by predators on Africa's Serengeti Plains. Included: their flight from cheetahs (their “greatest enemy”), jackals and hyenas; how “Tommies” travel in herds.
14. New Guinea: Island Invaders
Aired 23 July 1995 • 53 min
"New Guinea: Island Invaders" explores the island, located north of Australia in the East Indies. Examined: the land bridge which enabled animals from Australia to cross over to New Guinea. Also: the marine crocodile
15. New Guinea: Other Worlds
Aired 30 July 1995 • 53 min
"New Guinea: Other Worlds" explores the island's remote interior, home to the bird of paradise, which natives believe to have spiritual powers. Also: how gold prospectors came to the interior and were surprised to encounter people exclusively using stone-age tools.