Destination Wild Season 2 Episode 1 Night on Earth Africa: Follow the Stars
- January 3, 2016
Destination Wild season 2, episode 1 is titled "Night on Earth Africa: Follow the Stars." This episode takes viewers to the continent of Africa as they explore its nocturnal wildlife. The documentary-style television show follows animal populations and their behaviors during the night, providing a unique perspective of the region's biodiversity and natural beauty.
Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a journey through the African wilderness to witness the incredible nocturnal animals that come alive under the stars. The narrative is centered around the exquisite dance between predator and prey that occurs as the air cools and the stars come out.
The episode starts off by following the tale of the nocturnal elephant shrew, a tiny mammal found across much of the African continent. They have some unique adaptations for nocturnal life, including their long noses, which they use to locate insects and other small prey items in the dark. Destination Wild takes viewers on a heartwarming adventure as they witness the trials and tribulations of the shrew as it seeks out a mate.
Another remarkable animal observed in the episode is the aardvark, a solitary creature that comes out of its burrow during the night to feed on termites and other insects. The camera follows the aardvark as it traverses the savannah, digging into the soil with its powerful forelimbs to pull out its prey. The nocturnal habits of the aardvark are explored in detail, and viewers get a sense of its secretive and elusive nature.
The show also delves into Africa’s nightlife, which is enlivened by the howls of jackals, furry scavengers who feed on carrion. The camera captures their hunting techniques and gives a glimpse of how they survive in the rugged landscape. Additionally, Destination Wild shows how the nocturnal hyena, with its haunting vocalizations, is a key predator in the African ecosystem.
Destination Wild also highlights the various colorful bird species that are active during the night in Africa, including the enchanting African owl, whose curious head turns almost 270 degrees, making them seemingly omnipresent in the dark jungle. The show follows these creatures’ activities as they hunt skittish insects, navigating their surroundings with exceptional stealth and accuracy.
The narration of the episode is complemented by stunning visuals that transport viewers to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Africa, with vivid close-ups of the wildlife that inhabits them. In addition to the beautiful photography of the animals, the episode emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to preserve their habitats.
Overall, Destination Wild season 2, episode 1, “Night on Earth Africa: Follow the Stars” is a stunningly produced episode that allows viewers to immerse themselves into the unique wildlife and landscapes of Africa. The nocturnal animal activity on display is not only captivating, but it also provides an essential glimpse into the vital role that these creatures play in the continent's ecosystem.