Ep 5. Woolly Mammoth - Part 1

In this episode of Expedition Unknown, host Josh Gates embarks on an exciting new adventure in search of the Woolly Mammoth, a creature that roamed the earth thousands of years ago. Part 1 of this two-part special focuses on the historical context of the mammoth and its significance to ancient civilizations.

Gates begins by visiting the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, California, a site famous for its abundance of fossils from the Pleistocene Era, which is when the Woolly Mammoth lived. He meets with Dr. Emily Lindsey, a paleontologist at the tar pits, who shares some interesting facts about the mammoth. For example, she explains that the woolly mammoth was not actually covered in wool, but rather long guard hairs that protected its skin from the cold.

Next, Gates travels to Wrangel Island, a remote location in the Arctic Ocean where some of the last Woolly Mammoths are believed to have lived. He meets with Dr. Love Dalen, a geneticist who is leading a team studying the mammoth DNA. Dalen explains how the Woolly Mammoth is being used as a case study for understanding how species become extinct and what can be done to prevent future extinctions.

Gates then heads to Russia where he meets with Sergey Zimov, a researcher who is testing a controversial hypothesis about how the Woolly Mammoth went extinct. Zimov believes that the mammoth's extinction was caused by the changing climate, specifically the loss of grasslands that the mammoths relied on for food. To test this theory, Zimov has created a "Pleistocene Park," a nature reserve where he is reintroducing large herbivores that once roamed the landscape, in hopes of restoring the grasslands and reversing climate change.

In the final segment of the episode, Gates travels to Russia's far eastern region of Yakutia where a Woolly Mammoth tusk has been discovered, preserved in permafrost. He meets with local scientist Dr. Semyon Grigoriev, who is leading an excavation of the tusk. Grigoriev explains how the permafrost has helped preserve the tusk, which is believed to be over 10,000 years old. He also shares some exciting news about recent discoveries in the area, hinting that the team may soon make some groundbreaking discoveries about the Woolly Mammoth.

Overall, this episode of Expedition Unknown provides a fascinating look at the history and significance of the Woolly Mammoth, as well as the ongoing efforts to study and protect this iconic species. With its stunning footage and expert insights, it's a must-watch for anyone interested in paleontology, genetics, and conservation.