Into the Wild India Season 1 Episode 2 Land of the Secret Rhino
- January 31, 2019
- 44 min
In Into the Wild India season 1 episode 2, Land of the Secret Rhino, host Gordon Buchanan takes the viewers to explore the wilderness of Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Assam state of India. The episode revolves around the journey to uncover the secrets of the elusive Indian one-horned rhinoceros, which is found only in this park.
Gordon starts his journey by meeting a team of rangers who patrol the park to protect the wildlife from poachers. They explain to him the difficulties they face in safeguarding the rhinos and other wildlife from the threats of poaching, human encroachment, and natural disasters. Gordon then joins the rangers on their patrol, which involves navigating through dense forests and crossing the Brahmaputra river.
As they move deeper into the park, Gordon encounters various species of wildlife, including swamp deer, water buffalos, and wild elephants. However, his main goal is to spot the highly endangered Indian one-horned rhino. He gets lucky as he spots a mother and her calf grazing in an open grassland. The duo is monitored by rangers from a distance to ensure their safety.
Gordon also meets with local villagers, who have lived in harmony with wildlife for generations. They share their stories of living with elephants and rhinos and how they have learned to respect them. However, they also express their worries about the increasing human footprint in the area, which is leading to conflicts with wildlife.
The episode also touches upon the impact of climate change on the park and its wildlife. With changing weather patterns and rising temperatures, the park faces the danger of frequent floods, which can threaten the survival of the rhinos and other wildlife.
In the latter half of the episode, Gordon embarks on an adventurous journey through the jungles on the backs of domesticated elephants. He searches for the elusive rhinos and comes across a male rhino, which is known for its aggressive behavior. We see Gordon pushing his limits as he takes a risky close-up shot of the rhino, showcasing his determination and love for wildlife.
Overall, the episode Land of the Secret Rhino provides an insightful and thrilling journey through the wilderness of Kaziranga National Park. It sheds light on the challenges and efforts involved in safeguarding the Indian one-horned rhino and other wildlife in the face of multiple threats. And the beautiful visuals and engaging storytelling by Gordon Buchanan make for a memorable viewing experience.