Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown Season 1 Episode 22 Habitats High and Low

In the season 1 episode 22 of Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown, titled "Habitats High and Low," viewers join animal expert Jack Hanna as he explores different habitats around the world. From mountains to caves, and everywhere in between, Hanna showcases the unique animals that call these habitats home.

The episode begins with a trip to the mountains of Colorado, where viewers are introduced to the bighorn sheep. Hanna explains that these animals are perfectly adapted to surviving at high altitudes, with their surefootedness, thick coats, and specialized lungs. He even gets up close to a few of the sheep as they traverse the mountain's rocky terrain.

Next, the show takes viewers to the rugged coastline of California, where they meet the California sea lion. Hanna explains that these marine mammals can be found all along the Pacific coast, from Baja California to Vancouver Island. They are equipped with powerful flippers that allow them to swim at incredible speeds and agility, making them top ocean predators. Hanna engages with the sea lions in what appears to be a sea lion sanctuary.

The episode then moves into cave territory, with Hanna exploring the limestone caves of southern Missouri. Here, viewers are introduced to the Missouri Ozark Hellbender, a salamander that can grow up to two feet long and is native to these dark, damp caves. Hanna highlights how unique and fragile these creatures are, as they are facing extinction due to habitat destruction and water pollution.

The next segment takes viewers to the vast wetlands of the Everglades in Florida. Hanna zeroes in on one of the wetland's most iconic animals, the American alligator. These reptiles can grow to be over 14 feet long and are highly adaptive hunters. Hanna provides his insight on how these alligators fit into the peaceful beauty of the Everglades, as we get glimpses of other incredible creatures that also call this marshland home.

Finally, the show ends with a visit to the High Arctic, where Hanna showcases the amazing adaptations that Arctic animals have to deal with the most frigid conditions on the planet. Viewers get to see the Arctic fox and reindeer, two of the world's most cold-hardy species, in their natural habitat. Hanna also highlights how climate change is affecting these animals, ultimately putting their survival at risk.

"Wild Countdown: Habitats High and Low" delivers a wealth of knowledge and insight, all while showcasing some of the world's most unique and beautiful animals. The episode takes viewers on a journey to diverse ecosystems that are rarely seen, and provides an in-depth look at the animal life that thrives within them. Hanna's enthusiasm for the natural world is contagious, making this episode a must-see for anyone who cares about the planet and its inhabitants.