Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown Season 4 Episode 20 Animal Rest Stops
- May 30, 2019
- 19 min
In this episode of Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown season 4, titled "Animal Rest Stops," we explore the various ways in which wildlife takes a break. From birds and insects to sea creatures and land animals, every species has developed its unique way of resting and recharging to survive in the wild.
The episode starts with a look at the birds and how they rest during their long migrations. Jack visits the Great Salt Lake in Utah, where millions of migrating birds stop to feed and rest. Here we see birds take short naps while standing on one foot or perched on a tree branch, as well as some creative methods to avoid predators.
Next, we explore the world of insects and how they rest. Jack highlights the unique way of how caterpillars transform into butterflies, taking a break from their caterpillar lives in a cocoon. We also meet a species of butterfly in Mexico that hibernates for months on end by clustering together. Additionally, we see some animals that take naps while still keeping up with their daily activities, such as bees and dragonflies.
The show then focuses on marine animals and their unique ways of resting. We travel to Antarctica to witness how penguins huddle together to conserve heat and rest, while some other species drift off to deep sleep. Unlike humans, sharks keep themselves constantly in motion and rest half brain at a time, whereas the Southern Right Whale rests in a state of almost suspended animation.
Back on land, we take a look at the unusual sleeping habits of mammals. Jack shows us how the sloth spends up to 15 hours a day sleeping and how they are able to stay safe from predators while dozing off. We also learn about the powerful sleep of bears and how the Arctic Fox hibernates for months in shelters that they build underground to preserve their body heat.
The episode ends with a look at how human inventions have helped wildlife rest and refuel. Jack shows us the birdhouses and feeders that have been created to help birds rest while giving them a source of food. We also learn about the animal hospitals and shelters where wildlife can take a break from their challenging lives and recover from injuries.
Overall "Animal Rest Stops" offer a unique perspective on how animals behave while recovering their energy and taking time out from their daily activities. It is a fascinating show that celebrates the wildlife around us and offers insight into how humans can take steps to preserve and protect them.