Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin Season 1 Episode 13 Animals in Human Care

In season 1, episode 13 of Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin titled Animals in Human Care, the show explores the relationship between humans and animals in captivity. Host Jeff Corwin takes viewers on a journey to different facilities across the world, where animals are cared for by human beings.

The episode begins by highlighting the importance of captive breeding programs, which are crucial for endangered species survival. Jeff Corwin visits a breeding facility in North Carolina that specializes in breeding red wolves, which were once on the brink of extinction. Corwin explains the science behind captive breeding and how it is helping to build up the population of red wolves. He interviews the staff at the facility to learn more about the challenges of running a breeding program and the rewards that come with helping endangered species.

Next, the show travels to Key Largo, Florida, to visit a facility that rescues sea turtles. Here, Jeff Corwin gets a behind-the-scenes look at the turtle hospital, where injured or sick turtles are taken for rehabilitation. He interviews the staff and veterinarians who work at the hospital and watches as they perform surgeries on turtles that have been caught in fishing nets or hit by boats. Corwin emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts and applauds the work that the Key Largo facility is doing to help protect sea turtles.

The episode then heads overseas, to Indonesia, where Jeff Corwin visits a sanctuary for orangutans that have been rescued from illegal pet trades or habitats that have been destroyed. Orangutans are critically endangered in the wild, and the sanctuary is doing its best to provide a safe and natural environment for these animals. Corwin explores the sanctuary and learns about the challenges of caring for primates that have been kept as pets. The sanctuary aims to reintroduce these orangutans back into the wild, but Corwin explains that this process is often difficult and time-consuming.

Finally, Animals in Human Care ends by focusing on dolphins and whales that are kept in captivity for entertainment purposes. Jeff Corwin visits several marine parks and aquariums to get an insight into the lives of these animals. He interviews trainers and staff to learn more about the training and care that goes into maintaining dolphins and whales in captivity. However, he also discusses the arguments against keeping these intelligent creatures in small pools and tanks and advocates for alternatives like sanctuaries that provide larger and more natural environments.

Overall, Animals in Human Care, the season 1, episode 13 of Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin, highlights the different ways that humans interact with animals in captivity, from breeding programs to rescue and rehabilitation facilities. Jeff Corwin provides a balanced view, pointing out the benefits of such programs while also acknowledging the challenges and controversies associated with them. The episode is important viewing for anyone interested in animal welfare, conservation efforts, and the relationship between humans and animals.