Wild America Season 12 Episode 4 The First Ten Years

Wild America season 12 episode 4, titled "The First Ten Years," is a look back at the beginnings of the beloved nature documentary series. Hosts Marty Stouffer and his brother Mark take viewers on a journey through the first decade of the show, highlighting their most memorable adventures and encounters with wildlife across North America.

The episode opens with footage from the very first episode of Wild America, which aired in 1982. Marty Stouffer introduces himself and the goals of the show: to showcase the beauty and wonder of American wildlife and inspire viewers to protect it. From there, the episode jumps back and forth in time, presenting highlights from various episodes throughout the 1980s.

One memorable moment comes from a trip to the Gulf of Mexico, where the Stouffer brothers witnessed the amazing sight of Kemp's ridley sea turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean. Another segment focuses on the unique and enigmatic desert bighorn sheep, which the brothers observe scrambling up steep rocky cliffs in the Southwest.

Throughout the episode, the Stouffers emphasize the importance of conservation efforts in protecting the animals they document. Viewers learn about the reintroduction of endangered black-footed ferrets in Wyoming, efforts to preserve the delicate ecosystems of the Everglades, and the impact of logging and mining on the habitats of creatures like the grizzly bear.

The Stouffers also share some behind-the-scenes stories from their adventures. They talk about the challenges of filming natural behavior in the wild, such as trying to capture footage of songbirds during mating season. They also discuss some of the close calls they had with animals, like a run-in with a grizzly bear in Alaska.

Interspersed with the wildlife footage and commentary from the Stouffers are clips from Wild America's original theme song, which is sure to bring back memories for longtime fans of the show. The music adds to the sense of nostalgia and reverence for America's natural treasures.

Overall, "The First Ten Years" is a poignant tribute to the legacy of Wild America and the Stouffer brothers' dedication to sharing the beauty and fragility of the natural world with viewers. As Marty Stouffer notes in closing, "Our hope has always been to make each episode a celebration of life, and to inspire people to get out and enjoy the beauty of the world around us."