Washoe County Library System

An examination of the penguins of Antartica.

Of all continents on Earth, none preserves a more spectacular story of its origins than Australia. With help from high-energy host and geologist Richard Smith, we meet titanic dinosaurs and giant kangaroos, sea monsters and prehistoric crustaceans, disappearing mountains and deadly asteroids. Epic in scope, intimate in nature, this is the untold story of the Land Down Under, the one island continent that has got it all. A look at the natural history...

Every year, millions of animals embark on epic journeys on an astonishing scale, crossing hostile landscapes, traveling hundreds of miles, overcoming fearsome obstacles, and facing intense dangers in a race to reach their destination. Follow caribou, elephants, and zebra on breathtaking wildlife adventures, journeying across hundreds of miles of Canadian arctic wilderness and African bush.

Showcases the rare beauty and rich variety of plant and animal life found in a Costa Rican rain forest. Also examines the impact of man's exploitation of the rain forest on this fragile ecosystem.

Showcases the natural history of the world's oceans, depicting various aspects of marine life.

Boasting an extraordinary variety of pristine habitats, Gabon may be the last best hope for many of Africa's native species. But Gabon is an embattled paradise, surrounded by war-torn nations and rampant exploitation of natural resources. Fortunately, a dedicated group is determined to preserve Gabon's natural riches, with an unprecedented 11,000 square mile network of national parks unlike anything Africa has ever seen.

Explores the landscapes, wildlife, and ecosystems of remote regions that are largely isolated from human interference.

Join structural engineer Steve Burrows and his team of laser-scanning experts as they set out to explore the epic building legacy of Jerusalem. Their focus is on two of the most impressive engineering creations of the ancients: the Temple Mount, a holy icon larger than 20 football fields, and the man-made mountain of Herodium, an opulent palace built on top of millions of tons of hand carved rock.

Africa has a name for the most magnificent beasts on the continent. The legendary Big Five include the elephant, lion, water buffalo, rhino and leopard. But now there are other giants that must be recognized. Half a world away, there is an ensemble of creatures born of equal power and majesty. A new Big Five: the titans of North America.

Take a global tour in four themed episodes, answering the simplest questions about the complex forces that shape our planet. Why is water blue? How can a shape defy gravity? Why do bees make hexagonal honeycombs? And how do these things affect our own lives? Discover what lies beneath Earth's startling beauty as we reveal the secrets of our cosmos and the natural forces that govern everything within it.