Season 12
199314 episodes
October 10, 1993
The history of llamas, alpacas, vicunas and guanacos in South America.
Episode 3
Echoes from the Ice
November 7, 1993
The two-hundred-foot walls of ice in Glacier Bay overwhelm the senses, but they also surround the most beautiful sights Alaska has to offer — the Northern Lights, the roaming grizzly bears, and the humpback whales. The glacier itself is also creating new life — it has retreated some 70 miles up the bay, wiping the ecological slate clean, allowing new plants and animals to start again from scratch.
Episode 4
The Nature of Sex: the Primal Instinct
November 22, 1993
This program looks at the varied ways in which life reproduces. Whether a species has one sex, two sexes, both at once or none at all, the urge to procreate is there.
Episode 5
The Nature of Sex: a Time and a Place
November 22, 1993
Explores the various influences on mating and courtship, from the sun, the moon and the change of seasons, to the specific behaviors within species.
Episode 6
The Nature of Sex: The Sex Contract
November 23, 1993
Explores the selection process among different species for choosing a mate, whether it’s for life or just for the day.
Episode 7
The Nature of Sex: Sex and the Human Animal
November 23, 1993
An investigation into the origins of human sexuality and sexual roles.
Episode 8
The Nature of Sex: a Miracle in the Making
November 24, 1993
A look at the reproduction process from conception to birth of a wide variety of animals.
Episode 9
The Nature of Sex: Young Ones
November 24, 1993
A look at the parental process of all sorts of earth’s creatures.
Episode 10
Nature's Great African Moments
December 5, 1993
"Nature's Great African Moments" features clips from episodes focusing on the continent and its abundant wildlife. Included: wildebeests, zebras, lions, giraffes and flamingos.
Episode 11
Anima Mundi: Before It's Too Late
January 23, 1994
"Anima Mundi" offers images of the natural world set to music; "Before It's Too Late" examines zoos' efforts to preserve endangered species. Included: attempts to restore near-extinct mammals to mainland Australia.
Episode 12
Phantom of the Forest
February 20, 1994
A study of the goshawk, a bird of prey that has been restored to the Scottish woodlands after being pushed to the brink of extinction. Included: the goshawk's courtship ritual; how chicks learn to fly.
Episode 13
Sea Otter Story: Warm Hearts & Cold Water
March 13, 1994
"A Sea Otter Story---Warm Hearts & Cold Water" examines a California aquarium's efforts to raise an otter and teach it necessary survival skills. Also: the impact of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill on Alaskan otters.
Episode 14
Toadskin Spell
May 15, 1994
"Toadskin Spell" examines frogs and toads and how the qualities of their skin help them survive extreme climates. Included: toad-derived poisons, medicines and hallucinogens.
