Animal lovers will definitely enjoy the free video podcast Wild Chronicles from National Geographic. The episodes are only six or seven minutes long. Like you would expect from any program by National Geographic, the photographs and videos are superb. So far they’ve produced a hundred and one shows covering a wide variety of animals.
Every episode features an animal or a unique place. Two shows are even on Madagascar. It’s fun to show the children what the real Madagascar looks like. The podcasts are educational, but also fun to watch. Viewers can learn about crocodiles, sea lions, bison, gorillas, mongoose, and blue whales, and many other animals. Other episodes talk about new technology like the CritterCam for learning about animals and nature, how scientists conduct research, how people and animals adapt to living with one another, and how biologists are attempting to restore balance in some areas.
I do recommend using caution with younger viewers and tender hearted viewers. Children may love lions but get upset when they see those same lions attacking and feasting on a zebra. The episode on bullfrogs shows one frog eating a younger frog. The narration even says that the frogs eat everything, mammals, bats, turtles, snakes, fish, and even their own young. Since the shows are short, you can preview the episode to make sure it won’t upset anyone.
Some of the podcasts have short sponsor commercials at the beginning. All the episodes end with a short ad for the show and other National Geographic magazines and programs. You can choose to download or view the podcast online.
I love that my children and I are able to learn something new about the world, especially when it only takes a few minutes out of our busy day.
Also See:
National Geographic Kids Website
Just One More Book – Podcast Review
Wild Chronicles – Season One Collection