Are you absolutely fascinated by the animals of our planet and want to learn more about conservation efforts that are taking place around the globe?
ProjectExplorer.org has travelled the world to bring you answers to these and many other questions you might have about our colorful earth. As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, you can learn about more of our diverse world through ProjectExplorer.org’s Earth Day 2015 Album.
Here is a list of (free!) Earth Day videos about animals from ProjectExplorer.org:
Earth Day Videos about Animals & Wildlife
On Safari (Zambia). Did you know that safari means journey in Swahili? Visit South Luangwa National Park and observe the intriguing animals of Zambia. The facts about hippos were fascinating.
Protecting the African Elephant (Zambia). Learn about the threats of poaching on African elephants, and how the Lilayi Elephant Nursery in Zambia are rehabilitating and raising the orphaned elephants. We loved how they bottle fed and walked the baby elephants! I’m putting Zambia on my bucket list:).
Talk Like the Animals (Costa Rica). This bilingual (Spanish/English) video would be so cute to use with the little kids! I can imagine preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first graders imitating the rainforest animals they hear in the video. Click here for tons of resources (books, games, videos, crafts) to learn about the rainforests with kids.
The Blue Morpho (Belize). Our favorite butterfly, visit Blue Morphos at the Chaa Creek’s Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary in Belize. With dazzling clips, see the behavior, characteristics, and life cycle of this iridescent beauty. To learn more about Morpho Butterflies and do make a stunning Blue Morpho Butterfly craft, click here.
The Hummingbird (Costa Rica). At La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Vara Blanca, Costa Rica we witness these tiny and colorful creatures in their natural environment. I’ve actually been to Vara Blanca, and the little hummingbirds are zipping around so fast, we could barely see them! I love how the videos clips capture their elegance.
Projecting the Asian Elephant (Thailand). Baby elephants!!! At the Patara Elephant Farm in Chiang Mai, visitors learn about efforts to protect and take care of the Asian Elephant, while feeding, bathing, and communicating with this majestic animal. Again, adding it to my bucket list! Here’s a fabulous list of children’s books on Asian elephants, and then finish off the lesson with a gorgeous, frame-worthy Asian elephant craft for kids to make.
The Orang Utan (Singapore). Learn about the extremely endangered Orang Utans of Indonesia, where they live, their unique characteristics, and why they are in danger of extinction.
Koala-ty Time (Australia). The Sydney Zoo is the perfect place to visit marsupials like koalas! You will be ooh-ing and aah-ing over the cuddly babies, while learning fascinating facts on koala’s life, food, behavior, and habitat. Read all about Australian animals in these quality children’s books. This might be our favorite of these Earth Day videos.
The Life Cycle of the Monarch Caterpillar (Thailand). This amazing micro-videography present the life cycle of a monarch butterfly to kids. We have lots of resources (books, videos, web sites, and crafts) to extend learning about the Monarch Butterfly life cycle, behavior, and migration patterns.
Walking with Lions (Zambia). In the Lion Encounter in Zambia, the guide takes viewers to walk with lion cubs who are being rehabilitated, and we learn about efforts to protect the king of beasts.
How Fish Breathe (Mauritius). This scientific video explains how fish can breathe underwater using their gills to filter and process the oxygen in the water. Explore the coastal waters of the Indian Ocean from a subscooter!
The Zebra and the Ostrich (South Africa). We were entertained by some fun facts about both zebras and ostriches. My kids love animals, and learned about two animals they didn’t know much about!
The Aldabra Tortoise (Mauritius). Believed to be the longest living animal on earth, the Aldabra Tortoise may be over 200 years old! We liked seeing this gentle giant enjoy a sweet banana. You can learn more about another type of famous tortoise found on the Galapagos Islands here.
The Disappearing Dodo (Mauritius). This short clip explains how the Dodo bird was made extinct in century following the arrival of the Dutch to the area. To learn more about endangered species, check out this interdisciplinary unit that includes reading, writing, speaking, and spreading awareness about the plight of these animals.
The animal videos are so perfect for Earth Day, or any day!! My kids have always been animal lovers, and watching these Earth Day videos just piques their interest even more.