Ep 18. Big Green Eating Machines

Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown is a nature show that takes a look at some of the world's most fascinating and unique animals. In this particular episode, titled "Big Green Eating Machines," viewers are introduced to a number of creatures that have one thing in common: an insatiable appetite for plants.

Throughout the episode, host Jack Hanna highlights some of the largest and most impressive herbivores on the planet. From elephants to hippos and everything in between, these animals are true giants in the animal kingdom. But despite their massive size, they all share a common need for a high volume of vegetation in order to sustain themselves.

The episode begins by taking a look at the African elephant, which is the largest land animal on Earth. With an adult weight of up to 14,000 pounds, these creatures require a great deal of food in order to thrive. Jack explains that elephants can consume as much as 300 pounds of vegetation per day, which is nearly ten times the amount that a human adult would eat.

Next up, viewers get a closer look at the hippopotamus, which is another massive herbivore that requires a lot of plants to stay healthy. These creatures can weigh up to 8,000 pounds and are known for their large, powerful jaws. Jack notes that hippos can consume as much as 150 pounds of vegetation per day, and that their jaws are strong enough to crush a watermelon with ease.

Moving on from the savannas of Africa, the show shifts its focus to the forests of South America, where viewers are introduced to the capybara. These rodents are the largest in the world, weighing in at up to 140 pounds. Despite their somewhat unusual appearance, they are actually quite adept swimmers and are known to frequent rivers and other bodies of water. Jack notes that the capybara is primarily an herbivore, and can consume as much as 6 pounds of vegetation per day.

After the capybara, the show takes a look at the giant panda, which is perhaps one of the most well-known herbivores in the world. These cuddly creatures are native to China and subsist almost entirely on bamboo. Jack explains that pandas can consume up to 40 pounds of bamboo per day, and that their digestive systems are uniquely adapted to handle this tough, fibrous material.

Moving on from the giant panda, the show next takes a look at the moose, which is the largest member of the deer family. These creatures are found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, and are known for their massive antlers and distinctive snouts. Jack notes that moose are primarily herbivores and can consume as much as 60 pounds of vegetation per day, depending on the season.

Finally, the episode wraps up by taking a look at some of the smaller herbivores of the world, including the iguana and the koala. Despite their smaller size, these creatures still require a lot of vegetation in order to stay healthy. Jack notes that iguanas can consume as much as 5 pounds of vegetation per day, while koalas primarily eat eucalyptus leaves and can consume up to 2.5 pounds of vegetation per day.

Overall, "Big Green Eating Machines" is a fascinating look at some of the world's largest and most impressive herbivores. Whether they are devouring bamboo or tearing into a leafy salad, these creatures all have one thing in common: an insatiable appetite for plant material. For anyone interested in nature and wildlife, this episode is definitely worth watching.