Ep 20. Wild Moms

Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown season 8 episode 20 is all about the amazing mothers found in the animal kingdom. This episode showcases incredible stories of animal moms and their young as they nurture, protect and raise their offspring in various environments. Join Jack Hanna, a world-renowned animal expert and conservationist, as he counts down the top ten wild moms.

Starting at number 10, Jack introduces us to the fierce mother jaguar. These powerful predators fiercely protect their young, teaching them how to hunt and survive in the dense rainforests of Central and South America. Next, we meet the mother koala, who carries her tiny, underdeveloped joey in her pouch for up to eight months before it emerges to cling to her back and legs for support. This marsupial mom faces many challenges, including deforestation and disease, but remains a symbol of hope for conservation efforts.

At number 8, we encounter the gentle giant of the ocean, the humpback whale. These mother whales migrate for thousands of miles each year, laboriously navigating treacherous waters to give birth and raise their calves. Jack shares incredible footage of newborn humpbacks swimming alongside their mothers, learning how to breach and sing in the vast, blue expanse.

At number 7, we meet a different kind of mother - the matriarch elephant. These intelligent, social animals rely on their close-knit families to survive in the African savannah. The mothers lead the herd in search of water and food, and tirelessly protect their young from predators and poachers. Jack shares heartwarming clips of baby elephants playing and learning from their mothers' guidance and care.

Number 6 spotlights the mother orangutan, one of our closest relatives in the primate family. These intelligent apes use tools, communicate with complex vocalizations, and nurse their infants for up to six years. Orangutan mothers teach their young how to skillfully navigate the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, but their habitats are threatened by deforestation and palm oil plantations. Jack advocates for conservation efforts to protect these critically endangered species.

At number 5, we explore the world of the mother cheetah. These fast cats face many challenges in raising their cubs, including fierce competition and loss of habitat. Despite the odds, cheetah moms teach their young how to sprint and hunt efficiently, creating a legacy of survival for future generations.

At number 4, we see the majesty of the mother polar bear. These fierce predators give birth in snow dens and raise their cubs in the harsh conditions of the Arctic. Polar bear mothers are extraordinary swimmers and hunters, relying on their keen senses to find food and keep their young safe from other bears and humans. Jack shares amazing footage of polar bear moms and cubs play-fighting and exploring the icy terrain.

Number 3 takes us to the deep seas, where we encounter the devoted mother octopus. These intelligent creatures guard their eggs for weeks, without eating or moving, until they hatch into tiny planktonic larvae. Jack reveals the fascinating world of octopus communication, camouflage, and defense mechanisms, showcasing the incredible resilience and adaptability of these cephalopods.

At number 2, we find the ultimate nurturer of the animal kingdom - the mother lion. These formidable predators form powerful bonds with their cubs, teaching them how to hunt and defend their territory. Lionesses fiercely protect their young from rival prides, hyenas, and other threats, ensuring the survival of their lineage. Jack shares unforgettable scenes of lion moms grooming and playing with their boisterous cubs, highlighting the fascinating social dynamics of these big cats.

Finally, at number 1, we meet the courageous mother grizzly bear. These formidable animals raise their cubs in the rugged wilderness of Alaska and Canada, teaching them how to fish, dig, and climb. Grizzly bear mothers are the embodiment of strength and resilience, facing challenges from habitat loss and hunting to protect their young. Jack shares mesmerizing scenes of grizzly moms and cubs exploring their wild habitat, reminding us of the preciousness and fragility of our natural world.

Throughout this episode, Jack Hanna celebrates the boundless love and determination of animal moms across the globe, sharing inspiring stories and thrilling footage. From the savannah to the seas, from the rainforest to the tundra, these wild moms show us the beauty and wonder of the animal kingdom.