Watch Planet Earth Original Specials

Planet Earth is a documentary series produced by the BBC, which explores the diversity of the Earth's natural habitats and the creatures that inhabit them. It is considered one of the most visually stunning and informative nature documentaries of all time. The original 11-part series was aired in 2006, and followed by Planet Earth II in 2016.

In 2012, a series of original specials were aired as part of Planet Earth, exploring different aspects of the Earth's natural world. These episodes focused on specific habitats and animals, including the birth of a polar bear cub, the migration of reindeer, the life of the emperor penguin, and the journey of a butterfly across continents.

The first episode, "Polar Bears: Spy on the Ice," follows a unique experiment using hidden cameras disguised as snowballs and polar bears to capture never-before-seen footage of these magnificent animals in their natural environment. Viewers follow a mother polar bear and her cubs as they navigate the icy terrain of the Arctic and hunt for food in the harsh conditions.

The second episode, "Jungle: Meeting Giants," explores the world's densest jungle, the Amazon, and its unique inhabitants. The episode introduces viewers to a family of giant otters, a pack of hunting jaguars, and the elusive harpy eagle, one of the largest and most powerful birds in the world.

"Mountain: Life at the Extreme" takes viewers on a journey to some of the world's highest peaks, where animals have adapted to survive in the extreme conditions. From snow leopards to golden eagles, viewers witness the incredible resilience of life at high altitudes.

"Deserts: Life in the Furnace" focuses on some of the world's most unforgiving environments, where life survives despite extreme heat and limited water. The episode follows animals such as the Arabian oryx and the Saharan cheetah, as they hunt and eke out a living in the harsh desert conditions.

"Grasslands: The Roots of Power" takes viewers on a journey across the grasslands of the world, where powerful predators and vast herds of grazing animals share the same space. Viewers witness the migratory patterns of wildebeest, the hunting habits of lions, and the survival instincts of grassland animals.

"Ocean: The Blue Planet" explores the vast, mysterious world beneath the waves. From the shallow coral reefs to the deep ocean abyss, viewers witness the incredible diversity of marine life, from tiny plankton to giant whales. The episode also explores the impact of human activity on these delicate ecosystems.

"Islands: Remote Retreats" takes viewers to some of the most remote and unique habitats on Earth: islands. From the Galapagos to Madagascar, viewers witness the amazing adaptations of animals living in these isolated environments.

"Life: Challenges of Life" focuses on the challenges animals face in their daily struggle for survival. The episode explores the incredible tenacity and adaptability of animals, from the tiniest insect to the largest predator.

"Life: Reptiles and Amphibians" takes viewers on a journey to the world of cold-blooded creatures. From the fearsome Komodo dragon to the delicate poison dart frog, viewers witness the incredible diversity of reptiles and amphibians.

"Life: Mammals" explores the diverse world of mammals, from the tiniest shrew to the largest whale. Viewers witness the incredible range of adaptations that have allowed mammals to flourish in every corner of the planet.

"Life: Birds" takes viewers on a journey to witness the incredible range of behaviors and adaptations exhibited by birds, from the tiny hummingbird to the majestic eagle. The episode explores the complexity of bird communication and their intricate courtship rituals.

Each episode features stunning cinematography, with intricate camera work allowing viewers to witness behaviors never before captured on film. Incredible time-lapse and slow-motion photography are also used to highlight the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

Throughout the series, viewers are reminded of the fragility of these natural habitats and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these incredible creatures and their environments.

Planet Earth Original Specials from BBC offers a captivating and informative exploration of the natural world, showcasing the incredible diversity of Earth's ecosystems and the many unique creatures that call them home.