Ep 2. Guyana: Land of the Giants

Jeff Corwin takes us on an exhilarating journey through Guyana's tropical rainforest in the second episode of season two of The Jeff Corwin Experience. The episode is entitled "Guyana: Land of the Giants" and it centers on Corwin's search for some of the most majestic and elusive creatures of the South American country.

The episode kicks off with Corwin meeting up with his local guides in Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana. Once there, he learns about the country's unique biodiversity and the various ecosystems that exist within its borders. From swamps filled with caimans to dense rainforests teeming with macaws, the country offers an incredible natural landscape that offers a wide array of challenges and opportunities for exploration.

Throughout the episode, Corwin embarks on several adventures deep into the jungle. He climbs towering trees to catch a glimpse of the elusive harpy eagle, one of the largest birds of prey in South America. He also explores the dense swamps, searching for the gigantic anaconda, one of the largest and most feared snakes in the world. Corwin's adventure into the swamps is not for the faint-hearted, as the murky waters are home to a variety of dangerous animals, from caimans to piranhas.

In addition to exploring the dense jungles and swamps, Corwin also visits several indigenous communities that live in Guyana. He learns about their unique way of life, their culture, and their relationship with the environment. Through these encounters, we get a glimpse into the challenges that these communities face as they struggle to balance their traditional way of life with the realities of modernization and environmental change.

One of the highlights of the episode is Corwin's search for the giant otter, the largest freshwater animal in South America. With its sleek brown fur and playful personality, the giant otter is a fascinating creature that is almost extinct in the wild. Corwin visits one of the few places in Guyana where these animals can still be found and learns about the efforts being made to protect their habitat and ensure their survival.

The episode also delves into the issue of deforestation, which is one of the biggest threats facing Guyana's rainforest. Corwin visits a logging camp where he sees firsthand the impact of deforestation on the environment, the economy, and the people. He also meets with local environmentalists who are fighting to protect the rainforest and promote sustainable tourism as an alternative to logging.

Overall, "Guyana: Land of the Giants" is an exciting and educational episode that offers a rare glimpse into a country that is still largely untouched by human development. Corwin's adventures and encounters with the country's unique flora and fauna provide a fascinating look at the natural wonders of South America and the challenges that come with preserving them for future generations.