Ep 13. The Urban Show

The Jeff Corwin Experience season 3 episode 13, titled "The Urban Show," takes viewers on a journey into the heart of some of the most bustling cities in the world. Jeff Corwin, a wildlife biologist and conservationist, takes viewers on an unexpected adventure to explore the natural world that exists within the concrete jungles of major metropolises.

The episode begins with Jeff on a rooftop in New York City, admiring the skyline around him. As he looks through binoculars, he spots a peregrine falcon perched on a nearby skyscraper. He explains that these birds of prey have adapted to the urban environment, using tall buildings as nesting sites and feasting on the abundance of pigeons that also call the city home.

Next, Jeff heads to Chicago, where he visits the Lincoln Park Zoo and talks with staff about the challenges of caring for animals in an urban setting. He meets some of the zoo's residents, including an Eastern box turtle and a horned lizard, and learns about the conservation efforts that are being made to protect species in the city.

In Los Angeles, Jeff highlights the unique challenges facing urban wildlife, such as fragmentation of green spaces and highways that obstruct migration patterns. He visits a wildlife crossing over a highway that has been built to allow animals to safely cross, and also meets with a team of biologists who are working to restore the population of the endangered Southern California mountain yellow-legged frog.

Later in the episode, Jeff travels to Mumbai, India, where he showcases the incredible biodiversity that exists within the chaotic city. He visits a massive urban wetland, where he observes a wide variety of bird species, including parakeets, storks, and flamingos. He also visits a sanctuary for rescued elephants, where he learns about the important role that these creatures play in Indian culture.

Throughout the episode, Jeff emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural world, even within the confines of the city. He encourages viewers to take action to protect urban green spaces and wildlife, and to support conservation efforts around the world.

In the final segment of the episode, Jeff returns to New York City to take a tour of the green roofs that have been implemented throughout the city. He meets with a horticulturist who shows him how these roofs help to reduce the urban heat island effect, provide habitats for pollinators, and even grow food for local restaurants. Jeff emphasizes the potential for cities to be spaces of both human innovation and environmental conservation, stating that "the future of conservation is in the city."

Overall, The Jeff Corwin Experience season 3 episode 13 offers viewers a fascinating look into the unexpected natural world that exists within urban environments. Jeff's passion for wildlife conservation is evident throughout the episode, as he showcases the beauty and importance of even the smallest inhabitants of the city. This episode is a must-watch for anyone who cares about the environment, and is sure to inspire viewers to take action to protect our planet.