Wild America

A lyrical look at the gentle color Blue in the Wild Kingdom. From Bluebells to Bluebirds to Blue Whales - Nature abounds in examples of this primary hue. And in this wildlife programming departure, we take a lyrical look at the color blue in both the Plant and Animal Kingdoms, explaining some of the reasons why it exists. Some explanations are simple - others quite complex. Beautiful and bold, this is a wild "Rhapsody in Blue".

We meet six species of Chipmunk, each living at a different altitude. Yosemite, one of our most spectacular National Parks, is home to six species of Chipmunks. Each is found at a different altitude, from dry foothills to 13,000-foot peaks. The life stories of several of these frisky, appealing creatures, and their relationship to humans, are seen amid the grandeur of Bridal Veil Falls, Half Dome and the world's oldest and largest Giant Sequoias.

Marty's family rescues an orphaned pair of rambunctious wild babies. The slender, luxuriously-furred Fisher is misnamed - it does not catch fish. Cat-sized members of the Weasel family, Fishers are rare, energetic and playful - but out of place in anyone's home! This fun-loving story shows how an orphaned pair of these frisky predators were rescued by Marty Stouffer and adopted by his family. They grow up with Marty and Diane's daughter Hannah.

Marty teaches and then returns the growing Fishers back to the wild. The growing Fishers need to learn how to survive on their own before they can be released into the forest. Marty takes them on regular trips into the mountains that will some day be their home - each time they go deeper into the wilderness. But the curious Fishers would rather explore and meet new wild friends - like a Black Bear, Skunk and Mule Deer - than continue their education.

The Stouffer family shares the great outdoors with daughter Hannah. Family camping trips take on added interest now that Marty and Diane Stouffer's daughter Hannah is old enough to keep up with them. There's fun to be had and lessons to be learned as they share with Hannah the secrets of the wild creatures and wild places they love. We see that a child's enormous capacity to learn from Nature is one of our most precious inborn gifts.

The magical combination of human children and baby animals. In Spring, the wilderness is full of new baby animals. Unfortunately, some will lose track of their parents when exploring their new surroundings. Enter the Stouffer family to nurse these youngsters until their return to the wild. Pure silly fun is enjoyed by all in raising a Mountain Goat, Black Bears and Kestrel Falcons. The magic of children and discovery unite in this playful adventure.

A heart-warming adventure begins when a man adopts a Bear cub. Marty Stouffer is studying wildlife in a remote Colorado wilderness. One spring day, he comes across the tracks of a Grizzly Bear - thought to be extinct in the state - and he follows and meets face-to-face with a magnificent male Grizzly. Excited by his discovery, Marty adopts a female Grizzly cub from a zoo. He and Griz share a cabin as Marty teaches her how to survive.

Marty must teach Griz one last lesson to ensure a happy ending. Over the summer, the adventurous cub encounters many other creatures, among them a hungry Cougar. As winter approaches, Marty digs a den for Griz, and while she sleeps, he goes off to observe wildlife which does not hibernate. In April, Griz emerges from her den, and must learn one last lesson - to fear humans, even Marty. This separates man and bear forever.

Growing up wild, where delight, discovery and fun are everywhere. Childhood is the age of delight and discovery for wild animals. Lively baby Skunks, Flying Squirrels, Owls, Black Bears, Raccoons and other wild youngsters learn life-saving skills - and have fun - growing up in the wilderness. A nocturnal sequence shows the complete life cycle of a Toad, from embryo to "toadlet." Also seen is the playful springtime cavorting of Mountain Goat kids.