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NATURE: VIVA PUERTO RICO

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Spectacular photography highlights this nature episode from PBS which talks about the protection and conservation of several endangered species of animals in Puerto Rico. The 60 minute video details efforts of scientists and animal behavior specialists to save and encourage the breeding of endangered parrots, manatees and Leatherback turtles. The often stunning filming includes scenes of a Leatherback turtle, which can grow to six feet long, giving birth to some 80 eggs and a minor surgical procedure on a manatee weighing well over 600 pounds by a group of about 13 scientists, interns and a vet struggling to control the animal as they treat it. A negligible amount of history of the island is provided along with a few panoramic shots of the coastline and inner forest, with the bulk of the program focused squarely on the animals and their caretakers. I recommend this for kids ages 12 to 18 and adults will enjoy it as well. The minor surgery might cause some to feel squeamish but there's no real blood to speak of. No special features or bonuses accompany the DVD.

Puerto Rico is a tropical island infused with unique natural wonders - from the deepest sea-trench to the longest underground cave system; from a startlingly bright bioluminescent bay to vast rain forests that sometimes really do rain frogs.