Video Lets Children Explore Hidden Workings Of Zoos

Mon., Aug. 14, 1995

Lynn Gibson Correspondent

See an elephant get a manicure … or would that be a pedicure? Meet a chef who makes fresh bread for gorillas and prepares veggies for hippos. And find out how many pounds of food an elephant eats each day. (Hint: It’s more than 50.)

“The Zoo Crew,” a newly released video from Big Kids Productions, is so enjoyable, with close-up animal footage and a lively soundtrack, that parents will be captivated along with their kids.

Ages 3 and up will learn the behind-the-scenes workings of zoos in Cincinnati, San Antonio and Fort Worth and see veterinarians, nutritionists and zookeepers care for a variety of animals.

The 30-minute video is $14.95; to order, call (800) 477-7811.

Cute and cuddly

Come play with puppies, lambs, piglets, calves, colts and llamas in the video “Baby Animals” from Vermont Story Works.

Children, 2 through 5 years old, accompany Ashley, Taylor and Logan to Vermont farms to play and learn about newborn animals, their habits and habitats.

The 30-minute video is $14.95; to order, call (800) 206-8383.

Horse heaven

If a girl can’t own a horse, this is the next best thing. “Dream Horse,” A Schaffer Travis Production video, is the story of a little girl’s love of horses.

Viewers will learn about different breeds and riding styles filmed in picturesque settings from meadows to beaches. “Dream Horse” is a visually beautiful film with a wonderful surprise ending.

The 40-minute video is $19.95; to order, call (800) 386-9474.

Man’s best friend

Watch well-trained dogs do remarkable things in “Those Wonderful Dogs,” a video from National Geographic. From herding sheep in rural New Zealand to pulling sleds in Alaska, these dogs show courage and tenacity.

Learn how the dogs who played Lassie were trained for the popular movie series and see how some unique dogs serve their wheelchair masters.

The 60-minute length may cause children 7 and under to squirm, but older kids and adults will be fascinated by these loyal helpmates. The price is $19.95; to order call (800) 343-6610.

Furry felines

The most revered and enigmatic of animals, the domestic cat, is studied in-depth in National Geographic’s video “Cats: Caressing the Tiger.”

The video explores the rich history of man’s relationship with the cat, acquaints us with his bigger cousin, the lion, and introduces us to some special cats which dramatically improve the quality of life for some autistic children and lonely seniors.

I recommend the 60-minute video for ages 8 and up. The price is $19.95; to order, call (800) 343-6610.

Wildlife wonders

A new video from National Geographic’s GeoKids series, “Chomping on Bugs, Swimming Sea Slugs and Stuff that Makes Animals Special,” combines animation and real animals to introduce children to wildlife wonders.

Bobby Bushbaby, Sunny Honeypossum and Balzac the Chameleon are three lovable puppets which narrate the story. Their animated conversations continue as the camera moves into jungles, oceans and deserts with the kind of beautiful animal photography that has made National Geographic famous.

Kids, 2 to 6, learn about turtles, cheetahs, hedgehogs, elephants and much more while listening to catchy songs and funny rhymes to enhance the learning process.

The 33-minute video is $12.95; to order, call (800) 343-6610.

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