This video compilation of five short films depicts a variety of animals in diverse environments. Instructors could use individual films in many ways in the classroom: for listening comprehension activities, as part of a unit on the environment, as a catalyst for descriptive or narrative writing, as topics for opinion pieces, or as a pre-field trip activity.

Beluga Baby (12:51 min.) shows the birth of a beluga whale in the Vancouver Aquarium. The film documents the feelings and perceptions of those involved in caring for and monitoring the whales, as well as the actual birth of the beluga. The premature death of the baby beluga is also briefly referred to. The film was made in the late 1970's and there have been many perceptual changes in society regarding the wisdom and morality of keeping whales in captivity. This film could make an excellent springboard for a discussion of this topic and could lead to research projects or opinion writing. It could also be used to introduce a class to the Vancouver Aquarium in preparation for a field trip.

Wolf Pack (19:58 min.) portrays a family of wolves throughout the course of a year with the emphasis on the birth and first year of the wolf pups. This film is rich in detail and would work well with a listening comprehension exercise. In addition, this film would lend itself well to summary writing.

All About Bears (11:58 min.) provides useful tips to hikers and campers for minimizing the probability of encounters with bears. This film also gives a general, brief description of bear characteristics. As well, it shows inappropriate human behavior in association with beers (i.e.: giving bears food, encouraging contact) and advocates for greater protection of bear habitat. This film could be used in the classroom for activities such as summary or opinion writing, listening for details, and discussion leading to narrative writing.

Wild in the City (6:12 min.) shows the incredible variety of wildlife that can be found even in an urban environment. This film would be especially effective if presented before a field trip to en urban park (i.e.: Stanley Park in Vancouver). This would raise awareness of the possibility of the existence of wildlife during the course of the trip. Perhaps, in order to focus their attention, members of the group could even keep a list of wildlife spotted during the field trip. The film could also be used as a catalyst for narrative writing or research.

Bighorn (10:22 min.), which has no commentary, allows the shots of these surefooted animals to speak for themselves. In this film, we see bighorns leaping about mountain peaks, butting heads and nuzzling their young. It would lend itself well to descriptive writing.