‘Planet Earth III’ Recap: ‘Heroes’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Katharina Huchler in Episode Eight of ‘Planet Earth III’ – ‘Heroes’. (Photo Courtesy of BBC America.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Finale of ‘Planet Earth III’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that there is a real sense of doom that accompanies any thoughts regarding climate change, and rightfully so. Because there is little action coming forth from politicians, who seem to listen more to corporate interests than the people and their concerns on the matter. Not to mention, we’ve come to learn that animals are dying en masse around the globe because of how the planet is indeed getting warmer and well, that creates a sense of doom for certain. As though nothing is being done. But… despite our worries, there are people stepping up to the plate to try and correct what humanity has set into motion and their actions were highlighted in the finale of Planet Earth III on BBC America.

In fact, ‘Heroes’, informed us… that there are a great many people going the extra mile around the world to keep wildlife safe and thriving. For instance, Jaime Culebras in Ecuador, dedicates his days and nights to preserving the dwindling frog populations of the world. To the point where he spent countless hours trying to find a mate for a rare breed of frog to keep the species going and his efforts are so tireless, he found success in such matters. All because he believes that nature deserves a chance to thrive, and he’s not alone in going the extra mile to nurture species in need. Since Katharina Huchler is working with the WWF (World Wildlife Federation) to help raise Northern Bald Ibis in a safe environment before guiding them back into the wild to help them repopulate and resettle their species, since we hunted them to near extinction.

Which was beautiful to watch since it reminded us that humanity can in fact, make quite the difference in keeping so many of the world’s species alive and those two were not the only individuals celebrated here for their efforts in keeping animals on this planet safe. Since we met Dumisane Zwaneet, who is working to move the Black Rhino to areas that are safe and sustaining and will allow for this endangered species to thrive again, and we also met Trang Nguyen, who spent many years working undercover in Africa to find and expose and shut down ivory traffickers. So that others would come to understand that any attempts to do so would result in jail time, and it was wonderful to see these two individuals be inventive in creating safety for animals and for genuinely working to make it known that harm will have consequences.

But let’s be honest… while that gives us hope and helps us to understand we are at the beginning of a potential movement in such behaviors, that mass movement hasn’t come yet. There are just not enough people following in those footsteps. So how then… do we get more people involved in helping the planet out, so we can finally change the path we are on? Well, we follow the examples of Alessandra Korap and Mohamed Nasheed. For Alessandra is part of a group indigenous to the Amazon Rainforest and she works often to rally people to preserve it and she’s seen great success from her protests and through spreading the messages of her group, and Mohamed, well he is outright calling for legislative change and taking politicians to task. 

Which is what will really enact change, demand from the masses, accountability, and demand to politicians to enact laws that preserve the climate. Which at this moment… may be a difficult task. For so many feel change is difficult, especially on the political side of things. But we need to act, because inaction will impact more than wildlife, but our very way of life, and hopefully this type of documentary helps to inspire real change in our world. Since we were able to learn how much life surrounds us right now, and how much of that wildlife depends on balance to survive, and that we can help it maintain balance and that we can… do so much for a world that has given us everything, and that makes this a powerful documentary. One that truly reminds us of how special our world truly is and how we need to step up and protect it so that future generations can enjoy its beauty and live in comfort because we made a difference.

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