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Born to Explore Season 1 Episodes
Season 1 Episode Guide
26 Episodes 2011 - 2012
Episode 1
Belize: Manatees
Sat, Sep 3, 201121 mins
This episode of Born to Explore travels to Central America and the waters of Belize as Richard Wiese discovers why people love the manatee. This creature was thought by ancient sailors to be a mermaid. Today, man threaten is a big threat to the manatee and Richard meets the scientists and communities who are determined to protect it. From the aquamarine waters of the Belize coastline, journey deep into the jungle to meet the Mayan people of Aguacate. Time stands still here and the villagers live the almost the same way their ancestors did. Laundry is done in the river, cooking by the fire and wood collected from the nearby fields and jungle. Learn what the manatee represented to the Mayan culture.
Episode 2
Labrador: Bears as Neighbors
Sat, Sep 10, 201121 mins
In the remote, northernmost part of Canada lies Labrador. Here in the rugged mountains called the Torngats, Richard Wiese comes face to face with a community trying to deal with an overzealous bear population. It is the only place on earth where black bears and polar bears coexist. Labrador is home to the Inuit and the polar bear is their biggest enemy. One swipe from its mighty paw can be deadly. Join Richard as he meets the people of Labrador as they deal with bears as neighbors.
Episode 3
Magic of Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Sat, Sep 17, 201121 mins
Travel to the Northern Territory of Australia to discover the magic of Ayers Rock, known as "Uluru" to the aboriginal tribes who hold this rock sacred. The Anagnu tribes have long believed Uluru to be a mystical, spiritual place. And Richard Wiese travels here to unlock its secrets. One of the answers may lie in the wild camels. Yes camels, who call Australia home. Find out why how they ended up in the outback. Richard shares his adventure as he mounts a dromedary with a jockey from The 41st Annual Camel Cup Race.
Episode 4
Secret of the Rainbow Serpent
Sat, Sep 24, 201121 mins
This episode brings, Richard to the heart of Kakadu and Arnhemland in the Northern Territory of Australia where he is in search of the legendary Rainbow Serpent. Some believe the serpent is actually a super crocodile. Others believe it is a serpent. But, in this part of the country, saltwater crocodiles rule. They are the world's largest reptile and an extraordinary creature, but threaten the local population. Dr. Adam Britton works to relocate these crocs to help the community. Richard continues his quest for the Serpent in Arnhemland. Is it a myth? Is it real? The answer is ultimately found in the ancient rock art hidden in the caves of this exotic land.
Episode 5
Tiwi Island
Sat, Oct 1, 201121 mins
In this episode, Richard journeys by boat to visit the Tiwi Islands off the coast of Australia, where the dangerous waters separating the islands from the mainland have allowed this native culture, art and people to develop in relative isolation. Here, the Tiwi Islanders live the way they have for centuries. He meets the elders and families of Tiwi along with its artists and discovers that women in this culture are strong and revered. Richard goes "outbush" to learn how to survive and live on the land with his hosts. He spears fish and crabs and collects mud mussels. Hunting remains an important aspect of Tiwi life, and Richard confronts an 8 foot carpet snake, captures it and barbecues this delicacy with the locals. He learns about local customs, dances, and joins in a smoking ceremony to banish stress/demons.
Episode 6
Labrador: Gateway to the Artic
Sat, Oct 8, 201121 mins
In the haunting northernmost corner of Canada, lies Labrador. A harsh and extreme environment. Here, the local Inuit people have learned how to adapt to the long dark winters, the unforgiving land. In Labrador, climate change is felt before the rest of the world and scientists can readily assess the impact of global warming. Richard Wiese examines glaciers and works with local researchers to determine the health of local watersand how it impacts the food chain for the wildlife that live here as well as the hunting/gathering culture of the Innuit.
Episode 7
North Carolina: Bears and Wolfes
Sat, Oct 15, 201121 mins
Born to Explore travels to the picturesque outer Banks of North Carolina, a popular seaside resort where the world of local Southerners, bears and red wolves collide. Richard Wiese spends time with dedicated wildlife biologists whose mission is to restore the endangered red wolf and bear to this habitat. At one time, there were only 7 wild red wolves in existence. Journey on a "howling safari" to see why wolves howl. Learn why scientists need to minimize the impact of bears on the Outer Banks, by learning their habits and behaviors while trying to protect them. The hospitality and culture of the old South welcomes the Born to Explore team.
Episode 8
North Caroline Alligator/Horses
Sat, Oct 22, 201121 mins
Travel to the famed Outer Banks of North Carolina where Richard Wiese is in search of the northernmost alligator. Alligators have been migrating far from their traditional home. They've been spotted close to the Virginia border. Discover why they're on the move and what this means to the families who live nearby. Richard comes upon wild horses and learns how the early settlers of North Carolina concocted "holly tea" and why this unusual drink is still a Southern favorite.
Episode 9
Iceland
Sat, Oct 29, 201121 mins
A land of fire...a land of ice. Explore the majestic country of Iceland, where for generations, people live in the shadow of Iceland's volcanoes. They have buried villages and caused heartbreak, but the volcanoes and hot springs that color the landscape are also a source of geothermal energy for Iceland's streets, homes and hothouses. Join Richard Wiese as he explores Iceland's volcanoes, haunting glaciers and the famed geothermal pool, the Blue Lagoon.
Episode 10
Digging for Dinos
Sat, Nov 5, 201121 mins
Millions of years ago, dinosaurs ruled the earth. TRex, triceratops, brontosaurus are creatures that capture our imagination. Join Richard Wiese as he travels to Alberta, Canada in search of a new breed of dino, the Pachyrhinosaurus. He explores the dig site where hundreds of bones have been discovered and he rolls up his sleeves to unearth fossils that are 75 million years old. He's joined by a few celebrities in search of dinos: Dan Aykroyd (Ghostbusters) and family; Donna Dixon (Bosom Buddies); Matthew GrayGubler (Criminal Minds); Bobby Kennedy and more. Join the 1st Nation tribes and journey by horseback to explore the wilds of Alberta.
Episode 11
Best of Australia Spirits
Sat, Nov 12, 201126 mins
Born to Explore revisits Australia's wild camels and saltwater crocodiles. Discover how camels ended up in the Northern Territory of Australia and what's being done to keep crocs from threatening local communities. Richard Wiese saddles up on a dromedary camel named Daisy and learns to race with a female jockey from the 41st Annual Camel Cup Race in Alice Springs and has a close encounter with crocs in a nighttime croc capture on the East Alligator River deep in the heart of the Northern Territory.
Episode 12
Uganda
Sat, Nov 19, 201121 mins
Journey to the dense jungles of Uganda, a country which ranks among the top 10 in the world for mammals like zebras, rhinos, tree climbing lions. Born to Explore is in search of the elusive mountain gorilla. Follow Richard and our native trackers into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest as they discover clues that will lead them deep into the jungle and to the gorillas as they climb, eat and play. Meet the Batwa Pygmies or "forest people" of Uganda, who stand less than 5 feet tall. Today, with an annual income of $25. and high mortality rates, the very survival of the Batwa is threatened. Learn why preserving their homes near the Bwindi Forest is as crucial to the gorillas as it is to the Batwa.
Episode 13
Best of Labrador
Sat, Jan 14, 201221 mins
In the haunting, northernmost part of Canada lies Labrador. Here in the rugged mountains called the Torngats, Richard Wiese comes face to face with a community trying to deal with an overzealous bear population. It is the only place on earth where black bears and polar bears coexist. Join Richard as he meets the people of Labrador as they deal with bears as neighbors. In Labrador, climate change is felt before the rest of the world and scientists can readily assess the impact of global warming. Richard examines glaciers and works with local researchers to determine the health of local waters and how it impacts the food chain for the wildlife that live here as well as the hunting/gathering culture of the Inuit.
Episode 14
North Carolina: The Wild Side
Sat, Jan 28, 201221 mins
Born to Explore travels to the picturesque outer Banks of North Carolina, a popular seaside resort where the world of local Southerners, bears and red wolves collide. Host Richard Wiese spends time with dedicated wildlife biologists whose mission is to restore the endangered red wolf and bear to this habitat. Richard then journeys in search of the northernmost alligator. Alligators have been migrating far from their traditional homes and have been spotted close to the Virginia border. Discover why they're on the move and what this means to the families who live nearby. Richard comes upon wild horses and learns why clam chowder is a southern favorite. The hospitality and culture of the old South welcomes the Born to Explore team.
Episode 15
Iceland: Land of the Vikings
Sat, Feb 4, 201221 mins
Travel to Iceland to meet the modern day Vikings. They're one tough breed of men and women and proud of their seafaring past. Join host Richard Wiese as he prepares a meal of rotten shark and samples this Viking delicacy. Then join Richard as he does battle in the tradition of the fierce Viking warriors. Explore the ice caves, hot springs that Iceland is famous for. Then travel to the idyllic countryside of Skagafjordur. Here, the community rounds up its sheep on the volcanic terrain after a summer of grazing. Every sheep must be located and corralled, as to be left in the wild is certain death. It's part family affair, part local celebration and a Viking tradition that is still carried on today.
Episode 16
Botswana: Living with Elephants
Sat, Feb 11, 201221 mins
Journey to the famed Okavango Delta, a wild kingdom that is home to giraffes, lions, water buffalos and other big game. Amidst these wild plains of Africa exists a love affair unlike any other. Join Richard Wiese as he travels to Botswana to meet a family of orphaned elephants and the human parents who adopted them, Doug and Sandy Groves. This husband and wife team devotes their lives to the elephant orphans, Thembi, Morula and Jabu. Learn how Doug and Sandy turned these "juvenile delinquents" around to become a special family. Richard discovers what it's like to live with these gentle giants and falls in love with Thembi, Morula and Jabu.
Episode 17
Canada: The Great Polar Bear Migration
Sat, Feb 18, 201221 mins
Journey with Richard Wiese to the windswept, arctic tundra for the greatest polar migration on earth. Here in the cold, barren wilds of Arviat, Canada, polar bears and their cubs frolic on the ice and the Inuit people live in uneasy harmony with these bears as neighbors. It's an epic battle for both man and bear to adapt to a changing world. The Inuit are hunter-gatherers clinging to traditional ways of life. Discover how they survive in this inhospitable environment-and experience the Inuit culture as Richard eats caribou, erects sealskin tents, and enjoys Inuit music, art and storytelling. Richard comes face to face with largest land predator on earth.
Episode 18
Morocco: The Lost Village
Sat, Feb 25, 201221 mins
Morocco is a land that captures the imagination through movies like Lawrence of Arabia and Casablanca and stories of 1001 Arabian Nights and magic genies in Aladdin. Explorer Richard Wiese discovers the mysteries of Morocco through its exotic medieval markets and crafts. Travel ancient alleys as Richard samples Moroccan cuisine and learns traditional tanjia cooking. Join Richard as he journeys to a village in the Atlas Mountains which have never been visited by Westerners before. Meet the Berber people of Tarfraout and experience life in a village where time stands still. Richard learns how to make butter in a goat bladder, takes part in a wedding ceremony. See why they still till their fields with donkeys and a wood plow.
Episode 19
Iceland: Vikings and Volcanos
Sat, Mar 3, 201221 mins
The Viking tradition is still very much alive in the majestic country of Iceland, where people live in the shadow of Iceland's volcanoes. They have buried villages and caused heartbreak, but the volcanoes and hot springs, which color the landscape, are also a source of geothermal energy for Iceland's streets, homes and hothouses. Join Richard Wiese as he explores Iceland's volcanoes, haunting glaciers and the famed geothermal pool, the Blue Lagoon. Then travel to the idyllic countryside of Skagafjordur. Here, the community rounds up its sheep on the volcanic terrain after a summer of grazing. Every sheep must be located and corralled, as to be left in the wild is certain death. It's part family affair, part local celebration and a Viking tradition that is still carried on today.
Episode 20
Hawaii: Surviving the Ocean
Sat, Mar 10, 201221 mins
On the Hawaiian Islands, the ocean is king. Respecting the ocean's power and its inhabitants is very much a Hawaiian tradition. When the revered Hawaiian monk seal became endangered (with less than 1,000 of them left), a dedicated group formed to protect them. Word of a distressed seal stranded on a beach, or entangled in debris, gets out the troops. Richard joins this band of selfless marine lovers on their rounds, and even participates in the burial at sea of a beloved monk seal who recently passed away. In between distress calls, Richard investigates the background of this extraordinary group of islands - how early settlers survived the vast Pacific Ocean by using amazing navigational techniques, and how modern day Hawaii is the ultimate melting pot of Filipinos, Chinese and Samoans. Richard learns Samoan traditions, including the right way to crack a coconut, and he attempts the dangerous challenge of picking one from atopa hundred foot high tree.
Episode 21
Morocco: Mysteries of the Nomads
Sat, Mar 17, 201221 mins
Richard Wiese travels to Morocco. Richard mounts an Arabian stallion and joins in the famed tradition of the "Fantasia." Journey through the snow covered High Atlas Mountains to the edge of the Sahara and meet a nomadic family.
Episode 22
Hawaii: A Secret World
Sat, Mar 24, 201221 mins
Richard joins the effort to save the islands' green turtles in Hawaii. Richard also joins up with surfers for whom Hawaii is like mecca and tests his own skill on the legendary Hawaiian waves.
Episode 23
Hawaii: Land of Fire
Sat, Apr 28, 201221 mins
Go along with host Richard Wiese as he journeys to Hawaii, a land where volcanoes are still very much alive. The big island alone contains two of the most active volcanoes in the world. Discover how this magical place can be both frightening and seductive. Attracting many different kinds of people in ways that are both artistically inspiring and ecologically friendly. Join Richard as he discovers the flourishing tarot farms and learns the process of the thriving coffee and chocolate industry. A land of artists, farmers and dreamers, a unique bunch that are distinctively Hawaiian.
Episode 24
Morocco: Secret Arts
Sat, May 5, 201221 mins
Richard Wiese visits Morocco where some of the worlds most luxurious leather comes from, in the famous dye pits and tanneries of Fes. Next learn the secrets of Morocco's magic carpets; hung on the market stalls as if displayed in a museum.
Episode 25
England: Magic of the Moors
Sat, May 12, 201221 mins
Richard travels to The Moors of southeast England to unlock its secrets. He meets the wild ponies of Dartmoor. Able to communicate with troubled self-destructive kids, they have been successful in helping to turn their lives around.
Episode 26
Namibia: In Search of Rhinos and Lions
Sat, May 19, 201221 mins
Journey to Namibia in southern Africa with Born to Explore. Richard travels the country to discover the rugged beauty and wildlife of this otherworldly land. He tracks the elusive white rhinoceros and the king of the plains, the lion.
