Save the Endangered Species: The Humboldt Penguin

Here's the press release synopsis for this look at Humboldt penguins, an endangered species: "On the coast of Peru…scientists struggle to save what was once one of the most plentiful animals on earth. This species of penguin may prove to be a barometer for future devastation facing our fragile ocean environments.” Here's the theme: The human race is guilty, guilty, guilty! While no one can quibble with the laudable efforts to ensure the survival of the Humboldt penguins, many viewers are likely to be put off by the self-flagellation that takes place here in their name: not only does the narrator speak in hushed, lugubrious tones, but the program even suggests, at one point, that humans kill the penguins out of hatred for themselves. More science and less dime-store psychology would have made this well-meaning but wrong-headed effort a better program. As it is, this is optional, at best. The other titles in the series are: The Elephant, The Grizzly Bear, The Amazon River Dolphin, The Macaw, and The Cloud Forest (with all six titles also available as a 2-disc DVD set for $49.95). Aud: J, H, C, P. (S. Fisher)