Xtremely Wild: The Oil Spill Disaster and Otters

Most of this episode of the 13-volume Xtremely Wild series focuses on a wildlife restoration team of scientists who've spent over a decade in the area of Prince William Sound off the Alaskan coast that was devastated by the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, capturing and examining sea otters that are still affected by residue from the accident. Somewhat confusingly, this narrative is intercut with another “xtreme” wildlife adventure, in which a gorilla called Nina has to undergo medical procedures in a zoo operating room. Both segments, hosted by wildlife enthusiast Mark Miller, show surgical cutting, needles, and blood, which may disturb more sensitive viewers. Still, the handsomely produced series successfully meets its aim of introducing a global selection of exotic creatures and their habitats. Other titles in the collection include: Grizzly Bears, Beached Grey Whale, The Florida Manatee, Nile Crocs, Baby Seal Rescue, Animal Rescue in Taiwan, and Yellow Footed Wallaby. Recommended. Aud: I, J, H, P. (E. Gieschen)