Wild Chile

Wild Chile is a captivating documentary series from Nat Geo Wild that aired in 2018, providing viewers a detailed and exhilarating look into the wildlife and unique ecosystems of one of the world's most biodiversity-rich nations - Chile. This intriguing documentary borrows from Nat Geo Wild's quintessential storytelling style to present the spectacular environments and fascinating creatures that call Chile home.

The series takes the audience on a thrilling journey across the diverse terrain of Chile. Spanning from the north's Atacama desert - the driest place on earth, through the Mediterranean-like Central Zone, continuing south through the rainforests before reaching the icy Antarctic waters of the country's extreme south, the show explores the diverse habitats and unique wildlife of each region. Much of Chile's landscapes are untouched and isolated, making the locations a paradise for wildlife and a visual feast for the viewer.

Unveiling the nation’s natural wonders, Wild Chile focuses on the country’s native species, several of which are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. Detailed stories are told of these fascinating animals - the pumas of Patagonia, the Andean condor, the humboldt penguin, guanacos, the tiny Darwin's frog and many more. Special attention is paid to their behaviors, their survival strategies, local legends, and the environmental challenges they face.

The series also offers up-close insights into some of the country's less recognized yet equally captivating critters. From the tiny Degu, a small rodent that spends much of its life beneath the ground, to the animated Capuchin monkey, every species is masterfully filmed providing viewers with a real sense of the special characteristics and behaviors that define each animal.

But Wild Chile isn’t just about the wildlife. The series also focuses on the stunning variety of habitats these creatures call home. For instance, the Atacama desert, an inhospitable and arid landscape, is home to unexpected wildlife, like the desert-dwelling Viscacha, a rabbit-like rodent. The series then moves onto the Mediterranean-like Central Zone with its vineyards and forests filled with a rich array of bird species. Followed by a journey to the wild rainforests in the south which presents a completely contrasting habitat full of lush greenery, peculiar marsupials and towering trees.

The scenery only gets more dramatic as the series heads further south towards Patagonia, with its humbling mountains, glacier-carved fjords and vast steppe-like plains that are home to the majestic puma and herds of guanacos. Towards the extreme south, in the subpolar region, resides marine life of great interest. Sea lions, Magellanic penguins, elephant seals and the unique Commerson's dolphins, inhabit these icy cold waters. The final touch is the Antarctic region, a land of frost, populated by hardy creatures such as penguins, seals and sea birds that have adapted to live in the harshest of conditions.

An additional crucial element that distinguishes Wild Chile from other nature documentaries is its emphasis on conservation. Throughout its episodes, the series throws light on the conservation efforts underway in various regions to protect Chile's unique biodiversity, showcasing the work of dedicated conservationists and researchers striving to preserve the country's rich wildlife.

As viewers journey through the series, they are treated to extraordinary aerial views, underwater shots and close encounters, all thanks to breathtaking cinematography. The stunning visuals are complemented by informative and engaging narration, which will surely educate and inspire viewers, while keeping them on the edge of their seats.

Wild Chile offers a rare combination of education and entertainment, making the series a must-watch for nature lovers, environmentalists, and anyone eager to know more about the diverse plant and animal life native to Chile. It transcends the ordinary and gives viewers an opportunity to marvel at the wonders of Mother Nature from the comfort of their own home. Viewers come away not just knowing more about Chile's rich biodiversity, but also a deeper appreciation for the beauty, complexity, and fragility of the world we live in.