Koalas. Order Number: C9198 139. Subject Headings: Phillips, Steve, biologist. Tabart, Deborah. Koala. Wildlife conservation-Australia.

Kangaroos. Order Number: C9198 143. Subject Headings: Wilson, Marjorie, animal rights activist. Campbell, Lynette. Kangaroos. Wildlife conservation-Australia.

These two videos are similar to others in the series which have been shown on "Discovery" and "Animal Planet." Each has a brief fast-paced attention-grabbing opening followed by a number of images from the series and then the title. All of the videos place approximately equal emphasis on the preservation efforts of the "champions" and the animal itself. Live action is narrated or accompanied by natural sounds or unobtrusive background music which encourages observation. These images are varied and of excellent technical quality. The sound track is clear and well-paced.

Both videos state that a long period of evolution has resulted in an animal with unique adaptations and needs. The social lives and life cycles are explained. They claim that, in 200 years of European human habitation, the animals have become threatened as a result of greed and ignorance. Information on the naturalists reveals how they came to be involved with their particular animal. They are shown engaged in conducting field studies and analyzing data using modern technology.

Kangaroos features the work of Marjorie Wilson and Lynette Campbell. These women and a network of their supporters raise orphaned and injured Joeys and return them to the wild. Koalas features the research of Stan Phillips and the conservation efforts of Deborah Tabart. Included is a success story - a housing development which was modified to be koala-friendly. The language and explicit detail on animal reproduction (copulation and birth) make teacher previewing and audience preparation advisable. Colloquial expressions, such as "cash cow" and "super-mom," may require explanation. Grammatically poor English and swearing occurs in Steve Phillips clips. Two brief statements referring to Australia as a country that likes to party and that "oozes testosterone" are more suitable for discriminating adult audiences.

The videos are accompanied by a helpful summary of the video, pre- and post-viewing questions and three related Web sites which were all active at the time of writing of this review.

Recommended for the study of marsupials and conservation of threatened species.

Joan Simpson is a teacher-librarian in Fort Gary School Division, Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - May 26, 2000.

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