On Earth Day, Disney+ is streaming a new four-part National Geographic docu-series, “Secrets of the Whales.”
I’ve watched the first episode, which focuses on orcas, as shot in New Zealand, Norway, Argentina, and Antarctica by NatGeo divers and renowned marine wildlife photographer Brian Skerry. There’s a bit of anthropomorphism in Sigourney Weaver’s narration, particularly when she tells us what the whales are “thinking” and “understanding.” Yet the stunning up-close footage and her voiceover do add to our understanding of the culture of whales — from how they communicate to the leading role of the females in not only finding fish and other food but keeping their families and pods safe and together.
The series, filmed over the course of three years in 24 locations, was produced by James Cameron. Episodes two through four turn the attention to humpbacks, belugas, narwhals and sperm whales.
All in all, “Secrets Of The Whales” is a worthwhile watch, particularly with your children or grandkids. I give it a 9 out of 10. Now streaming on Disney+.