Amazon.com
Deep in Zimbabwe is Hwange National Park, over 5,000 square miles of wildlife preserve with a huge population of elephants. When Major Matt Robinson accepts a commission from the United Nations to study the movement of elephants with the International Wildlife Organization, his only condition is that his children Nicholas and Angela go with him. On their first night in camp, the trio encounters a baby elephant injured by poachers. Angela is instantly drawn to the animal and discovers she has an inherent gift for working with animals. This incident results in a trip to the local animal orphanage, where they become acquainted with Rachael Thompson, and sparks a family mission to stop the poachers. Through the family's growing friendship with the Zimbabwean Ngoi, his son Isaac, and Rachael, they discover that a seemingly generous benefactor is really behind the poaching of the elephants. Ultimately, it's up to Nicholas, Angela, and Isaac to stop the poachers. This is more than a wonderful story about the protected wildlife of Zimbabwe and the fragile nature of its existence; it's also a heartwarming story about a man devoted to his children. The photography is nothing short of breathtaking--especially the helicopter shots of animals running wild on the plains. Dande, the injured baby elephant, will win your heart instantly. Authentic African music accompanies much of the video and is a treat to listen to. With only limited violence, this Showtime film is a great family video. (Ages 4 to 14)
--Tami Horiuchi
