NATURE "The Best of Nature - 25 Years"

- NATURE Celebrates Its Silver Anniversary on PBS With Highlights From Classic Programs; Lynn Sherr Hosts 90-Minute Special -

Since 1982, NATURE has roamed far and wide to capture the full experience of life on our planet. Now, riveting scenes from many of NATURE's most memorable programs tell the epic story of life in the wild when "The Best of NATURE - 25 Years" airs Sunday, January 14, 2007, 8:00-9:30 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings). From birth and perilous baby steps to the fight against predators and the struggle to reproduce, "The Best of NATURE - 25 Years" embodies the arc of wildlife existence - even looking at the later years of a life in captivity. Lynn Sherr, "20/20" correspondent and host and narrator of "Tall Blondes," NATURE's program about giraffes based on her book, returns to host the anniversary special.

"One of NATURE's trademarks has always been the up-close behavioral study of animals in their natural habitats," notes Fred Kaufman, series executive producer. "We've also consistently worked with the world's foremost natural history filmmakers, and both these strengths are featured in the exhilarating segments of our anniversary special."

"I treasure the world of wildlife and have been a fan of NATURE since it began," says Sherr. "It's a privilege to host this anniversary special, so rich with astonishing scenes."

For some of nature's animals, life's perils begin immediately. On a sunny Caribbean beach, hatchling sea turtles' first steps toward the water are threatened by such deadly predators as vultures and crabs (from "Triumph of Life"). In the Arctic, barnacle goslings, born in nests atop steep cliffs, must survive a freefall to the rocks below in order to reach the safety of a river ("Kingdom of the Ice Bear").

The daily struggle for survival - and the eternal battle of predator and prey - is played out in harrowing detail when crocodiles take down gazelles attempting a river crossing ("The Reptiles"). On the Serengeti plains, a mother wildebeest desperately defends her young calf against attacks by wild dogs ("Serengeti Stories").

Reproduction is the next imperative for nature's wildlife. In the high Arctic, a mother polar bear nurtures her newborn cub beneath the shimmering northern lights ("Great White Bear"). Remarkable underwater footage shows a male seahorse giving birth ("The NATURE of Sex"), while in the jungles of Central America, the male manakin bird choreographs an elaborate courtship display to attract a mate ("Deep Jungle").

"The Best of NATURE - 25 Years" also acknowledges the legacy of the late George Page - NATURE's creator and longtime host and narrator who passed away in the summer of 2006. "NATURE's longevity is a testament to George's vision, his talent and passion," says Kaufman, "and we're proud to continue in his spirit this season and in the years to come."

Finally, "The Best of NATURE - 25 Years" looks at the enduring bonds between humans and animals, some of which have lived decidedly unnatural lives. Chimpanzees, our closest relatives, offer a lesson in resilience after a lifetime in the laboratory ("Wisdom of the Wild"). And, after 25 years apart, the poignant reunion of elephants Shirley and Jenny shows that, like us, they are social creatures to whom companionship is vital ("The Urban Elephant").

Other enthralling moments in "The Best of NATURE - 25 Years" come from "Cloud: Wild Stallion of the Rockies," "India: Land of the Tiger," "Silent Roar: Searching for the Snow Leopard," "A Mystery in Alaska," "Kalahari," "Condition Black" and "Katrina's Animal Rescue."

NATURE has won more than 360 honors from the television industry, parent groups, the international wildlife film community and environmental organizations, including eight Emmys, two Peabodys and the first award given to a television program by the Sierra Club. Most recently, "The Queen of Trees" (2006) won a Peabody and, at the Banff World Television Festival, the NHK President's Prize, which recognizes excellence in high-definition programming.

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