Bears About the House is a wildlife documentary that premiered on discovery+ in 2020. The show follows the journey of wildlife expert Giles Clark as he helps rescue and rehabilitate orphaned bear cubs in Laos, Southeast Asia. The series is composed of three one-hour episodes and is a joint production between Love Nature, Offspring Films, and BBC Studios.
The show's protagonist, Giles Clark, is an experienced wildlife conservationist with years of experience working with animals. As the series begins, we see him visiting the sanctuary run by the Free the Bears charity in Laos. The sanctuary serves as a refuge for bears that have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade or have been orphaned due to human activities like logging, hunting, and poaching. Giles's mission in Laos is to develop a unique bond with these bear cubs, who are often traumatized and in need of constant care and attention.
The first episode focuses on the arrival of two young Asiatic black bear cubs, Yao and Champa, who are brought to the sanctuary by the local authorities. Giles must take on the role of surrogate mother and provide the cubs with round-the-clock care, including bottle-feeding, exercise, and mental stimulation. The show beautifully captures the intensity of Giles's one-on-one interactions with the cubs as he tries to gain their trust and help them adjust to their new surroundings.
As the series progresses, we see Giles take on more responsibility for the bear cubs as they grow older and start to develop their natural instincts. He works with the animal care team at the sanctuary to ensure the cubs receive proper nutrition, healthcare, and training. This is particularly challenging when Yao and Champa are joined by another cub, a Malayan sun bear named Mary, who is much smaller and demands extra attention. Giles also has to deal with the logistics of moving the cubs to a new home in Cambodia, where they will get the opportunity to live in semi-wild conditions.
Throughout the series, the audience is treated to stunning visuals of the bears in their natural habitat, despite being captive-bred. The show uses cinematic techniques and close-up shots to convey the personalities of each bear and their unique behaviors. We see Yao, the fierce Asiatic black bear, constantly testing his boundaries, while Champa is more timid and reserved. Mary, the smallest among them, is playful and full of energy.
One of the show's strengths is how it sensitively handles the relationship between humans and wildlife. Giles acknowledges the fact that these bears would be better off in the wild, but because of their upbringing, they cannot survive without human intervention. He works with the Free the Bears charity to educate the public and promote conservation efforts. The show also highlights the complexities and dangers of the illegal wildlife trade and the need for stricter laws and regulations.
In conclusion, Bears About the House is an exceptional wildlife documentary that will captivate both animal lovers and non-enthusiasts alike. Giles Clark's passion and expertise shine through every frame of the show, as he selflessly dedicates himself to rehabilitating these orphaned bear cubs. The show is an emotional rollercoaster that will make you laugh, cry, and gasp in awe. If you're looking for a heartwarming and thought-provoking documentary, this is one that should be on your must-watch list.
