15+ Captivating Movies about Endangered Species

Join us in this cause as we delve into the narratives that shed light on the beauty, challenges, and critical importance of protecting our planet's most vulnerable inhabitants. Watch these captivating movies about endangered species.

You may also watch these movies, in celebration of Earth day!

You might also enjoy these posts:

• 10 Movies with Farm Animals
• The Best Animal Movies on Netflix
• 10 Dinosaur Movies on Netflix
• Educational Movies About Dinosaurs

Movies About Endangered Species

Endangered species are animals or plants that are at risk of disappearing from the Earth. These creatures are facing various threats, such as habitat loss, pollution, and poaching, which put their survival in jeopardy. It's essential to protect and conserve these species to maintain the balance of nature and biodiversity.

Here are some of our top-picked movies about endangered species:

Namibia's Bat-Eared Foxes

Sheep farmers in southern Namibia unintentionally endanger bat-eared foxes, often confusing them with predatory jackals. Veterinarian Margit du Toit is dedicated to safeguarding these small creatures.

Her efforts begin with educating local farmers about the harmlessness of these small canids. She also acquires a docile female named Fanta and embarks on a scientific exploration of bat-eared fox life.

Garden Wild

Creating room in our gardens can offer essential environments for numerous native wildlife and plants. Features like garden wetlands, dry stone walls, hedges, wildflower meadows, and even providing homes for beneficial creatures can sustain local species throughout the seasons.

Sometimes, a simple action, like planting specific flowers, can make a significant difference in supporting endangered butterfly species.

Prince of the Alps

In the majestic settings of the Alps, ‘Prince of the Alps' ventures into the high mountains, where chamois and ibex thrive on almost sheer cliffs, marmots awaken from hibernation, and red deer display their remarkable agility. The young prince holds a unique position within the herd, owing to his mother's social standing.

Endangered

At the forefront of conservation efforts, a worldwide team of dedicated scientists takes daring steps to protect the endangered animals they hold dear. This initiative is both executive produced and narrated by Ellen DeGeneres.

Nick Baker's Weird Creatures

Nick Baker embarks on a quest to uncover nature's extraordinary and often bizarre creatures. He seeks elusive species like an armadillo capable of swimming through sand dunes and a lizard that can eject blood from its eyes, highlighting their roles in the intriguing world of evolutionary biology.

Nick's adventures take him scuba diving in Lake Titicaca and soaring in a precarious ultralight over the Argentinean desert.

Why on Earth

Embark on a worldwide journey to witness the crucial link between humans, animals, and our planet. This extraordinary footage unveils the impact of deforestation and the illicit trade in endangered species on animals like elephants, lions, sharks, orangutans, and more.

By safeguarding these magnificent creatures, we initiate a healing journey that will ultimately benefit us all.

Endangered Species: Extinction's Cost

All around the world, distinct species confront the threat of extinction due to hunting and the destruction of their natural habitats. George, a Pinta Island tortoise, stands alone as the sole survivor of his species. Similarly, other species were on the brink of becoming the last of their kind until assistance arrived.

Racing Extinction

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Louie Psihoyos (known for ‘The Cove') brings together a group of artists and activists for a covert mission. Their objective is to unveil the concealed realm of endangered species and the urgent battle to shield them from the threat of widespread extinction.

Gambling on Extinction

As of today, merely 3,200 tigers remain in their natural habitats. If the current pace of poaching persists, we'll witness the extinction of wild elephants, rhinos, and tigers within our lifetime.

Who are the key players in this lethal contest driven by power, avarice, and gains? Who are the puppeteers, and who are the end consumers? And what makes ivory and rhino horn such enticing investment prospects?

Wild Ways

Discover the potential for endangered species through the creation of recently established wildlife passages.

The Return Of The Wildcat

In this 40-minute documentary, ecologist and filmmaker David Cebulla embarks on a mission to locate one of Germany's most elusive and threatened creatures: the European wildcat.

David encounters numerous challenges and uncertainties throughout his undertaking, such as obtaining the wildcat's genetic record and whether the wildcat will reappear.

Journey of the Whooping Crane

Experience the natural history of the whooping crane in ‘Journey of the Whooping Crane' and witness the dedicated conservation work aimed at reviving this remarkable species.

The increasing numbers of these birds represent a rare success tale in the realm of endangered species today.

Souls of the Vermilion Sea

At the most northern point of the Gulf of California in Mexico, a crisis is unfolding for several tiny fishing communities. The illegal trade in the swim bladder of an endangered fish known as the totoaba poses a threat to these communities and the nearby marine ecosystem.

The vaquita, Mexico's native porpoise, is on the brink of extinction if this illicit fishing persists.

Why Just One?

“Why Just One?” is a compelling documentary delving into the challenges faced by endangered sea turtles. It places special emphasis on the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's initiatives to safeguard at-risk sea turtle species in Costa Rica.

Saving Gorillas – Giving Nature a Voice

Picture tending to a 200-pound gorilla with a broken leg, which is just another day for Dr. Gaspard and the Gorilla doctors in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.

On different occasions, they care for gorillas injured by snares, poachers, or conflicts between rival groups. Join us as we accompany the rangers dedicated to preventing the extinction of this endangered species.

Virunga: Gorrilas in Peril

The creators of the powerful documentary share their motivations for narrating the tale of Virunga and the life-or-death struggle to preserve the gorillas' sanctuary. | Stream on Netflix

Trophy

An examination of the changing dynamic between the hunting of large game animals and wildlife preservation triggers discussions about ethical considerations, necessary actions, and the path to safeguarding the world's magnificent species from vanishing.

If you enjoyed this list of movies, I have a monthly membership for parents and educators that want to teach or supplement lessons with shows and movies.

“I love sharing movies about endangered species with my kids. It's not just about the breathtaking animals; it's a chance to open up a conversation about the importance of conservation and our role in protecting these incredible creatures and their habitats. Plus, seeing those adorable baby animals on the screen really hits home why it's crucial for us to step up and take care of our planet. It's a subtle way to instill a sense of responsibility and awe for the natural world in them.” –a Homeschooling parent

With Homeschooling with Shows and Movies membership, you will get resources every month, including:

• List of This Month’s Suggested Themes
• List of Monthly Observances
• List Of Movies for Unit Study
• Unit Study Resource
• Seasonal Activities (minimum of three)
• (BONUSES) Resources for you, the teacher

These resources are worth it if you'd like to easily incorporate shows and movies into your homeschooling.

Grab your membership here. 

What to expect in these movies about endangered species?

In these films about endangered species, you can expect to witness the raw beauty of our planet's remarkable creatures and the challenges they face. You'll follow dedicated individuals and organizations striving to protect these endangered animals and their habitats.

These movies will often tug at your heartstrings, highlighting the urgent need for conservation and the hope that still exists for these magnificent species.

Which subjects are included in studying endangered species in an elementary school setting?

Studying endangered species in an elementary school setting typically covers several key subjects:

1. Biodiversity: Understanding the variety of species on Earth and their importance.
2. Endangered vs. Extinct: Learning the difference between endangered and extinct species.
3. Conservation: Introducing the concept of protecting and preserving endangered animals and their habitats.
4. Habitats: Exploring the various ecosystems and environments where these animals live.
5. Causes: Discussing the factors leading to a species becoming endangered.
6. Specific Species: Focusing on specific examples of endangered animals, their characteristics, and the regions they inhabit.
7. Conservation Efforts: Learning about organizations and efforts aimed at saving endangered species.
8. Human Impact: Understanding how human actions affect these animals and the environment.
9. Responsibility: Encouraging students to consider their role in conservation and how they can help.

What themes are found in movies about endangered species?

Movies about endangered species often revolve around themes like conservation, the fragile balance of ecosystems, human impact on wildlife, and the urgent need for preservation. They highlight the beauty and uniqueness of these at-risk creatures while shedding light on the threats they face, such as habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.

Ultimately, these films inspire viewers to take action, emphasizing that our collective efforts can make a significant difference in protecting these precious species and their environments.

Related Questions:

What does it mean for a species to be classified as endangered?

When a species is classified as endangered, it means that it's on the brink of extinction. This designation indicates that the population of that species is critically low, and without urgent conservation efforts, it's at high risk of disappearing from the wild.

What is the #1 endangered species in the world?

It's not easy to single out one “#1” most endangered species globally because it depends on various factors like population size, habitat, and conservation efforts. Different organizations and experts might prioritize different species, but some of the critically endangered ones include the vaquita porpoise, Javan rhinoceros, and northern white rhinoceros.

The status of endangered species can change, so it's crucial to address conservation needs across various species to protect biodiversity effectively.

Are there success stories of endangered species recovery?

Absolutely, there are some heartwarming success stories of endangered species recovery. One notable example is the bald eagle in the United States; through conservation efforts and the banning of DDT, their populations rebounded, and they were removed from the endangered species list.

These stories show that with dedicated conservation work and public support, it's possible to bring endangered species back from the brink of extinction.

Sharing is caring!