Disney Nature Chimpanzee

Disney

Bean and I watched Disney Nature's Chimpanzee today as part of her homeschool unit on African animals. This is one of the most sensitive and beautiful nature films that I have ever seen. Narrated by Tim Allen, Chimpanzee tells the story of Oscar, a young chimpanzee and his family group. The film covers their heartache and triumphs as they live amongst the wilds of a rainforest in Africa.

The relationship between Oscar and his mother, Isha, is beautiful. Bean was amazed at how much chimpanzee children are like human children. They play, get in trouble, don't like bedtime, and love their mothers. Much like humans, chimpanzees learn how to survive by watching their family members go about their daily lives; gathering food, making and using tools, finding places to sleep, and protecting each other. By the end of the film, you will have a greater understanding of these amazing creatures.

Disney has created a fantastic Educator's Guide with activities, games, and educational sheets to help teach children more about chimpanzees. The guide has activities for several different age levels and would be a great supplement to keep kids talking about chimpanzees and the natural world. The guide can be downloaded from Disney's Chimpanzee website here. At the Chimpanzee website, you will also find a photo gallery, video clips, and more. Disney also has links to the Blu-ray, DVD, Chimpanzee Book that offers a behind the scenes look at the making of the film, and even 13" Oscar plush. When you purchase the Oscar plush, a $1 donation will be made to the Jane Goodall Institute to help them protect chimpanzee habitats, educate schoolchildren, and care for orphaned chimpanzees.

This film is by turns happy and sad. I won't spoil the story, but be aware that there are attacks by rival groups, and even some deaths, that my be hard for young children to understand. I would recommend previewing Chimpanzee before sharing it with young children, but I think this film is a wonderful way to help introduce children to the wonders of the natural world.