Video: Why Elephants May Go Extinct in Our Lifetime

I have another video today from Nat Geo, but this time it isn't quite so fun. It is a short clip about the dangers that elephants now face as a species with the continued poaching of the animals for their ivory. According to this video, an average of 100 elephants are killed each day by poachers. Their tusks are then turned into good that are sold in Asia and the U.S. where ivory is still seen as an acceptable thing to own or give as a gift. At this rate, these amazing animals could be wiped out in our lifetimes, never to be seen again. That would be a tragedy of epic proportions.

Warning: there are a couple of graphic shots in this video. They may be hard for some people to see, but this is a topic that is near and dear to me, and I wanted to share this none the less.

Video: Meet "Deep Blue," the Largest Shark Ever Captured on Film

If you're one of those people who is already a little trepidatious about getting into the ocean, than you'll probably want to avoid watching this video. It features a shark that has been dubbed "Deep Blue" who just might be the largest ever captured on film. The massive creature is over 20 feet in length, and is believed to be 50 years old. Its size is put well into perspective thanks to the human observers nearby who are both in and out of a protective cage.

Seeing this thing swim by would have to be absolutely awe-inspiring and frighting at the same time. It is indeed an incredible sight to behold. I definitely think we're going to need a bigger boat.

Video: Explore Wild Alaska

Want to know why Alaska is called "The Last Frontier?" Than check out this video that was shot in the southern part of the state just last month. It features stunning landscapes of remote and wild places, amazing wildlife, and breathtaking settings that are found far from any human settlements. Having just visited Alaska myself this summer, I can tell you that it is a magical place filled with opportunities for adventure. This short film can give you a glimpse of what it has to offer. Sit back and enjoy.

Wild Alaska from Richard Sidey on Vimeo.

Video: GoPro Elephant Encounter

One of the best things about GoPro cameras is that they are small and tough, and can be placed just about anywhere. Take this short clip for instance. It was created after one of the action cams was placed on the edge of a field where a herd of elephants comes to play. Elephants being curious creatures knew that the camera was something new in their environment, and proceeded to check it out. The footage that was captured from that encounter is enough to put a smile on your face.

Video: Traveling Through the Antarctic

Shot over a 16-day period spent in the Antarctic, this video gives viewers an amazing look at what it is like to visit the frozen continent. It contains spectacular shots of the landscapes found there, as well as some of the wonderful wildlife that exists on, and around, the Antarctic Peninsula. If you've ever wanted to visit Antarctica yourself, this will give you a tantalizing glimpse of what to expect there. With a running time of just over 8 minutes, it seems far too short. I hope you enjoy.

Antarctica from Kalle Ljung on Vimeo.

Video: Lucky Rabbit Survives Avalanche in the Kamchatka Mountains

This video was shot on a mountain in Kamchatka, a remote area of Russia where a team of heliskiers were filming a snowboarding movie. During production an avalanche occurred on the mountain, sweeping down the slopes. The snowboarder featured in the video was able to easily out run it, but a white rabbit actually runs into the avalanche and manages to avoid getting crushed. As you'll see in the clip, he is one lucky bunny who manages to stay above the tumbling snow, and make it to the other side in one piece.

Avalanche! Run Rabbit Run! Original Video By Helipro. from HELIPRO on Vimeo.

Video: A Tribute to Denali the Dog

A few years back photographer Ben Moon faced the challenge of his life when battled cancer. Through all of that, his dog Denali stayed by his side, and the two shared a bond that was incredibly deep. Later, Denali would contract the same disease, and battle it as well, eventually losing his life. Now, Moon has created an incredibly touching tribute to his friend in the form of this short film. It is told from Denali's perspective, and is filled with wit and wisdom that we can all gain by watching it. But be warned, this video will likely leave you in tears, particularly if you've ever had to say goodbye to a pet yourself. As we all know, our animal companions become part of the family, and it is never easy to let them go.

Denali from FELT SOUL MEDIA on Vimeo.

Video: Underwater Explorers Encounter Rare Sperm Whale

While operating a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana, a team of underwater explorers had an unexpected encounter with a sperm whale. The
magnificent creature circled the ROV several times before moving on, while cameras aboard the unmanned craft recorded the experience. The video below shares that footage, along with the very excited voices of the team that witnessed the encounter. To say they were thrilled would be an understatement. Amazing stuff to say the least.

Video: Drones Over the Serengeti

While I was in Tanzania climbing Kilimanjaro I couldn't help but wonder what kind of awesome drone footage could be captured over the Serengeti – the premiere safari destination in the world as far as I'm concerned. It turns out I didn't have to wonder for long, as this video not only takes us to the savannah of Africa, it also stops at Lake Manyara and Ngorongro Crater too. As you can imagine, the scenery and wildlife are exceptional. Great footage from one of my favorite places on Earth.

DJI Inspire 1 // Tanzania from Electric Peak Creative on Vimeo.

Video: The Wild Northern Rockies

Shot in British Columbia, this amazing short film captures the breathtaking landscapes and vistas of that region – and it's numerous national parks – in spectacular fashion. The wonderful scenery has to be seen to be believed, and the exceptional shots of the local wildlife only add to the allure of this video. The Northern Rockies are wild indeed, and that can be easily seen in every shot of this wonderful film. Enjoy!

The Wild Northern Rockies from Marty Mellway on Vimeo.

Video: Exploring Norway with a Wildlife Photographer

This video takes us on an incredible journey through Norway with wildlife photographer Michael Martinez has he goes in search of the perfect shots of animals in their natural habitat. He finds plenty of wildlife to shoot, but it is the stunning landscapes of Scandinavian country that will leave you breathless. The clip takes us to some truly wild places, with amazing images of those remote destinations. Beautiful.

NORWAY - A WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER'S JOURNEY from Romain Decomble on Vimeo.