In the Wild with Harry Butler

Back when the Discovery Channel was young and unique (no Science or History channels) I discovered "In the Wild with Harry Butler." I wasn't particularly interested in Australian nature but I was instantly captured, and completely mesmerized by, Harry Butler. He always gave me hope that there were more people like him in our world investigating, educating and protecting or world.Some people have mentioned that his shows were so "staged." Well yes, of course they are, it's television. However, It's nothing like [respectfully] Steve Irwin. Harry Butler would go and find wildlife, then setup the cameras, then grab the animal and tell you about it. There is nothing 'fake' or 'staged' about kneeling down and reaching deep into a hole in the ground (all the way to his shoulder) and pulling out an animal who was initially fighting him but would soon calm down so he could explain it and how it it lives. He's a gentle, calming person and animals soon realized it as well.I'm so glad I found these DVD's - he is great and he belongs in my permanent library. If you just happened to end up here and don't know Harry Butler but love nature, I highly recommend him. He's a great naturalist who knows Australia like no other.

Before Irwin; before Naked & Afraid; before all the sensationalized, dramatic portrayals of man in the wilderness hanging from a cliff, just when the commercial for car insurance breaks your concentration; there was the simple, forest classroom of Harry Butler. Teacher, environmentalist, conservation consultant, naturalist, and TV host; he brought the wilds of the Australian Outback into people's homes with a minimum of "over-the-top", hyped, artificial nail-biting suspense so prevalent in corporate video production these days. Just plain science, biology, botany, and zoology presented with a fascinated delivery. The product arrived as advertised; complete and undamaged in a reasonable amount of time for delivery.

First of all let me say I recommend the reviews of "Arick P. Sabin" of Chicago and "a movie fan" of Orangevale, California.Harry Butler is an environmental hero. This program is educational and interesting, and Harry's enthusiasm is contagious. I love the way Harry can walk up to a tree and locate the possum living in it, or the bat, or the goanna. Harry will turn over a rock and not run away at the sight of a "bighty" like the rest of us. To educate us, Harry will respectfully catch an animal and describe it, then release it unharmed. He catches snakes and spiders, scorpions and rats, yet never harms anything and just oozes respect for the creatures he is showing us.Harry will get up at dawn or spotlight at night if it enables him to locate the creatures of the bush he so desperately wants to teach us about. Harry knows that education is the key - if we can understand and appreciate the diversity of the flora and fauna around us we are more likely to practice conservation.This show is mainly concerned with Australia and it's diverse landscape and wildlife, however anyone with an interest in wildlife or conservation should find it fascinating. Harry Butler truly is an inspiration.P.S. At the time of writing, Harry Butler is over 80 years of age and still lecturing for the Museum of Western Australia!P.P.S. 4 March 2012 - Naturalist and conservationist Dr Harry Butler was today named as an Australian LIVING NATIONAL TREASURE. Ian Carroll, from the National Trust of Australia (NSW), said Dr. Butler was chosen because he personified qualities all Australians should aspire to, stating "Their generous and significant contributions have, like them, become part of our national heritage."P.P.P.S. 11 June 2012 - Harry has been honoured by Queen Elizabeth II on her 2012 birthday honours list and is now an Officer in the Order of Australia. "These awards recognise shining examples of men and women who display the finest community values of respect and giving, dedication and commitment," Governor-General Quentin Bryce said in a statement. Retired defence chief Angus Houston, who chairs the Council of the Order of Australia, said the honours recipients were "role models and champions of our national identity. Today we especially draw attention to Australia's quiet achievers - people who serve without expectation of acknowledgement, but are the backbone of our community."Congratulations Harry, well deserved.Update : William Henry "Harry" Butler AO CBE passed away 11 December 2015. May he rest in peace.

These few episodes were my first introduction to nature documentaries. My father taped them from their original Discovery Channel broadcast. I must have watched each of the episodes two dozen times each, and they never got old.Harry's enthusiasm, passion, knowledge, and deep respect for the environment is evident in everything he does. Such a simple setup, just Harry and a camera crew walking around and experiencing what nature has to offer, but it makes for a wonderfully simple and effective presentation. None of the modern camera trickery, image manipulation, or high-tech digital post-production is needed here. The simplicity of the series is its greatest asset. The power of the message, one of conservation and respect for the Earth, is transmitted unadorned. Maybe that is why I love this series so much, and why I am still overjoyed that it was brought out on DVD.Hopefully, many small children will experience this series like I did and develop a lifelong sense of wonder about the world, a curiosity about nature that cannot be diminished or distracted by the happenings of modern life. So few things on television are worth watching. This is one of those rare gems in an ocean of trash that deserves to be viewed and appreciated by all. Planet Earth is an astounding technical, scientific, and cinematic achievement. Regardless, I like this series by Harry Butler much more.I highly recommend this series for anyone looking for an excellent nature documentary series.