Galapagos: Born of Fire

Formed in a geological ‘hot spot’ 600 miles off the west coast of South America, the Galapagos Islands range from barren volcanic rocks to lush tropical refuges. Famed as the site of Darwin’s early explorations, they are home to some of the most unusual creatures on Earth, from giant tortoises to cliff-diving marine iguanas. The animals, their habitats and their behaviors are presented in spectacular film footage providing perspectives of land, sea and air impossible to capture in simple observation. Here the BBC Natural History Unit has recorded amazing images of rugged landscapes and startling animal behavior in order to bring this remarkable archipelago to life. Tilda Swinton’s serene narration provides the perfect counterpoint to the blaze of the islands. Peabody board members recognized the melding of narrative, visuals and music as “stunning” and “astonishing.” For its exhilarating exploration of a fascinating microcosm of the Earth lost in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, a Peabody Award goes to Galapagos: Born of Fire.