Today, we’re so excited to celebrate World Bear Day with you at National Geographic Live and National Geographic Expeditions!
Whether you’re experiencing a live stage show with National Geographic Live or exploring the world with National Geographic Expeditions, there are tons to learn about these magnificent mammals – from polar bears to pandas, grizzly bears and more.
Have you ever wanted to see a bear for yourself in the wild?
National Geographic Expeditions invites travelers to embrace their inner explorer – and see bears in their natural habitat! The Alaska’s Inside Passage expedition cruise is one of several Alaska itineraries where travelers are immersed in Native American heritage, stunning landscapes and of course, amazing and beautiful wildlife. Want to see even more bears? The Voyage to the Great Bear Rainforest expedition cruise sails along the coast of British Columbia and into the Great Bear Rainforest, leading travelers in search of the Kermode bear. Or if seeing polar bears are on your wish list, join the Land of the Polar Bears itinerary, where a National Geographic photography expert will provide guidance on taking photos of these amazing creatures. Svalbard in Spring: Polar Bears, Arctic Light, and Epic Ice takes travelers to the high archipelago between Norway and the North Pole for optimal wildlife viewing. For all of these expeditions, a diverse team of experts, from naturalists to regional specialists, share their vast knowledge as they lead travelers to see bears in their natural habitat. Bring your cameras!
Do you want to learn more about bears and the places they live?
Andy Mann and Ami Vitale, two of National Geographic Live’s most renowned photographers and filmmakers, have dedicated their lives to capturing these incredible creatures in their native environments. They share their first-hand experiences, captivating images and knowledge they’ve gleaned along the way with audiences throughout the U.S.
Here are a few upcoming shows that you can’t bear to miss:
Ami Vitale has lived in mud huts and war zones, and she shares her personal journey in “Wild Hope.” Her award-winning work illuminates the unsung heroes and communities working to protect our wildlife and find harmony in our natural world. At her live on-stage shows, you can hear Ami’s captivating stories of introducing captive born giant pandas to the wild, rescuing northern white rhinos from extinction and inspiring stories about Kenya’s first indigenous-owned and run elephant sanctuary.
A commitment that truly sets her work apart, Ami believes in the importance of “living the story.” To observe pandas’ uninterrupted activities – a rare sighting given there are less than 1,900 left in the wild – she wore a panda suit to photograph these gentle giants. Like Ami, pandas are experts at camouflaging themselves in their habitat. They can swim, climb trees and spend the majority of their days eating.
Her unique view of the natural world plays a huge role in promoting global wildlife protection, and even led to a never-before-seen glimpse into the secret lives of pandas in her best-selling book “Panda Love.”
Ami has shared her inspiring story across the country and will do so once again on April 26 at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas.
Andy Mann’s “From Summit to Sea” show will take you on a journey to another part of the globe – the Arctic! Unlike many may believe, polar bears don’t live in Antarctica! They’re only found in the Northern Hemisphere.
For over a decade Andy has been a forerunner in the world of adventure film and conservation photography, using his work to bridge the gap between science and policy. From his early days as a rock climber to his award-winning work documenting critically endangered marine mammals, including polar bears, his stunning images presented in his show tell the story of our rapidly changing planet from top to bottom.
Polar bears, the only bear to be considered a marine mammal, spend most of their lives in the water. They can swim for days at a time and use the ice pack to help them hunt. With dwindling sea ice caused by warmer winters, finding food can become a major challenge for them. In fact, less than two percent of their hunts are considered successful.
In his upcoming National Geographic Live appearance on April 27 at Wachholz College Center in Kalispell, Montana, Andy will share exciting tales of his journeys to the seven continents around the world. His incredible imagery and deep passion for wildlife is inspiring and makes “From Summit to Sea” a must-see show.
To learn more about upcoming National Geographic Live shows in your area, visit our website. And, if you’re ready to adventure, check out the many ways you can experience the world in an enriching, knowledge-filled expedition!