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The Tortoise that Saved the Rabbit | Wild Critters USA

27m 16s

Did you know a single desert tortoise burrow can become a shelter for dozens of animals? In this episode of the Wild Critters USA series on Orbit: Science for Kids, families explore the Mojave Desert with the help of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and discover why the desert tortoise is one of the most important animals in its ecosystem. Perfect for kids 3-11 years old.

Aired: 06/23/26
Major support for NATURE is provided by The Arnhold Family in memory of Henry and Clarisse Arnhold, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles Rosenblum, Kathy Chiao and Ken Hao, Sarah and Sandra Lyu in memory of Seung and Dorothy Lyu, The Lillian Goldman Charitable Trust, Dr. George Stanley and Sandra Caruso, Colin S. Edwards, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, Filomen M. D’Agostino Foundation, Gregg Peters Monsees Foundation, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Seton J. Melvin, Sandra Atlas Bass, George D. Smith Fund, Inc., Dr. Coralyn W. Whitney Program Fund for Science and Nature, Bradley L. Goldberg Family Foundation, The Hite Foundation, Arlene and Milton D. Berkman, Paul H. Klingenstein and Kathleen R. Bole, Perpetual Kindness Foundation and Sun Hill Renewal Fund, Paul L. Tilley and Family, Kitty Hawks and Larry Lederman, and by Viewers Like You.
Extras
Get a sneak peek at a brand new season of NATURE on PBS.
Explore amazing American wildlife and outdoors in this family podcast series! For kids ages 3-11.
Uncover the story of the revival of northwestern India’s legendary tiger clan.
Go behind the scenes of "Legendary Tigers of India."
Faced with a powerful male, a mother tiger must choose: mate, or protect her cubs.
A tiger’s dangerous behavior shocks researchers, until the reason is revealed.
These tigers had lost their fear of humans — and it cost them their lives.
At Reteti Sanctuary, caretakers prepares to release their oldest orphans into the wild.
Go behind the scenes as the team captures a historic elephant herd release.
A call comes in: a week-old elephant calf has fallen into a well.