allDAY : Ends of the Earth

Your Turn! 'The Today Show Experience'

Ryan Osborn — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:05:00 GMT

Kyli Walls from Bloomington, Indiana visited the Plaza this past summer. We featured her photo (second one down on post) here on allDAY.

She "had a blast" and posted the following video about her experience.

A Belize zoo: Tapirs, vultures and jaguars...oh my!

Sarika Dani — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:01:00 GMT

From Kerry Sanders, NBC News correspondent

Sharon Matola is one of those rare breeds who not only loves what she does, but she sucks you right into her exciting world. When a jaguar licks your face and doesn’t tear it off, how can you not feel an adrenaline rush? (More on that in a moment.)

Jorge Pujol/NBC News

Kerry Sanders gets a jaguar kiss

Matola’s journey is an amazing path of twists and turns, from Baltimore upbringing, to circus lion tamer, to assistant filmmaker to pioneer.

Pioneer? Indeed! Twenty-six years ago, Matola came to Belize and after helping film wildlife for a documentary, she realized the native animals were disappearing and no one seemed to notice.

It was her idea to carve out a square mile in the jungle, and like Noah, gather animals, two-by-two if possible, to create a zoo. Today, she has more than 130 native species including harpy eagles, jaguars and tapirs in what’s become known as “the best little zoo in the world.”

Web-only video: Wildlife sights and sounds

The tapir, which I figure looks like an overgrown guinea pig, is the national animal of Belize.

The urgency of the zoo became apparent to Matola when, years ago, she entered a classroom here and asked kids to take their crayons and draw a tapir. The blank stares and empty sheets of construction paper convinced her she had a mission: To make sure everyone in Belize, and beyond, knew the country's animals.

In this remote jungle-turned-zoo, I first got up close and personal with the tapirs. They are herbivores (that means they don’t eat meat), so they are – allegedly – non-threatening.
We fed them a jungle favorite: bananas. But tapirs are curious animals, not only in how they look, but in how they’ll surprise you. Yes, one of the hungry herbivores bit my leg.
OUCH! No skin broke, but the nibble on my leg startled me and as I would later find out, this was a jungle omen.

As I stood with Sharon looking at the king vulture, which has lost upwards of 70 percent of its habitat in Central America to development, it took a peck at my finger. OUCH! And OUCH again! One of the little suckers jumped on me, up around my neck and onto Matola before I could comprehend what had just happened.

So, you’ll understand my reluctance when Matola asked me if I might want to go in a small cage inside the jaguar habitat.

Web-only video: Jaguars in danger

I obliged, and there, inside this tiny cage, Junior, a jaguar orphaned when his mother was shot, came up to us. I put my fingers through the cage to touch his pelt. Soft. Warm.

Then, following Matola’s lead, I stood up as Junior jumped on top of our cage. It took some coaxing, but I did as requested, and put my face right up to the wire and, YIKES! Junior’s long, wet, abrasive tongue licked my face.

Startled? You bet. As for his breath, let’s just say Junior could use a toothbrush!

Video: Wildlife in peril in Belize

Matola’s zoo today is a must-stop for those who visit Belize. She proves just about anything is possible, with determination, and individual donations, even in a remote jungle.

Click here for more on "the best little zoo in the world." For TODAY's complete Ends of the Earth coverage, click here.

Views from the mountain trail

Sarika Dani — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:10:00 GMT

From Ann Curry, NBC News

Ann Curry checked in today to give a status report on her trek up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania – and offered some photos to help illustrate her journey. “Climbing the hardest route up Kilimanjaro during the rainy season has been a real challenge for our news team,” she admitted.

Video: Ann gives an update on her Tanzanian trek

Solar Sailor: 'A win for us, a win for the planet'

Jen Brown — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:50:00 GMT

From Meredith Vieira, TODAY anchor

Sunday morning we flew to Sydney. One look at the harbor here and you understand why so many people fall in love with this place. I took a long run along the river, passing by the spectacular Sydney Opera House (where Australian Idol is having its final showdown this week!) and the botanical gardens. Then it was off to interview Robert Dane, the inventor of a boat called the Solar Sailor.

Robert was a doctor, but his passion since childhood has been sailing. He is also a true environmentalist who worried about what was happening to his beautiful harbor as a result of pollution. He told me something I had never been aware of before: the shipping industry is responsible for a tremendous amount of the carbon emissions in the world, twice as many as the aviation industry. Robert had long been thinking about ways to make a greener vessel. Then he found true inspiration. I won't tell you where it came from; for that you'll have to watch the piece. All I will say is that sometimes the smallest creatures can provide the biggest ideas. Robert figured out how to combine solar, wind and battery power to create a hybrid boat that uses far less fuel (meaning less pollutants) than standard vessels. He says his technology can easily be adapted to be used on even the biggest ships and tankers. We sailed through the harbor taking in the beauty around us. What struck me about Robert was his passion and determination to make this world a better place. As he put it, "it's a no brainer." We ended the evening with a lovely dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean.

As I write this it is Monday morning in Australia (Sunday afternoon in New York). My voice is starting to go, probably the result of jet lag and talking so much. Just finished two pots of tea with honey and am headed out for a brief walk in the sunshine before beginning to prepare for the live show (which will occur from 11pm to 2am Australia time). Call it my attempt at using some solar energy to get my act in gear!

To find TODAY's complete Ends of the Earth coverage, click here.

Ecotourism in Belize

Sarika Dani — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:15:00 GMT

NBC News

From Kerry Sanders, NBC News correspondent

Ecotourism has exploded in the last five years, and Belize couldn’t be sitting prettier. The United Nations World Tourism Organization estimates ecotourism is a $60 billion dollar-a-year business. And because Belize is late to the huge business of tourism, in many ways, this country is still untouched.

That’s turned out to be fortunate. Much of what tourists do when they visit this Central American country is to get up close to Mother Nature. Forty-two percent of Belize is a green zone, a protected territory by government decree.

The most popular activities are scuba-diving and snorkeling. But there's much more to see and do, like tubing on rivers that flow through mile-long caves. Native Maya Indians believed these were the opening to the underworld. Zip-lining through the jungle is another highly-energizing thrill.

Our NBC crew didn’t want to quit.

NBC News

Audio engineer Chris Nickless

NBC News

Cameraman Jorge Pujol

NBC News

Producer Amanda Avery

But there are growing fears here in Belize that too many tourists will become too much of a good thing. I met Eugine Batpist, a 30-something Belize native. His worldview of the problem is borne of extensive travel and from the time he lived in the U.S. He says, “We need to learn from Jamaica, Cancun, the Bahamas and Florida. Our goal is keep what we have here now. Not to become commercial. To keep the feel of nature. To keep what the Mayas knew.”

Video: Worries about ecotourism

But already there are signs ecotourism is giving way to those commercial pressures. Jungles that had been accessible only by mountain bike, are now open to four wheel ATVs.

And lush land is slowing being cleared for new hotels and time-shares. The development questions now faced in Belize are not new. What experts warn is, in the long run, it costs more to try to re-grow what was here, than to leave untouched in the first place.

Web-only video: What is ecotourism?

The world’s largest landscape architectural team, EDSA, from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., says one of the biggest problems is the lack of a definition. No one can say exactly what “eco-tourism” is. And while organizations are trying to define that term, often business interests move that line in the interest of making money.

Experts advise that if tourists want to know if the trip they’re planning is indeed eco-friendly, they should ask questions: How many visitors come to this spot each year? How often are the locations taken out of use to give Mother Nature a break? How do they define eco-tourism?

For TODAY's complete Ends of the Earth coverage, click here.

Australia's Little Penguins make a big impression on Meredith

Jen Brown — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:34:00 GMT

From Meredith Vieira, TODAY anchor

We made it to Melbourne, Australia after some 22 hours of flying. Lots of water and sleep aboard Qantas, one of the nicest airlines I've ever experienced. There's something about a pilot with an Australian accent that instills confidence in even a white-knuckled flyer like myself.

We took off Thursday night from JFK and landed in Australia Saturday morning. Then after a quick pit stop at the hotel we all loaded into a van and drove an hour and a half to Prince Philip Island. Among other things, it is home to the Little Penguin sanctuary. The Little Penguin is so called because he is a little guy, smaller than the black and white penguins we all know. Those tuxedoed characters come from Antarctica, whereas the Little Penguins are warm water birds. Every night for thousands of years they have washed onto the beach here and waddled up to their burrows, often dodging foxes and birds of prey. The sanctuary has done much to keep most of the predators away, and since the 1920's visitors have flocked here to watch the nightly penguin ritual. I was told the birds were very timid and might hang by the water's edge if startled. And so I sat as still as possible along with one of the rangers who spoke to me in a whisper. He told me most of the penguins heading in were stuffed with fish they'd been eating all day along the Australian coastline. Upon arrival they would make their way to their burrows where their mates and chicks would be waiting. The penguin parent would regurgitate (sorry, nature isn't always pretty) some of its food for the chicks, and then take over babysitting while the other adult penguin prepared to head out by the next dawn. He also explained why these penguins had a blue back instead of a black one -- the better to blend into the water so no predators could spot them during their long swims.

Video: Australia's home to the penguins

All of a sudden I gasped in amazement as a raft of penguins (meaning a group) came into sight. There they were, dozens of them at a time, waddling up the beach while looking from side to side. To think they have done this for centuries, always landing at the same spot. As we sat in silence they moved just past us. It was hard not to laugh, especially at the ones so stuffed with fish they kept toppling onto their bellies. But beyond their comical demeanor lies an amazing creature. Only 20 percent survive the first year of life because their parents often leave them to fend for themselves the first time they venture into the sea. The scientists have put tracking devises on the birds and are monitoring their behavior to see if they are being affected by climate change. And because these birds go out to sea every day and then return, they are an amazing resource for also monitoring the aquatic eco system.

Australia is extremely concerned about its natural assets and the affect of climate change on them. Already some 15 percent of the Great Barrier reef has succumbed to coral bleaching because of warmer water. Just this weekend, thousands took to the streets here demanding urgent climate action now. And yet, Australia is one of the top emitters of greenhouse gases in the world because of its coal production.

To find TODAY's complete Ends of the Earth coverage, click here.

The snows of Kilimanjaro

Sarika Dani — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:00:00 GMT

From Ann Curry, NBC News

Arusha, Tanzania "I am a Masai," Jonas Eliau tells us.

And the Masai he says, believe Mount Kilimanjaro is dying. "We fear there will be no more water for the people, if all the snows on Kili melt."

Scientists say 84 percent of the mountain's glaciers have disappeared in less than 100 years. Climate change is the lead suspect. Since before memory, the glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro have fed the rivers that sustain Tanzania's many tribes.

As our truck bounces along unpaved roads, Jonas points out a river he says is two-thirds the width it once was. He tells us there is less rain during the rainy season and wells are drying up.

Belinda reading at a table

It is because of one dry well that 13-year-old Belinda Amon might have to stop going to school.

Beautiful and soft-spoken, she is a good student: "I want to be president," she told me. "Like Obama?" I ask, and she immediately grins wide, "Yes." Then she adds, "but If that doesn't work out, a doctor or a nurse." She studies in a mud-walled home with a earthen floor, right next to the buckets her mother collects water in.

Belinda is lucky to only walk 30 minutes to school and back. Some walk more than an hour each way.

We went with her today and saw how the students rushed to raise their hands each time their teacher asked a question. From the looks on their faces, all the walking here is worth it. But this school will close in five months unless enough money is raised to pipe water in from a new source now that the well has gone dry.

There is not enough water for cooking and cleaning and to have sanitary toilets. As I write about this, our news team's soundman, Bobby Lapp, points out the irony of watching me get a BlackBerry signal in a school without running toilets.

We have no idea how lucky we are until we see people struggle for things we take for granted. And in this struggle, who knew the snows of Kilimanjaro would matter so much?

For more on TODAY's Ends of the Earth series, which begins Monday, Nov. 17, click here.

Stuck in the Arctic for three weeks...and counting

Jen Brown — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:20:00 GMT

From Peter Alexander, TODAY correspondent

Note: This blog has been updated to include a new slide show. It was originally published on Friday, Sept. 26.

So, here we are. In the Arctic. Day 23. Good times!

Producer Paul Manson and I, along with cameraman Callan Griffiths and soundman Ben Adam, were sent here on assignment to report on climate change and the Arctic for an upcoming broadcast. The primary news peg -- and one reason for our visit -- is that for only the second time in recorded history the Northwest Passage is ice free, effectively clearing this shortcut between Europe and Asia.

Our intention was to stay on board for 10 days, shooting video and interviews. Mother Nature, apparently, had other plans. Inclement weather, along with an emergency search and rescue mission, has spoiled all five of our attempts to leave the ship. Getting stuck in the Arctic is not uncommon; getting stuck five times is like punishment.

Joining the team
We left NYC Sept. 3, joining up with a team of scientists from ArcticNet on board the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker, Amundsen. (In Canada, the Coast Guard is civilian, not military. It is part of the country's Department of Oceans and Fisheries.) This particular Coast Guard ship has been dedicated to scientific research and outfitted with all the necessary tools. In a unique partnership, the scientists work side-by-side with the Coast Guard crew. For example, the scientists are testing water samples and sediment samples (from the ocean floor) as well as mapping uncharted territories in this remote part of the world. There are 40 scientists, 40 Coast Guard members and the four of us. By now we're part of the team, learning to help on deck, in the lab and at dinner. See more photos here.

We boarded the Amundsen Thursday, Sept. 4, in Resolute Bay, a small Inuit village, along the Northwest Passage. The plan was to fly off by helicopter at the northern most civilian community in North America, Grise Fjord, and then begin our long journey home. Freezing rain and harsh weather kept our chopper grounded both Monday and Tuesday. The ship kept going and our chance to get off passed. We continued North with the expedition along the coasts of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland, coming within 900 miles of the North Pole.

Over the next couple weeks, we would make three more attempts to fly to land. Each one failed due to weather. Unbelievably, on Thursday our absolute best chance to get off the ship failed, too. The ship was diverted back north to assist a search and rescue mission, something the crew says has only happened once or twice in the last couple years. From the beginning, we were warned that the ships primary mission was science. The cost of operating this icebreaker and moving the expedition forward is $50,000 a day. While we've been welcomed guests on board, we knew the ship wouldn't be stopping for us.

Close quarters
Paul and I have been sharing what would normally be the infirmary on this overloaded ship. To our eye, it’s roughly, 10 by 12 feet. A thin curtain is the only thing separating us -- and our dignity. Callan and Ben share a bunk bed in a slighter larger room downstairs.

Soundman Ben Adam, producer Paul Manson, cameraman Callan Griffiths and correspondent Peter Alexander

In our 23 days on the ship we have covered more than 2,500 miles. The ship rocks incessantly and a sonar machine used for ocean floor mapping ticks loudly all day and night. It’s akin to being audibly poked day in and day out. (Callan has lovingly promised to buy each of us a metronome when we get home so that will be able to sleep as comfortably in NYC.)

Since we were done shooting two weeks ago, we’ve been left with a lot of time to fill. Meals have become a priority. It's often the only way we can keep track of what time and day it is. Thursday is a favorite -- breakfast crepes. Speaking of crepes, we'll remind you this is a French-Canadian ship, and so we've been more than well fed. In fact, we're convinced Fabien, the ships pastry chef -- yes, I said pastry chef -- is trying to kill us slowly with desserts.

Meals are always heavy and large. (Now, so are some of us.) But fear not, there is a fitness club on board. Let us describe it for you: it's half the size of our bedroom (read: infirmary), and consists of a treadmill, two bikes and a bench that’s hidden beneath a four-foot ceiling. (Running on a treadmill when the ship is rocking could easily pass as its own Olympic sport.) Not to worry, we've now collectively run or biked the length of Greenland six times over. The other hours have been spent staring at the ocean, staring in the abyss and staring at each other -- followed by routine games of Scrabble, "what's for dinner?" and "if you could be any kind of animal, what would you be?"

A once-in-a-lifetime experience
Let's be clear, although we've been mentally ready to leave for a long time now, we have seen and done some extraordinary things, including meeting some inspiring scientists whose dedication to their field reminds us daily why we’re here. We've seen polar bears, beluga whales and icebergs the size of floating hotels. Each sighting reminds us how far away we are from home. In addition, we've seen sea creatures from far below the ocean's surface that would rival the characters at the Star Wars bar.

The scenery is both breathtaking and intimidating. We've been awed by sights that most people will never see and appreciate that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (Hopefully.)

VIDEO: Peter Alexander and Paul Manson phone home to describe the (mis)adventures

Kilimanjaro journal

Sarika Dani — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:17:00 GMT

From Ann Curry, NBC News

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Arusha, Tanzania We can see her silhouette, rising above the clouds under a full moon in the darkness. And she is gorgeous in her solitary pose, as the world's largest free standing mountain, one of its seven summits. And she waits for us.

Looking up at her, we are a humbled NBC News team, driving in a lurching safari truck from Kilimanjaro International Airport, brimming with excitement.

Our mission is to report on Kilimanjaro's vanishing glaciers, expected to disappear completely as soon as 2020. And if we are successful, we will reach millions of Americans with the story in an unprecedented way.

Our crew is talking nonstop about technical challenge we face in going live over five days from as many as four places on this 19,000-foot mountain. So many things could go wrong. But Bobby, Peter, Julian, Jen and Ray are jazzed, and listening to these talents, it is easy to be calm. If it can be done, they will do it.

What worries me more is whether we are up for the physical challenge. Just a third of those who try reach the top of Kilimanjaro. Eighty percent suffer altitude sickness, 10 percent the point where their lives are threatened.

We are taking the hardest route, known as the Western Breach, because it will get us closest to the ice. We will be careful, take our time, and take care of each other.

And so an adventure begins.

Watch the video of Ann preparing for her hike, and read her blog report about the how the melting snows of Kilimanjaro are affecting the local people.

TODAY's Ends of the Earth series begins Monday, Nov. 17. Find out more here.

Trading spaces (in a submarine)

Sarika Dani — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:54:00 GMT

For this year’s Ends of the Earth series, which begins Nov. 17, Ann Curry went down to one of the lowest points on Earth for an expedition with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

One of the challenges she faced was negotiating for room in a six-foot space along with her fellow travelers. See why Ann called the journey a “once in a lifetime experience.”

WATCH WEB-ONLY VIDEO HERE