Nat Geo’s had some really great shows on lately and the fun for animal lovers continues this Sunday (January 4th) from 8pm to 10pm ET. I’ve actually already previewed an advanced screening copy of In the Womb: Dogs. I haven’t yet watched the complimentary copy of In the Womb: Cats — but I have high expectations because the state-of-the-art visual effects and real-time 4-D ultrasound imagery used in the dog video was insanely awesome to watch and I expect I’ll be just as impressed by the cats video (in particular – seeing the lion fetus and birth).
Both kittens and puppies take just 63 days to go from embryo to adorable house pet – a transformation nothing short of remarkable. In just about nine weeks’ time, each newborn in effect recreates a micro version of the evolutionary cycle both species have undergone over millennia. National Geographic opens a window into the private world where traces of fearsome lions and wolves are still evident during the embryos’ transformation into cuddly kittens and puppies.
In the Womb: Dogs – Airs Sunday at 8pm
The program chronicles the fetal development of 1 wolf and 3 different dog breeds – mastiff, golden retriever and Chihuahua – including some of the first 4-D ultrasound images of a Chihuahua fetus.
The Chihuahua puppies are delivered via a c-section, which they show. So if you’re squeamish like me you’re forewarned. Following along the time line of fetal development is fascinating and this show is packed with facts. Did you know that the dog is the most diverse breed of animal in terms of appearance? Did you know that the idea of creating breeds and keeping them pure is only 300 to 400 years old?
In the Womb: Cats – Airs Sunday at 9pm
This episode follows the in utero journeys of a house cat and a lion, showing – for the first time ever on television – 4-D ultrasound images of a lion embryo and a cat embryo running in place and stretching in the womb.
I’m extremely eager to see the lion footage. I expect to learn mating habits of cats and lions and I expect to come away armed with a lot of knowledge about cat breeds. I know that there are fewer cat breeds and I don’t think that the domestic house cat is a direct descendant of lions (as dogs are of wolves). I am curious to know how in the world a mother lion manages to hunt during pregnancy. Hopefully they’ll cover that as well – though I imagine the female lion they follow will be living in a zoo. Surely they don’t take ultrasound equipment into Africa in hopes of finding a pregnant lion who’ll oblige that intrusion.
Clips from the episodes
Golden Retriever
Cats, Lions, and the Testosterone effect
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Very cool! I cant wait to watch it. I will set myself a reminder!
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We hope you all have a wonderfurr New Year!
Skitto, and Chyannes last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
Dogs and cats are cute inside the womb…They are like magic…
I was lucky enough to be featured with my 2 Chihuahuas in this documentary – In The Womb – Dogs. Watch for us – tons of pink
Minx – Cool, that was YOU?! I was very squeamish when it came time for the vet to take her pups, but watched (through one half-opened eye)! Thank you so much for letting us know that was you.
Does anyone know if these are on video anywhere? Thanks in advance.
Parrot toys – I’ve got a complimentary preview copy of them both and I’ll bet you can get them from the Nat Geo store. Check here: http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/category/in-the-womb-collection?categoryId=S059
Wow…what a great show. Dogs in the Womb. Where can I get a copy?