Mysterious Islands in the Sky Unlock Secrets of Our Past: Return to Tepuis | Short Film Showcase

Mysterious towering tepuis in South America have been the inspiration for movies such as Avatar and Up, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel The Lost World. In this short film adventure from Pongo Media, a team of explorers repels down the mystical mountains of this legendary lost world to uncover evolutionary secrets of some of the most unique ecosystems in the world.
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Mysterious Islands in the Sky Unlock Secrets of Our Past: Return to Tepuis | Short Film Showcase
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[@fallinginthed33p]

He's 71, flies up to tepuis, rappels down 200 feet and climbs back up, all in the search for little chirping frogs. Awesome guy.

[@marychristie4815]

raboox9 he has swag. He's a badass zoologist.

[@amy7189]

Yep, dude's a low-key hero =)

[@NamaSayaAkmal]

this should be on top!

[@samiamm5764]

In those rubber waders too 😳👏👏

[@johnpayne2557]

Indeed. It’s the passion of individuals like this that drives us forward. Who are the people that come on here and dislike these sorts of videos. Just can’t wrap my head around it.

[@bmd5713]

Scientist like Bruce contribute so so much to our understanding of our world. I'm so very thankful people like him exist.

[@avariceseven9443]

This is the kind of stuff that made me love natgeo when I was little. Animals, plants, places, people, we need more of those. Some of the new shows are decent but it lacks the wow factor and grandness of the old ones. With the planet changing and all, more people need to see contents like this. "This is what we'll be losing."

[@rayrendis2114]

Yeah i agree

[@RafaelCruz-tu7mj]

Facts i feel you i felt the same way about those shiws as u was growing up

[@jupitercyclops6521]

Same here. (I bet those frogs would make nice bait)

[@insouciant9281]

True

[@aein2811]

Me tooo and my fav subj was SCIENCE I love watching this channel since I'm 6yrs old

[@skyehawthorne7114]

"I'd like to think I'm a scientist" dude is a badass and still manages to have such infectious humility, respect

[@celfhelp]

infectious humility is a foundational trait of being a true badass

[@PantsB4Squares]

National geographic would be ALOT more popular if they did more videos and expeditions like this. Make it a story. Make it longer. Than acouple minutes. Your interest to others has always been exploring and unveiling the unknown. I hope nat geo takes this in consideration.

[@jbrobertson6052]

PantsB4Squares That's why I don't bother watching the little 3 or 5 minute video because you just start to get interested and wham its over.

[@aux6671]

Like an hour long video, would def watch

[@drawyrral]

Nat Geo was bought by Rupert Murdoch, so you can kiss this kind of stuff goodbye.

[@Sk1tz092]

NatGeo today on television is just like any other tv show, pure garbage. It's a shame these hour long documentaries about nature and animals are hardly left on TV.

[@mattslev]

I climbed the nearby tepui Mount Roraima almost 30 years ago. That area is magical. One of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet.

[@tara8597]

That is incredible. Such a awesome story to tell.💙

[@kjeezy2990]

If you enjoy getting rained on 99.8% of the time. Sure

[@Wutzmename]

Absolutely! They've been cut off from when the continents were all one landmass and that part was attached to Africa. The biology is closer to Africa that what's in the forest below. God I love science!!💯

[@AGDinCA]

Sir, you have earned the title. You are, most definitely, a scientist. And thank you for that!

[@rxonmymind8362]

Agreed. Thank you Dr for your passion.

[@crespoopserc]

The fact that the average American simpleton looks up to Hollywood celebrities, and not people like this, just baffles me. Thank you to these brave men as well.

[@ArchieStiglitz]

Really? I believe you are holding "the average american simpleton" in a much to high regard then.

[@lillyrose6635]

Hollywood junk is advertised by the tons! Such information is found in rare & educative videos, which an average simpleton never gets exposed too

[@xanderchanning]

@@ArchieStiglitz Why? You think this journey is a bad thing?

[@ArchieStiglitz]

@@xanderchanning huh? are you missing my point on purpose? I'm talking about the ignorance of the american simpleton and how that guy was baffled by it. you are talking about something else. Didn't you read his comment?

[@michaelhall8445]

The fact that you are an idiot is quite apparent too.

[@My_Big_Dragon]

The waterfalls reminds me one of my favourite cartoon *UP.* I really appreciate his courage and strength to explore.

[@mikethespike056]

Read the description.

[@atulanand7815]

I think Up's waterfall was inspired by Angel Falls, wasn't it?

[@joatanpereira4272]

@@atulanand7815 Yes, it was

[@tantanabellano5182]

Adventure is out there

[@anxious_potato8585]

Paradise falls a land lost in time

[@bulishfx]

Whenever there is will, there is way. He just proved it. Love the crew. Everything for an amazing chirping frog.

[@ricdwe]

This is why scientist like this dude are much appreciated. He will do whatever it takes in the name of science, to educate the rest of us. Cause other than a scientist or biologist, ain't nobody gonna do what he did, to find a tinny-tiny frog. We are content to read about it or watch NatGeo.

[@annakhalawan1]

He is so brave ...I love him...good luck on his endeavours

[@mylxiong08]

Scientists/biologists/conservationists have their own little fetish about the plants and animals. I still remembered a conservationist advocating for a small species of bats that require a large land of bananas to breed and survive or the geicko habitant that was destroyed by Ikea. Soo...to all the plants and animals that do not an advocate, I feel for you.

[@jabmd2nd]

Tough job...!

[@BugattianVeyronian]

Real scientists would confess that all things that were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through and for Christ.

[@ricdwe]

@@BugattianVeyronian OOOOK ... I get it. For those who are believers in the sipiritual realm ... the supernatural creation of all that exists ... all that is ... based on "a priori" evidence ... then so shall it be, as it was written at the beginning of time ... and so shall it be, until the end of time.

[@arialdenit4135]

I LOVED THIS!!!! Plus his voice is easy to listen to and learn from. 71 and happy dude. Just real and genuine. I want to see more.

[@vishnuprasad2312]

First of all, Bruce, your a gem. You really are. And the professor, he’s so pure and I just love his enthusiasm and love for what he does

[@IamwhoIam333]

Such a polite species's. I loved it when the small one just crawled over the other larger one and they went their merry way. No conflict, nothing. 😻

[@bokeflo]

An amazing little frog and a passionate scientist.

[@GalleonBrinton]

I have to say that this is one of the coolest videos I have seen in a very long time. Kudos to the team and the inspiration of knowing there are still people out there that care for the true Science.

[@saaros]

this guy is so adorable! i'd watch a dozen of videos with him featured.

[@misadventureswiththemartys312]

Me too.

[@pikachulove5468]

saaros I would too! ^_^ he is the grandpa of science in new zoology in my book!! He deserves his own adventure series hehe!

[@birdman1843]

I love ❤️ National Geographic’s , no politics just pure knowledge of our planet earth 🌍

[@burcuibis9793]

This mountain and forest remind me the "up" movie. Is that mountain which is the old man was planning to fly there?

[@marlonxx]

Yup! it is.. Adventure Out there!

[@GianfrancoGiglioli]

No! the mountain of UP's film is Auyan Tepuy

[@shortfuse875]

ITA-VEN-97 Coincidently, Auyan Tepuy was discovered after Up's release

[@PantsB4Squares]

shortfuse87 YT wrooooong pusay

[@jimmorgan8688]

Burcu İbis Yes and The Lost World by Sir Arther Conan Doyle.

[@syncmaster915n]

7:15 that's how frogs negotiate one way traffic. Road rage is not their thing, apparently. Hats off to the professor. At 71, still doing science at the remotest of the remotest place in the world while me, at little more than half his age, sit on a comfy couch watching him do it. Thank-you Nat Geo for sharing this marvelous video.

[@stonew1927]

I was born not too far from there in a small mining town south of Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit La Gran Savana where all these tepuis are located and witness the magnificence of the landscape with those magical waterfalls streaming down everywhere. I still remember the call of those frogs.

[@evesyiem6160]

Wow! I so envy you 😩😩😩😩

[@DOUBLE0SEVUN]

That’s amazing! Do you still live in Venezuela?

[@stonew1927]

@@DOUBLE0SEVUN No. I moved to the States when I was 10 yrs. old....

[@danter1126]

He's 71 but his spirit remains so young and strong. Amazing!

[@nathanprince7965]

I live in Guyana and I'm also a passionate, aspiring wildlife biologist.

[@cockylora123]

I hope you achieve your dream.

[@johnjosephaldecoa6282]

Go for it!!! 😍😁😊

[@deinysequeradiaz4020]

No es guayana es VENEZUELA no sé xq dijeron q es guayana

[@jnesrh420]

His genuine joy when he found them was inspiring.

[@christianotter0528]

He looks like the professor from Jurassic Park

[@MrOuchiez]

Interestingly (and coincidentally) enough, the professor you mentioned from Jurassic Park (the actor, at least) just happened to be the brother of (in my opinion) the absolute BEST teachers of nature in the modern world, Richard Attenborough (RIP, Richard)... His brother David is an amazing educator, and has been for decades upon decades, undoubtedly a treasure to this world!!!

[@kylejnicholson]

omg!!!!

[@venpeddapalli7189]

It is Richard Attenborough who directed the movie "Gandhi."

[@maharismahmood]

Hahaha

[@keithrodriguez8109]

He did have a cane earlier too. Maybe he unscrewed the amber ball at the end so that he wouldn't damage it or lose it lol.

[@0xtimothylie]

This guy got a team to help him find a frog. Love the crew, love the vibe, love everything about this! :D

[@vkeykanesan9309]

Looking at him, makes me wonder if what im doing for living even worth mentioning.

[@jenniferpiper4293]

I'm sure your job has value and importance. That's why they pay you! That, and to keep coming back.

[@resilient5557]

@ Vkey kanesan me too !

[@BubblewrapHighway]

Always strive for a better life!

[@CharlieRootsMusic]

Your job has relevance to people but 9/10 times they can shut your business down and it won't affect nobody but the workers.

[@TheLogicalLowdown]

Just remember we're all part of a greater system. Think of all the things that goes into research like this. Everything from clothes, ropes, lights, batteries, a helicopter, fuel, the list is extremely long and complicated if you really think about it. Those are just the obvious things. Finances, electricity, plumbing, satellites for GPS and weather, and so much more on the back end make this a reality. 9/10 times, the back end nobodies like us are the most vital parts of it all.

[@sangitaekka]

I turned 30 this year and just yesterday I was thinking maybe it's time to calm the restlessness, lead life the way society has shown me and then this video pops up and a 71 year has more enthusiasm than me! This is why I love Nat Geo! Inspiring. Has lost its shine for sometime, but I come from the time when people like Steve Irwin and Steve McCurry shared their passion with the world! This is what the generation needs to go on, a sheer love and curiosity for all that is natural and around us! Thank you so much for making my day and rekindling what I lost I had lost! :)

[@williamdrijver4141]

I'm amazed (and almost shocked) that such pristine beautiful nature heavens still exist and haven't been destroyed by mankind.....thanks for the unbelievable footage!

[@warpspeed9877]

There is an excellent novel "The lost world" by Sir Arthour Conan Doyle (yes the one that created Sherlock Holmes!) that describes exactly these rock formations and the zoological possibilities (that far exceed frogs!) that could ocure on them...

[@darrenkrivit6854]

That must've been an awesome experience fulfilling a near lifelong quest. Glad he made it out🤓

[@sapphicsx]

IT’S REALLY NICE TO SEE SOMEONE WHO REALLY LOVE WHAT THEY’RE DOING

[@jon1805]

I know music can be polarizing, especially amongst young, or rudimentary listeners... but how can you possibly dislike something like this?

[@jenniferbrown7659]

I feel your success. Science, biology, Sol, Terra, Luna should be taught accurately. This video should be at the top of all educational curriculums world wide. This video could be viewed by young people to stir their imagination. Allow young people to save the Universe. Starting in their immediate backyards (literally)

[@clareuk71]

Now that’s passion for nature , a kindred spirit 😀🙏

[@crespoopserc]

Clare Morgan sure is :)

[@Love-jf7rs]

Relief he is safe :)

[@Gaumukh]

Thank you so much for an informative video. I could feel the wind and the rain.. Those frogs and that sound...no words

[@jdrobin1]

Guyana has one the last pristine rain forests in the world. I hope the Indigenous, Indo Guyanese and AfroGuyanese people continue to protect there land.

[@paulllu9069]

jdrobin1 Their*

[@ilove2929]

Amen

[@anthonyfrancisco7407]

Yes my country is very rustic ecological extremely healthy we the natives live on the coast facing Atlantic ocean

[@sliperysid]

Basing my presumption on previous human history... They probably won't.

[@christinemott2878]

Dontbtell anyone shut up

[@Scoin0]

I love his enthusiasm . I'd definitely watch a lecture by him

[@moi6torres953]

He’s the type of person to have as a science teacher

[@janice8523]

They make such a big difference and great contribution in this world! Kudos to them, and thank you for all you do for humanity👍

[@azuazura4786]

I watched the complete documentary of this one in Nat Geo Channel years ago, long before the "Up" movie came out. it was an amazing documentary. I still remember bits and pieces of the scenes until now.

[@SassyMommy12]

stunning, the landscape, the experience and getting up close with nature. Yay for science!

[@Param.G.C]

What a awesome people's you guys are. Really very passionate and very curious to explore and discover something not ordinary. Hats off to your energy at that age sir. 😊😍

[@romysdejesus2854]

AT AN ADVANCED AGE OF 71 HE HAVE NOT LOST THAT CHILD-LIKE ENTHUSIASM FOR HIS VOCATION , FOR SOME THIS WOULD SIMPLY DIE-OUT AND WITHER SLOWLY AWAY . SALUTE !

[@JustinLHopkins]

I’m thankful for scientists and curious people who always want to know what’s beyond the horizon.

[@lucid_sound_design]

He's seventy and still out doing stuff like this... seriously a hero.

[@chimkinNuggz]

07:12 i could learn a few things from this frog on how to treat haters in your way.

[@hanah3401]

Lol 😂😂😂😂

[@BubblewrapHighway]

blip

[@amavinolia378]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@bridge4]

This dude loves his frogs :)) xoxox

[@lossantoscity3249]

Frog that shounds like a Bird. LOL

[@cyl742]

The dude loves life.

[@kadeksatriadi7845]

this place is like heaven....

[@TyreeWells]

Kadek Ananta nah I doubt it

[@haidene3106]

A place where one day it would be destroyed

[@thesouthamerican.2282]

I live there.... Heres another beauty... Check kaieteur falls... Do visit

[@techguyph]

I don’t get why videos like this get dislikes. 🤔 For science sake.

[@saxifrage2053]

Its called we all are different!!! Pay attention to the video!

[@GrapheneOxideIsInCVVax]

Eureka! Found the salty miserable disliker! Tell us, how are you so different that you felt the need to dislike and then attempt to justify that?

[@CoinsAndCapsaicin]

Religious people dont like stories of evolution.

[@ABCVideoproducciones]

I think the same, weird!

[@mikethespike056]

I liked the video, but some people may be against exploration of these ancient places. Probably because traffic will only get higher and the ecosystem might be disrupted.

[@relesse13]

Love that closing "...science is important...and I like to think that I am a scientist..."

[@DEEPMUCH]

Good for that older fella still learning and adventuring. LIVIN.

[@inscrutAmaverick]

Biologists are weird nerds, they're outdoorsy nerds😂😂😂

[@christinemott2878]

I love out door nerds iused to be one

[@jjenko6366]

Thank them for many of the medicines available to you. They’re as important as physicists exploring outer space.

[@johnison9520]

They're responsible for your medicines

[@AbhishekKumar-ry9ls]

Believe me we Geologists are also nuts😂

[@mattnorris7124]

I think I have finally found my niche. Geologists might be even more nerdy outdoorsy nerds 😅😅

[@cesteves6882]

Bruce is the embodiment of scientific thought. Would love a chance to follow him and gather information on one of his expeditions

[@ericheydenreich2846]

Thanks for sharing, this magical land of great diversity!

[@1xplorer]

7:15 “Bro, stand aside!” “I don’t think so,” “I’m coming over you then” “Go ahead “

[@jivettefhaye6796]

Loved his passion for science. Respect!🙂

[@kiwi_kirsch]

i love the narration. no dramatic voice acting trying to sell me something. just people talking with all their own real excitement and fun and everything. awesome. thank your for this video.

[@oshkoshbjosh]

I hope I'm tough like that dude when I'm in my 70s.

[@darrinnoble]

Bruce is incredible! And that rope, halfway shredded.

[@orangebpumpkin5676]

Part two please. More info about the frogs. What did their biology, dna say?

[@TheJttv]

The dude keeps a historical journal in cursive. You know he is legit. 2:15

[@juststardust8103]

Enthusiasm! It makes a big difference in our lives.

[@yss1944]

Awee... bless his heart, he is so passionate, it’s exciting to to watch. I love his spirit!

[@donalfredisaac]

Funny how that little frog walks on the branch, like a "monorail"

[@Log_Among_Trees]

Bruce! You are an incredible scientist! Thank you for being brave enough to explore!

[@deborahallen3318]

Thank you for bringing us this beautiful footage of a place that I will never be able to visit! After watching you, YES! you are a scientist, a very passionate one at that! 😊

[@otakutaste3793]

Needed this today on my birthday.

[@jaycal1920]

Chemistry is the building blocks of life, Physics are its dynamics. Science.

[@christinemott2878]

AndMath lies the answers

[@wendylynne5010]

Those waterfalls!! Drop me off, I could live there forever. Awesome species. Unique.

[@maryellenryall3548]

I have loved Lost World since the discovery back in the 1970s by Venezuelan and American adventurers, botanists, and pilots. One needed these skills in order to go there and explore the deep mysterious holes with unnamed species. Oh I wanted to go so badly to discover plants and little creatures. At that time I lived in Venezuela, the country of origin.

[@travelclimb]

My family is from Venezuela, but I haven't been able to go back for years now. I am a biomedical researcher in Seattle, WA, but to me a trip to the Tepuis would be an adventure for sure! I would isolate biologics or natural molecules from these rare plants and fungal species and study their gene fragments and properties for potential therapies. I would really love to go back to those mountains by entering through Guyana.

[@PotatoBosscheck]

ITS IN GUYANA

[@Madasuto]

venezuela, brazil and guyana

[@grantlandking4361]

Thank you for sharing your story Mary! I pray for the people being oppressed by the corrupt political system there. May God bless you & family. PEACE from NC

[@cfrandre8319]

Potato Boss.check They are also in Venezuela-Roraima and Angel Falls are Venezuelan. Used to be quite a trip to get into that region...

[@mikehagen1484]

I love how the frog just grabs frogs face and climbs over him.

[@keyshey]

more of these kinds of videos please!

[@reverseuniverse2559]

He looks as tough as Jack Nicolson but no acting here “LEGEND”👍

[@mcf5170]

Wow how wonderful!!! I don’t like frogs but watching this guy looking for a particular frog this hard and with all the sacrifices?! Amazingly beautiful creation by the Almighty God! ❤️❤️❤️

[@dense-as-blackhole]

Don't know why, but I'm loving this guy, so curious and full of life

[@blacklotus5451]

Beautiful sounds, thanks for sharing.

[@mamunurrashid7401]

Thank you very much Sir for exploring this beautiful place on earth 🌎

[@mostlysunnytx6937]

Coolest job in the world, discovering new Pokémon 😤

[@ChunLipinayfit]

😂😂😂

[@anointedone5154]

Dead 💀

[@variantunknown4210]

🤣😂🤣

[@peyuzumaki]

Now that is what I call a fellow good oldman. This made me happy.

[@meanjeanmcqueen6171]

I'm in my mid thirties and I would never do that...he definitely has more gumption than I! Good for him!

[@hikingwithmarty]

always had and will have deep respect for these people! bravo!!

[@wasimjaan3300]

Those waterfalls loook like some thing from Avatar movie..

[@gustavobakit9857]

Avatar movie was based on this waterfalls and those geological structures called Tepuys. Up, the Disney movie, was based as well on this beautiful Venezuelan place.

[@MANDINGO74]

Gustavo Bakit it’s in Guyana not Venezuela

[@gustavobakit9857]

Markanthony Cromwell Guyana is a Venezuelan place. And Guayana is a Venezuela territory also. Look out.

[@primodernious]

it is because it is in a sense. its all manmade. its not natural. there is retangular imprints in the wall that looks like an entrance. this whole mountain was once submerged under water. the whole wold was one compleatly flooded. evidence for this is everywhere in the world. there is nothing that lives now that is any older than up to 5000 years old as its all new. this planet have been recolonized and terraformed long after the mass extinciton flooding of the earth.

[@MANDINGO74]

Gustavo Bakit too different countries, different language and culture. It’s never gonna happen. You need to focus on feeding your people. Your Country is a fail state.

[@diboakale3461]

His excitement and the chirping of the frog 😂😂❤❤❤❤❤❤ sounded like the frogs were celebrating his success

[@susmitasett1683]

What a dedication sir... Speechless

[@kanenas3]

"Science is important and i would like to think i am a scientist.." Yep. he seems to be one of the good ones. Thank you sir for your service.

[@homermalaluan8680]

Congrats Doc! You finally found Greninja!

[@arjunkrishnas3841]

7:13 Little frog to the bully: Get out of my way Bully frog: Try getting past me Little frog: Let me climb over you Win win

[@TsukuneASMG]

Nice Work Dr Bruce Means ! :)

[@XX-gy7ue]

THIS IS NOT AN INSULT , BUT AN OBSERVATION OF HOPE - I'm not in great shape and have been kicked around , but seeing that you look like you've taken a few punches , it makes me think , maybe I still have a few hills to climb too ! THANK YOU BROTHER !

[@rkhyden1950]

This is a great video... Inspiring and educational , love them.

[@praeliora]

If I could have my life rewound, I would be an explorer, our world is so fancinating..

[@starrahann8238]

Life goals when I am in my 70s.

[@pikachulove5468]

Starrah Ann just don't fly there in a house with a bunch of balloons. XD

[@cockylora123]

I love the fact that he finally got there at 71. And his delight at finding what he sought. I should be so lucky.

[@feoh3890]

Starrah Ann 😘😘

[@alexanderlorenz1111]

Besides the scientific discovery, traveling around the world and making so hard efforts for a tiny little frog is wonderful 🐸

[@inuyasha]

This is the most excited I've seen a person for frogs.

[@Eowyn3Pride]

The traffic jam frogs never get old for me! 🤣🤣❤

[@anushatadamari3185]

Hats off to All 3. 😍😘amazing.. 😎

[@primogaming69]

i love his enthusiasm and love for science.

[@kubenakubena1480]

This is wonderful! Thanks for sharing it.

[@ohbuddyiliketowatch]

His passion is infectious.