Smithsonian Channel Pick of the Week

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The Crew of the Lady Mary Face a Fight to Stay Alive Feb 24, 2020

Show notes

On March 24, 2009, the Lady Mary was nearing the end of a successful scallop hauling expedition, when the boat began to list onto its port side. The crew braced themselves for the fight of their lives.

Winged Termites Looking to Mate Become Monkey Food Feb 24, 2020

Show notes

After 20 hours of Luangwa rainfall, the skies begin to clear. But soon, the air is thick again with a swarm of winged termites, looking to mate. It’s an ideal feeding opportunity for a nearby troop of vervet monkeys.

Did Modifications to This Fishing Trawler Destabilize it? Feb 17, 2020

Show notes

Preliminary investigations into the April 2, 2001 sinking of the Arctic Rose reveal that she previously underwent modifications to her design. Were they the reason this 93-foot fishing trawler capsized so quickly?

This Young Rhino is Crucial to the Revival of her Species Feb 17, 2020

Show notes

A young female rhino has been brought into base camp so she can recuperate and build her strength. Her value cannot be overstated – a key hope for Zambia’s endangered rhino population.

Undertaker Birds Defend Their Catch from an Eagle Feb 10, 2020

Show notes

A flock of marabou storks have stumbled on a handsome bounty: a small shoal of catfish. But their clumsy enthusiasm has attracted the attention of another opportunist.

Was Icy Weather a Factor in This Plane's Fatal Crash? Feb 10, 2020

Show notes

Investigators determine that on the night of January 7, 1994, conditions were moderately icy around Port Columbus International Airport. But if other planes were able to land, why did Flight 6291 crash?

How Baby Baboons Are Adept at Getting Around Feb 03, 2020

Show notes

A two-month-old baboon is sitting on his mother’s back, jockey-style, and taking in the world from his vantage point. By the time he’s just six-months-old, he’ll become a master of climbing on his own.

Did This Flight Crew Have the Training to Fly a Boeing 737? Feb 03, 2020

Show notes

With no apparent mechanical or external cause found for the September 14, 2008 crash, investigators focus on the flight crew’s experience. Were they qualified and adequately trained to fly a Boeing 737?

Did Strong Crosswinds Cause This Plane to Abort Take Off? Jan 27, 2020

Show notes

Were crosswinds on December 20, 2008 in excess of the safety limit of 33 knots? If it was, that could explain why Flight 1404 veered so hard to the left before its crash at Denver International Airport.

Why Habituation is a Dangerous Game for Conservationists Jan 27, 2020

Show notes

A group of conservationists attempt to get close to a troop of gorillas, led by a male silverback. It’s a risky job – if the male feels threatened, he may lash out, with fatal consequences.