Zoboomafoo

Zoboomafoo is a delightful children's television series produced by Cinar and the Maryland Public Television that aired from 1999 to 2001. The show starred real-life brothers Martin Kratt and Chris Kratt, prominent wildlife conservationists and educators who regularly appear on educational TV shows based on their animal-centered adventures. They teamed up with the affable lemur, Jovian, to create the naturally delightful world of Zoboomafoo.

The titular character, Zoboomafoo, or Zoboo for short, is an animated talking lemur from the exotic island of Madagascar. In fact, in reality, Jovian, the Coquerel's Sifaka Lemur from the Duke Lemur Center in North Carolina, was cast for this character, adding a significant touch of authenticity to the show. Each episode unfolds as Martin and Chris Kratt arrive at Animal Junction, a special animal habitat where Zoboomafoo lives.

Zoboomafoo isn't just an ordinary lemur. He transforms into a grown, talking lemur after he takes a sip from a bowl of lemur-appropriate fruit snack brought out by the Kratt brothers. His advanced intelligence awakens, he gains the ability to speak English, and he becomes an animated puppet. This magical transformation allows him to communicate directly with kids and teach them about his wild, wonderful world.

The Kratt brothers and Zoboomafoo then embark on adventures filled with hands-on discovery and spellbinding stories about different animals. Martin and Chris engage Zoboo and the audience in animated discussions about creature characteristics and the nuances of the animals' habitats. From these discussions emerge words for what they designate as the "creature concept" which underpins each episode.

The trio often takes us on “Creature Adventures” using the magic of Claymation to transport them to the world where Zoboo’s "friends" - creatures from various episodes live. The way the show smartly blends live footage, Claymation, and puppetry brings the colorful, and vibrant world of Zoboomafoo alive, and it's this creative staging that made the show so enjoyable and memorable for kids.

While every episode follows a unique “creature concept,” some trademark segments form the recurring feature of the show. These include playful characters like Narchi, a claymation elephant; playful claymation segments involving Zoboomafoo's friends; Gooble and Wag, two claymation creatures who eat and create adventure; "The Kratt Brothers Playtime," where Martin and Chris participate in fun activities inspired by certain animal abilities; and last but not the least, "Mangatsika!" - a term Zoboo uses to express amazement and wonder.

The series is far from just fun and entertainment. It teaches kids factual and valuable information about a variety of animals’ habitat, diet, lifestyle, and behavior, helping them develop a deeper respect and love for nature. It vividly captures the diversity of the natural world and offers intimate glimpses into the day-to-day lives of various creatures. It thus has an educative side that subtly exposes children to wildlife's marvels through exploration and interaction.

The Kratt brothers are lively hosts, their interactions with Zoboomafoo are heartfelt, and their sheer love for animals is contagious. They are the perfect guides for kids as they journey together into the wild, helping them understand the importance of caring for nature and all its inhabitants.

Besides the Kratt brothers and Zoboomafoo, a string of other captivating creatures also make appearances on the show, further enriching the content. From kangaroos and penguins to elephants and playful puppies, children get a chance to meet and learn about a myriad of animals.

In conclusion, Zoboomafoo is more than just a typical children's show. It’s a blend of adventure, humor, and education, where the captivating storytelling combined with an immersive viewing experience offers invaluable lessons about the animal kingdom. It's a show that encourages children to explore, ask questions, and learn about the natural world and the creatures within it, fostering an early love and appreciation for wildlife and nature. To say Zoboomafoo was a show ahead of its time is an understatement - it was a treasure trove of knowledge, adventure, and fun, wrapped up in a loveable lemur-shaped package.