Wild Things: Eric Brown turns his spotlight on wildlife. This week: a victory for conservationists

The weekly countdown built excitement and anticipation among children. "Five-four-three-two-one," an American-accented voiceover thundered. Trees and buildings rolled aside, a green spacecraft slid smoothly onto its launchpad and we tried to glimpse the wires as a puppet family representing International Rescue battled to save the world from disaster. Gerry Anderson’s Thunderbirds entertained several generations thanks to frequent repeats.