The zoo at the roof of the world

“The Gene Pool of the Alps” is a documentary about conservation efforts in Austria. The alpine zoo in the city of Innsbruck functions as the hub of these efforts, breeding bearded vultures, ibexes, graylings and other endangered species. I didn't know the ibex, the near-iconic animal of the Alps, used to be almost extinct. The horned viper (not native to this part of Austria) is also bred at the zoo and released in the wild, no idea why. The documentary also features footage from the surrounding hill tracts. Beavers, wisents, lynxes and wild cats are shown. And a lot of ducks! I'm not sure if you can actually learn anything from this laid back, almost feel good, production. Still, it works on a rainy day, and the footage is superb. And yes, it does have its comic moments, such as the brass band playing at the release of a bearded vulture, or the secrets of keeping wallcreepers (a rare songbird).