Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Aleutian Islands, Alaska: Host of The Last Unknown, Ian Shive, with his cinematography camera.

IAN SHIVE MULTI-PLATFORM NATURAL HISTORY CONTENT

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Aleutian Islands, Alaska: Host of The Last Unknown, Ian Shive, with his cinematography camera.

Photo by: Tandem Stills + Motion

Tandem Stills + Motion

Dive into The Last Unknown with Nature Photographer and Conservationist Ian Shive

In a daring, high-seas adventure, award-winning photographer Ian Shive captures a series of wildlife spectacles including an active volcano, forgotten World War II relics and battles amongst species. The Last Unknown Streams Thursday, March 18 on discovery+.

The Aleutian Islands are one of the most inaccessible, remote and wild places on Earth. Located in the freezing sea between Siberia and Alaska, it’s a place only few have had the chance to witness. The archipelago is comprised of 14 large volcanoes and 55 smaller ones, making it one of the most volcanic places in the world. But it’s that very same volcanic activity that is key to the success of the wildlife that thrive there.

In an all-new discovery+ documentary, conservationist and nature photographer Ian Shive joins the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service in a daring, on a one-of-a-kind research mission to document the wonders of one of the most pristine ecosystems across the globe.

Here are 3 things you’ll be able to see in this high-stakes ride:

1. Large Animal Congregations

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Aleutian Islands, Alaska: Host of The Last Unknown, Ian Shive, films seabirds (auklets) at Buldir Island.

IAN SHIVE MULTI-PLATFORM NATURAL HISTORY CONTENT

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Aleutian Islands, Alaska: Host of The Last Unknown, Ian Shive, films seabirds (auklets) at Buldir Island.

Photo by: Tandem Stills + Motion

Tandem Stills + Motion

From seabirds to orcas and seals, the Aleutian Islands are home to some of the largest congregations of animals in the world. The scientists aboard the Tiglax research vessel assess the health of their populations as Ian documents their findings.

2. World War II Relics

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Aleutian Islands, Alaska: A B-24 bomber, which crashed on Atka Island during World War II.  This is only one of two B-24 bombers to remain in situ since the war.

IAN SHIVE MULTI-PLATFORM NATURAL HISTORY CONTENT

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Aleutian Islands, Alaska: A B-24 bomber, which crashed on Atka Island during World War II. This is only one of two B-24 bombers to remain in situ since the war.

Photo by: Tandem Stills + Motion

Tandem Stills + Motion

In the special, Ian explores and captures the first high-definition footage of World War II relics left behind by the Japanese troops that invaded and occupied the Aleutians.

3. Volcanic Activity

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Aleutian Islands, Alaska: Host of The Last Unknown, Ian Shive, takes a photograph on Bogoslof Island.

IAN SHIVE MULTI-PLATFORM NATURAL HISTORY CONTENT

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Aleutian Islands, Alaska: Host of The Last Unknown, Ian Shive, takes a photograph on Bogoslof Island.

Photo by: Tandem Stills + Motion

Tandem Stills + Motion

With temperature readings over 199°F, Ian documents first hand the signs of an active volcano.

Ian Shive is no stranger to conservation. As a nature photographer, he has captured some of the world’s most breathtaking environments all in the name of conservation. From his Discovery digital series NATURE IN FOCUS, to his best-selling books, Ian’s work takes us to some of the most awe-inspiring places in the world and emphasizes the importance of protecting our planet and all the creatures that inhabit it.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to witness the marvels of the Aleutian Islands in The Last Unknown, streaming Thursday, March 18 on discovery+.

The Last Unknown | A High-Seas Adventure to the Aleutian Islands
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In addition to streaming The Last Unknown on discovery+, viewers can follow the conversation on social media with #TheLastUnknown, and follow Discovery on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates. You can also follow discovery+ on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

More from Ian

Discover the Last Unknown of the Aleutian Islands

The Aleutian Islands in Alaska are a rugged, wild network of 2,500+ islands which swing out from a small fishing village out into the middle of the Bering Sea. They are not only protected by remote isolation, but also in their designation as Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

Nature In Focus | Discover the Last Unknown, the Aleutian Islands 04:47

Go behind the scenes with nature photographer Ian Shive on his journey to the Aleutian Islands located in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. These islands are some of the most remote and uninhabited places on Earth. See what it takes to capture the perfect photo in the last unknown.

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