The Wild Heart

Jack Couffer was an American cinematographer, director, and author known for his work on nature films and documentaries. He began his career as a combat photographer during World War II. Couffer worked on several Disney nature films, including The Living Desert (1953) and The African Lion (1955). He directed Ring of Bright Water (1969), a film about a pet otter, and co-directed The Hellstrom Chronicle (1971), which won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Couffer's work often focused on the natural world, showcasing his passion for wildlife and environmental conservation.