- Animal Planet to Study Animal Behavior Before, During and After
the Tsunami Disaster in TSUNAMI: ANIMAL INSTINCTS -
SILVER SPRING, Md., March 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Animal Planet today announced
completed production of a one-hour documentary that examines animal behavior
before, during and after the recent tsunami disaster in Asia. TSUNAMI: ANIMAL
INSTINCTS is produced by the award-winning Discovery Production Services for
broadcast on Animal Planet worldwide in the United States, Europe, Asia, Latin
America, Australia, Africa and the Middle East during the weekend of April 23
- 24.
Animal Planet shot original footage for TSUNAMI: ANIMAL INSTINCTS in the
tsunami-struck countries of Sri Lanka and Thailand. With compelling video and
engrossing stories, the program examines the big picture of animal behavior
during the tsunami. Featuring interviews with scientists and conservationists,
firsthand accounts from eyewitnesses who observed unusual animal behavior,
dramatic news footage and archival footage from Discovery's library, the
program tells the story-behind-the-story of how different species sounded the
alarm before the killer waves struck and describes the effects of the tsunami
on a wide variety of animals and their environment.
"This compelling program presents another side to the tragedy in Asia,"
said Peter Weil, senior vice president and general manager, Animal Planet
International. "By examining animal behavior during the tsunami disaster, we
uncover how birds, elephants and other animals detect an impending natural
catastrophe and we can learn how to protect them and ourselves in future
disasters."
"TSUNAMI: ANIMAL INSTINCTS brings this tragedy to audiences with a deeper
analysis than breaking news can provide," said Maureen Smith, executive vice
president and general manager, Animal Planet U.S. "Going beyond the headlines
to feature personal animal and human stories, such as the divers in Thailand
who were guided to safety by dolphins, lets viewers judge for themselves the
role animals played during and after the disaster."
TSUNAMI: ANIMAL INSTINCTS also highlights the manner in which people and
animals worked together during the tsunami tragedy to help one another. Beyond
the tsunami, the program also looks at the role of animals in other disasters
and how people and animals have come together in crises, resulting in heroism
on both sides.
TSUNAMI: ANIMAL INSTINCTS provides a deeper understanding and appreciation
of animal instinct -- not only during the tsunami but also other disasters --
teaching us how we can learn from each other to safeguard our future.
The international version of TSUNAMI: ANIMAL INSTINCTS will be narrated by
Animal Planet personality Lyndal Davies (Lyndal's Lifeline).
Richard Mackenzie is the supervising producer and writer for Discovery
Production Services. Jeanie Vink is the executive producer for Animal Planet,
U.S. Mark Wild is executive producer for Animal Planet International.
Animal Planet, reaching more than 237 million cumulative subscribers in
more than 150 countries and 29 languages globally, is the only television
network dedicated exclusively to the connection between humans and animals.
The network's original programming brings together people of all ages by
tapping into a fundamental fascination with animals and providing an
entertaining mix of programming, including original movies, adventure series,
sports, drama and sitcoms. Discovery Networks, U.S., a unit of Discovery
Communications, Inc., operates and manages the Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal
Planet, the Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, FitTV, Discovery Kids
and a family of newer, targeted channels. The unit also distributes BBC
America. In all international regions except the United Kingdom, Animal Planet
is a joint venture between Discovery Communications, Inc. and the British
Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
SOURCE Animal Planet
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Related links:
http://www.discovery.com
CONTACT:
Katie Wolfgang of Animal Planet
International, +1-240-662-5161, Katie_wolfgang@discovery.com; or
Patricia Kollappallil of Animal Planet, +1-1-240-662-2969,
Patricia_Kollappallil@discovery.com
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