Love Nature, a wildlife and nature brand with linear and streaming channels available in over 130 countries, announced today, at Wildscreen Summit, a new slate of original programming that expands the offering’s portfolio of premium, natural history programming. The new slate introduces two new series to Love Nature’s line-up and the return of two fan favourites: My Best Friend’s An Animal, Wildlife ER, Orangutan Jungle School Season 3 and the second installment of the Wild Dogs franchise, Wild Dogs: Pack vs. Pride, hosted by Julz Braatvedt.
In addition to premiering on Love Nature’s branded linear and streaming platforms, the new programming will also roll out on Sky Nature in the UK, Germany and Italy. The slate leverages Love Nature’s relationship with global distribution group Blue Ant International, which oversees licensing opportunities for the new titles outside of commissioning territories.
“Love Nature is committed to expanding our brand’s line-up with fresh, original natural history programming that infuses stories about the natural world with fascinating and inspiring characters,” says Carlyn Staudt, General Manager, Love Nature. “This new slate also showcases our momentum in building hit franchises and investing in returnable series, like Orangutan Jungle School and Wild Dogs, which audiences around the world can enjoy on Love Nature.”
Overseen by Alison Barrat, SVP of Production & Development, Love Nature, the new slate of original series includes:
My Best Friend’s An Animal (6 x 60’; HDR & UHD)
Producer: Big Wave Productions
This series offers a light-hearted look at the unlikely bonds formed between humans and their wild animal friends, while showcasing surprising and touching moments between best friends. Episodes invite audiences along on extraordinary circumstances like swimming with a seal pup and celebrating a hippo’s birthday. Stunning footage and storytelling reveals how these animal friendships came about and why their bond has stood the test of time through challenges and triumphs.
Wildlife ER (6 x 60’’; HDR & UHD)
Producer: WildBear Entertainment
The heartwarming series follows dedicated professionals and volunteers on the front lines of rescuing and caring for sick and injured wild animals in Australia’s busiest wildlife hospital. The series captures the love and chaos at the RSPCA Hospital in Brisbane where the team performs life-saving treatment on animals like koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, lizards and possums. Some of the dramatic rescue missions include scaling trees, dipping into drains and using air nets to find and save vulnerable animals. Back at the hospital, the series shines a light on the carers who help nurse wildlife back to good health and until they’re strong enough to return to the wild.
Orangutan Jungle School, Season 3 (6 x 60’; HDR & UHD)
Producer: NHNZ Worldwide
The third installment of this fan favourite series follows the continuing journey of young orangutans at the Orangutan Jungle School that audiences have come to know and love. Having graduated from “high school” the orangutans were transferred to a special pre-release island called Salat Island, where they are now experiencing the orangutan equivalent of college. Fan favourites, including Big Boy Beni, clever Cinta, lovable Jumbo and oddball Valentino all went in the first transfer, by boat up the Rungen river which winds through central Borneo. Following that first boatload, Wine, Meryl, Liti, Suzanne, Kejora and Obama went on their big adventure. Now all these teens are experiencing their second year at college and the final phase of their journey back to the true wild.
Wild Dogs: Pack vs. Pride, Season 2 (6 x 30’; HDR & UHD)
Producer: Icon Films
In this second installment of the franchise, wildlife filmmaker Julz Braatvedt is back in Zambia following two wild dog packs, including the familiar “Manzi”, and one lion pride. This season sees him charting the conflicts and interactions between these two top predators and continuing the life stories of last year’s pups in their new role as yearlings. Just as action packed as last time, Julz will be challenged by both the dogs and the environment as he endeavors to keep up with the pack in Roxanne, his trusty Land Rover. The immersive on-the-shoulder style brings audiences into the action as Julz does what he does best–capturing stunning wildlife stories in an incredible landscape.
