ENVIRONMENT NEWS - Wild Africa is set to debut across Africa as the continent’s first weekly wildlife television magazine series.
The 13-episode production will share inspiring stories from the frontlines of wildlife conservation in an engaging magazine-style format designed to educate and entertain viewers.
Presented by Rumbie Takawira, Dr Mark Ofua and Zandile Ndhlovu, the series explores on-the-ground conservation initiatives and introduces audiences to the passionate people leading these efforts.
Along the journey, prominent African wildlife ambassadors including Black Panther stars Danai Gurira and Lupita Nyong’o, actor Djimon Hounsou, musician Focalistic, comedian Josh2Funny and gospel singer Amani encounter some of Africa’s most charismatic wildlife.
Viewers will also be introduced to some of the continent’s most remarkable species, including forest elephants in Nigeria, slender-snouted crocodiles in Ghana, Temminck’s ground pangolins in Namibia and black rhinos in South Africa.
Raising awareness about Africa’s conservation crisis
Created specifically for African audiences, the series aims to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect the continent’s wildlife and natural ecosystems.
The need for conservation action remains significant. Over the past 50 years, monitored wildlife populations across Africa have declined by 76%, while an estimated 3.9 million hectares of forest are lost across the continent each year.
Rollout planned across multiple African countries
Beginning in July, Wild Africa will roll out across several African countries in partnership with local broadcasters, including ZBC in Zimbabwe, One Africa in Namibia and ITV in Tanzania.
Additional territories, including South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, are expected to follow.
The first episode will feature a sea turtle rescue in Nigeria, Lupita Nyong’o learning about elephants in Kenya and efforts to protect Namibia’s elusive pangolins.
Upcoming episodes to spotlight Africa’s wildlife stories
Future episodes will take audiences on a journey across the continent with stories that include:
• Visiting Zimbabwe’s national parks with Danai Gurira
• Following endangered bonobos in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo
• Exploring why Tanzania is known as the “land of the lion”
• Tracking elusive pangolins with Djimon Hounsou
• Rescuing a manatee from the wildlife trade in Nigeria
• Observing African penguins in South Africa
Series aims to inspire a new generation of conservation action
The Wild Africa series is produced in Cape Town, South Africa, by conservation communications organisation Wild Africa with support from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Tammy Estrada Strome Foundation.
Series Producer and Wild Africa CEO Peter Knights OBE said Africa has preserved wildlife, particularly large mammals, in a way unmatched elsewhere in the world.
“Africa has preserved wildlife, especially large mammals, like nowhere else on earth. As it powers the growing tourism industry it is a source of immense pride. Wild Africa showcases Africans with a passion to protect their incredible wildlife, their challenges and their successes and we hope it entertains as it educates and inspires,” he said.
Azzedine Downes, President and CEO of IFAW, said the series provides audiences with a unique perspective on the continent’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.
“The Wild Africa series offers a remarkable look into the majesty of Africa’s breathtaking wildlife from those on the frontlines of conservation. The vivid imagery and inspiring stories captured through the lens of the creators not only fuel a sense of wonder, but offer a renewed drive to commit to the shared goal of conservation and generational stewardship of the natural environment.”
Audiences can follow Wild Africa on social media at @wildafricaorg and visit its website for updates and additional wildlife conservation stories.
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