New Animal Planet - BBC Reality Show Originates At Paignton Zoo

By Philip Knowling

Paignton, UK - A new TV series featuring the animals and staff of Paignton Zoo Environmental Park hits the nation’s TV screens in early 2009.

Creatures Like Us has been made by the BBC Natural History Unit for Animal Planet International.

Described as a reality show with a difference, this innovative new series takes the animals’ point of view. From baboons to lions, rhinos and gorillas, Creatures Like Us follows a zoo full of characters - but this time the viewers see things as the animals might see them.

Paignton Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling said: “The series is a modern take on the classic Animal Magic, where Johnny Morris gave real animals comic voices. Creatures Like Us tells real stories from the zoo world – stories about animal care and husbandry, conservation breeding, parenthood, relationships, animal moves and the problems of introducing animals to one another. It is a terrific mix of humour and drama.”

The animals are voiced by Sally Philips (who has appeared in I’m Alan Partridge, Smack The Pony, Bridget Jones’ Diary and Rescue Me), Julian Rhind-Tutt (Green Wing, Oliver Twist, The Shadow in the North, Merlin), Daisy Haggard and  Matt Berry.

A film crew of four spent time at the Zoo between February and September. The first series consists of seven half hour programmes. Phil Knowling commented: “The film crew was good to work with because they understood the complexities of working with animals and were very patient. They have produced a show which is very different – it is at the same time well-informed and very entertaining. We hope it is a great success.”

Animal Planet is the world’s leading animal entertainment brand, reaching 300 million households in more than 160 countries worldwide with programming customized in 24 languages. Offering intrigue, adventure, humour and relationships, Animal Planet is dedicated to mankind’s eternal fascination with the creatures that share our world.

The series is being broadcast on Animal Planet (Sky 525, Virgin 215), with the first episode on Friday 9th January from 9:00pm and the second straight afterwards, repeated over the weekend.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring (01803) 697500.

Paignton Zoo is a member of the British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums. For further information please telephone 020 7449 6351.

www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
www.livingcoasts.org.uk
 
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. Registered office: Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EU. Registration number 792877. Registered charity number 300923. Place of incorporation: Companies House, Cardiff.