Animal Planet examines conservation in the Raw

Animal Planet is turning its cameras on itself for a new series on human intervention in animal conservation, called Raw Nature.

The five-part series from Animal Planet attempts to subvert traditional animal filmmaking, giving viewers an immersive look at “the intersection between human nature and animal instinct.”

The series follows a selection of wildlife filmmakers as they set off around the globe to give first-hand accounts of dedicated wildlife professionals working to help animals survive human encroachment.

Each report from the field is filed in the moment and on camera, bringing the audience up close to animals such as the sloth bear, through the actions of a man who’s dedicated his life to rescuing poached sloth bears forced to entertain and dance on the streets of Agra, India.

“Raw nature fits perfectly with our Jaws & Claws Tuesday night programming,” said Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager of Animal Planet Media, the company’s multimedia division.

“It’s a striking new entertainment perspective on animal adventures with non-experts. I think our viewers really will connect with these producers, who are caught off guard with the natural world and would themselves react in much the same way.”

The series, exec produced by Thom Beers (Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers) and Bertram van Munster (The Amazing Race, Oprah’s Big Give), airs on Animal Planet in the US on Tuesday nights at 21.00 from April 29, for five consecutive weeks.