TVNZ commissions Finnish Most Endangered Species wildlife format

Most Endangered Species (photo: Katja Ronkko)

New Zealand national broadcaster TVNZ has commissioned a local version of Finnish nature programme Most Endangered Species with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

New Zealand’s Most Endangered Species (6×60’) will focus on threatened species specifically in New Zealand and will be produced by Warner Bros International TV Production New Zealand with the support of NZ On Air.

Originally produced by Finnish prodco Rabbit Films, the 8×60’ series sees a well-known comedian travel together with a scientist to the outermost corners of the world to get acquainted with the protection of endangered animals.

The format has also been optioned in Canada by Sphere Media-owned BGM Inc, which is currently working on local adaptations for both English- and French-speaking Canada.

Samantha Ferguson, senior sales manager at Rabbit Films said: “We are eagerly awaiting the international roll-out of Most Endangered Species. Warner Bros New Zealand have been incredible partners and have done an amazing job together with TVNZ, WWF and NZ On Air to create this compelling yet entertaining ‘call-to-action’ series.

“The series provides easy co-viewing opportunity with the comedic tones which allows audiences to engage in and learn more about environmental issues.”