Animal Planet, France 5 Partner for New Panda Series

CANNES, April 9: Animal
Planet International has teamed up with France 5 to produce Pandamonium, a 5×1-hour HD series that provides an exclusive
look at a panda breeding, research and conservation facility in Wolong, China.

The series, produced by
ITN Factual, will be broadcast on Animal Planet in international markets and on
France 5 later in 2008. Pandamonium
chronicles the story of how pandas at the Wolong Conservation & Research
Centre in the Sichuan province of China are bred, cared for and prepared for
release into the wild in order to help protect the species from extinction. The
series follows the pandas during each stage of development, from natural
mating, IVF insemination and pregnancy through to birth, childhood, maturity
and eventually the return to their natural habitat. The Wolong Centre is home
to 119 pandas, including 17 panda cubs that were born there last year.
Additionally, Pandamonium will
follow the staff at Wolong, which includes some of China’s top fertility
scientists and 20-plus volunteers from all walks of life from around the world.

“By showcasing how experts
are coming to the rescue of the beloved panda, Pandamonium brings to life Animal Planet’s mission to immerse
viewers in the animal world through entertaining and inspiring storytelling,”
said Phillip Luff, the general manager of Animal Planet International.

“This is a remarkable
story with universal appeal and relevance that Animal Planet is uniquely suited
to tell,” added Caleb Weinstein, the senior VP of Discovery Enterprises
International. “We are excited to bring this distinctive opportunity to MIPTV
and look forward to working with additional partners to bring this
one-of-a-kind series to new audiences worldwide.”

—By Irene Lew