Animal Planet Greenlights Dodo Heroes

Animal Planet is partnering with Group Nine’s The Dodo for the new series Dodo Heroes (working title), marking Discovery Communications’ first TV relationship with a digital-first brand.

The series also represents Group Nine’s first expansion into linear. Dodo Heroes will premiere on Animal Planet in 2018. In addition, Animal Planet and The Dodo will publish Dodo Heroes content on their digital channels next year. The show is being produced in association with Nomadica Films.

Dodo Heroes will feature inspiring stories of animals from across the globe that are in dire need, as well as the people who help them. Each episode will document the bonds that are forged between the animals in need and the brave individuals who protect and save them. Among those showcased in the series are Pen Farthing, a former British Royal Marine who has reunited more than 700 street dogs with the soldiers who adopted them in Afghanistan; an Australian family whose life’s mission is to rescue injured baby koalas from the winter cyclone season; and Derrick Campana, a doctor who has dedicated his life to building custom prosthetics for animals of all sizes—from elephants to rabbits.

“We are delighted to be partnering with The Dodo for this wonderful series,” said Susanna Dinnage, the global president of Animal Planet. “These are compelling and moving stories about the powerful relationship between animals and people and together we are proud to share them around the globe on every screen.”

“The Dodo has built a far-reaching, deeply engaged audience on social by putting animals front and center and telling their uniquely emotional stories,” said The Dodo’s founder and chief creative officer, Izzie Lerer. “We’re beyond excited to team up with Animal Planet for our first TV series, Dodo Heroes, where we’ll tell stories about animals in need and highlight the incredible people out there who are stepping up to save them.”