ITV Doc Spotlights London Zoo in Coronavirus Lockdown

ITV has commissioned a two-part doc that explores how the staff and animals at ZSL London Zoo are adapting to the coronavirus lockdown.

London Zoo: An Extraordinary Year (working title), from Circle Circle Films/October Films, gained exclusive access inside ZSL London Zoo and its sister zoo Whipsnade during lockdown, as its staff and keepers care for more than 500 species. It reveals how human and animal inhabitants alike have had to adapt to the eerily silent surroundings.

Matt Smith, executive producer, said: “London Zoo: An Extraordinary Year (w/t) we’ll see how one of Britain’s most well-loved and well-known institutions copes during these unprecedented times. With intimate access to the zoo, its keepers and animals we’ll follow real life drama as it unfolds whilst recounting extraordinary nuggets of the zoo’s rich backstory. We’re thrilled to be working with ZSL on this project.”

Jo Clinton-Davis, ITV’s controller of factual, commented: “The story of what’s happening behind the scenes at ZSL at this unique moment is a fascinating and compelling one. The familiar world of the zoo but as we’ve never seen it before. And a dip into the zoo’s colorful backstory at key moments will bring rich texture to this real-life unfolding drama.”

ZSL’s director of zoos and engagement, Rich Storton, said: “We hope that this unique journey behind the scenes at London and Whipsnade during these challenging times will give the public a real insight into the vital importance of ZSL’s work—and how much we need their support to continue working for wildlife.

“This new documentary will explore the most recent chapter in ZSL’s rich history of overcoming adversity: during its 192-year history, ZSL has survived two world wars and grown into a world-leading international conservation charity. The coronavirus pandemic has presented our dedicated team with a previously unimaginable set of challenges—we look forward to sharing this era-defining period with ITV viewers in the autumn.”