Did Animals Really Know The Tsunami Was Coming?

Did Animals Really Know The Tsunami Was Coming?

- Animal Planet to Study Animal Behavior Before, During and After the Tsunami Disaster in TSUNAMI: ANIMAL INSTINCTS -

SILVER SPRING, Md., March 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Animal Planet today announced completed production of a one-hour documentary that examines animal behavior before, during and after the recent tsunami disaster in Asia. TSUNAMI: ANIMAL INSTINCTS is produced by the award-winning Discovery Production Services for broadcast on Animal Planet worldwide in the United States, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Australia, Africa and the Middle East during the weekend of April 23 - 24.

Animal Planet shot original footage for TSUNAMI: ANIMAL INSTINCTS in the tsunami-struck countries of Sri Lanka and Thailand. With compelling video and engrossing stories, the program examines the big picture of animal behavior during the tsunami. Featuring interviews with scientists and conservationists, firsthand accounts from eyewitnesses who observed unusual animal behavior, dramatic news footage and archival footage from Discovery's library, the program tells the story-behind-the-story of how different species sounded the alarm before the killer waves struck and describes the effects of the tsunami on a wide variety of animals and their environment.

"This compelling program presents another side to the tragedy in Asia," said Peter Weil, senior vice president and general manager, Animal Planet International. "By examining animal behavior during the tsunami disaster, we uncover how birds, elephants and other animals detect an impending natural catastrophe and we can learn how to protect them and ourselves in future disasters."

"TSUNAMI: ANIMAL INSTINCTS brings this tragedy to audiences with a deeper analysis than breaking news can provide," said Maureen Smith, executive vice president and general manager, Animal Planet U.S. "Going beyond the headlines to feature personal animal and human stories, such as the divers in Thailand who were guided to safety by dolphins, lets viewers judge for themselves the role animals played during and after the disaster."

TSUNAMI: ANIMAL INSTINCTS also highlights the manner in which people and animals worked together during the tsunami tragedy to help one another. Beyond the tsunami, the program also looks at the role of animals in other disasters and how people and animals have come together in crises, resulting in heroism on both sides.

TSUNAMI: ANIMAL INSTINCTS provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of animal instinct -- not only during the tsunami but also other disasters -- teaching us how we can learn from each other to safeguard our future.

The international version of TSUNAMI: ANIMAL INSTINCTS will be narrated by Animal Planet personality Lyndal Davies (Lyndal's Lifeline).

Richard Mackenzie is the supervising producer and writer for Discovery Production Services. Jeanie Vink is the executive producer for Animal Planet, U.S. Mark Wild is executive producer for Animal Planet International.

Animal Planet, reaching more than 237 million cumulative subscribers in more than 150 countries and 29 languages globally, is the only television network dedicated exclusively to the connection between humans and animals. The network's original programming brings together people of all ages by tapping into a fundamental fascination with animals and providing an entertaining mix of programming, including original movies, adventure series, sports, drama and sitcoms. Discovery Networks, U.S., a unit of Discovery Communications, Inc., operates and manages the Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, the Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, FitTV, Discovery Kids and a family of newer, targeted channels. The unit also distributes BBC America. In all international regions except the United Kingdom, Animal Planet is a joint venture between Discovery Communications, Inc. and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

Source: Animal Planet

CONTACT: Katie Wolfgang of Animal Planet International, +1-240-662-5161, Katie_wolfgang@discovery.com; or Patricia Kollappallil of Animal Planet, +1-1-240-662-2969, Patricia_Kollappallil@discovery.com

Web site: http://www.discovery.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: To download photos from TSUNAMI: Animal Instincts, go to www.press.discovery.com, click US networks; Animal Planet; Photography and Artwork.

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