Animal Planet Explores the Heroic Efforts to Save Animals from Hurricane Katrina

Animal Planet Explores the Heroic Efforts to Save Animals from Hurricane Katrina

-- ANIMAL PLANET HEROES: Hurricane Rescues Premieres Friday, September 16 at 9 PM (ET/PT) --

-- ANIMAL PLANET HEROES: Hurricane Reunions Premieres In Late November --

SILVER SPRING, Md., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Animal Planet today announced production of a one-hour documentary that focuses entirely on the heroic efforts of those who are working tirelessly to save the more than 50,000 animals trapped in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Premiering Friday, September 16 at 9 PM (ET/PT), ANIMAL PLANET HEROES: Hurricane Rescues tells tales of heroism and selflessness that emerged out of the storm, and will also include information on how viewers can help. The program will air on Animal Planet in the United States as well as on Animal Planet's international markets later in the year.

Animal Planet shot original footage for ANIMAL PLANET HEROES: Hurricane Rescues in the hurricane-struck state of Louisiana, as well as in Texas and Washington, D.C. With compelling video and riveting stories, the program focuses on the different ways people are working to save animals. Featuring interviews with people who have been separated from their pets, first-hand accounts from rescuers on the frontlines, and dramatic news footage, the program tells the story of Hurricane Katrina's other victims and describes the selfless determination of those who put themselves in harm's way as they raced to save thousands of animals at risk.

"This compelling program presents another side to the tragedy in the Gulf region," said Maureen Smith, executive vice president and general manager, Animal Planet U.S. "Delving into the personal animal and human stories lets viewers see for themselves the depth of commitment and compassion displayed by so many. Their efforts show there's light in the darkness and there are stories of hope."

ANIMAL PLANET HEROES: Hurricane Rescues also highlights the volunteers, the ASPCA, the Humane Society, and the other agencies that have mobilized and joined the rescue efforts. The program takes a behind-the-scenes look at the work being done in Gonzales, La., at a temporary shelter housing over a thousand animals and follows the American Humane Animal Planet rescue truck as it offers much-needed medical care. The program also checks in with members of the Houston SPCA, who are on-site helping to rescue animals and bring them back to the Houston shelter until they can be reunited with their families. Premiering in late November, ANIMAL PLANET HEROES: Hurricane Reunions will focus on the heartwarming reunions of animals and their human friends.

ANIMAL PLANET HEROES: Hurricane Rescues and ANIMAL PLANET HEROES: Hurricane Reunions are produced by USA TODAY Live, a division of the nation's newspaper, USA TODAY, in conjunction with JADE Programming Group for Animal Planet. Lauren Ashburn is the executive producer for USA TODAY Live. Emil Gallina is the producer for USA TODAY Live. Jamie Roberts is the executive producer for Animal Planet U.S.

Animal Planet, available in 87 million homes nationwide, 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 Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery HD Theater, Discovery Kids Channel, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Military Channel, Discovery en Espanol, FitTV, Discovery Kids en Espanol and Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir). The unit also distributes BBC AMERICA.

Source: Animal Planet

CONTACT: Melissa Olear of Animal Planet, +1-240-662-2946, or Melissa_Olear@discovery.com

NOTE TO EDITORS: To download photos from ANIMAL PLANET HEROES: Hurricane Rescues, go to www.press.discovery.com, click US networks; Animal Planet; Photography and Artwork.

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