SAVING SPECIES AT THE ZOO

LAST HOPE FOR ENDANGERED ANIMALS?
A film by Michael R. Gärtner

A sensation: rare crocodiles have had offspring at Cologne Zoo. The young reptiles are travelling thousands of kilometres to be reintroduced into the wild in the Philippines. This is just one of many little-known examples of how scientifically managed zoos are fighting to halt species extinction.

An estimated one million animal and plant species are facing extinction. The film shows how species conservation measures can be successful: the strategy is to better coordinate the protection of habitats in the animals’ native countries with breeding programmes in zoos.

A key pioneer of this approach is the zoologist Thomas Ziegler, director of the Aquarium at Cologne Zoo. He has transformed his institution into one of the world’s most important sanctuaries for endangered species. The documentary follows exemplary species conservation projects in Germany, Switzerland, Vietnam and the Philippines.

TEAM

Written and directed by: Michael R. Gärtner // Camera: Michael Kern // Editing: Marc Schubert // Assistant editor: Mathis Hohmann // Sound design and mixing: Florian Ebrecht // Colour grading: Dany Schelby // Graphics: Andreas Hougardy // Production coordination: Sandra Wiluda // Production manager: Katja Sträter // Producer: Frank Nischk // Executive producers: Thomas Weidenbach, Sarah Zierul // Commissioning editor: Bianca Charamsa

A production by Längengrad Filmproduktion on behalf of ZDF/3sat.