ANIMAL PLANET LAUNCHES “wHERE TIGERS RULE”

a month long programming initiative DEDICATED TO TIGERS

- Actors Ajay Devgn, Bipasha Basu and Olympian Abhinav Bindra Join Support-

Mumbai, March 12, 2013: Animal Planet is back with its month-long programming special - WHERE TIGERS RULE - to celebrate India’s national animal and bring to the fore engaging and varied stories on this magnificent animal from India and around the world.

Premiering every night at 9 PM in April only on Animal Planet, WHERE TIGERS RULE will present viewers with engaging programmes on the tiger’s behaviour, predatory skills, legends and issues related to its survival. Filmed in breathtaking landscapes in India’s magnificent forests, grasslands and protect reserves, WHERE TIGERS RULE will provide an intimate look into the mysterious world of the tiger.

 

Joining hands with Animal Planet are leading Bollywood actors Ajay Devgn, Bipasha Basu and Olympic Gold Medalist Abhinav Bindra, who share Animal Planet’s passion for tigers. They will augment the channel’s efforts to generate nationwide interest on tigers and the threats affecting their survival. 

Announcing the series, Rahul Johri, senior vice president and general manager – South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “Animal Planet’s nationwide popularity will help create support for the national cause of tiger conservation. Tigers would rule television screens for an entire month. Viewers can follow the footsteps of these fascinating big cats and explore the intricacies of their role as predator and protector.”

 

Leading actor Ajay Devgn commented, “The diminishing population of tigers is a national concern and requires collective action. I am delighted that Animal Planet has dedicated month-long programming on our national treasure. I am confident that WHERE TIGERS RULE will leave a -lasting impact on the viewers’ minds.”

Bollywood actor Bipasha Basu said, “‘WHERE TIGERS RULE is an invaluable initiative undertaken by Animal Planet to encourage viewers to comprehend the value of tigers. This initiative will create the passion required to save tigers from extinction.”

Olympic Gold Medalist Abhinav Bindra said, “The tiger symbolises strength, determination and persistence. Today, it is being forced to compete for space with the ever growing human population. I feel privileged to be associated with Animal Planet to raise awareness about the need to conserve this strong yet endangered species.”

 

SOME OF THE EPISODES INCLUDE

Secret Life of the Tiger
The tiger's traditional image is of a solitary, bloodthirsty killer. There are tales of man-eating tigers, of tigers fighting to the death and tigers killing tiger cubs. There is truth in all these tales but it is only part of the truth. This film explores the evolution of the tiger, its secret behaviour, why it is such a successful hunter and the way it has adapted to very different environments. Above all, it is a unique opportunity to observe the private life of one of the world's most charismatic creatures.
Broken Tail
Broken Tail is the name of the most flamboyant tiger cub Colin Stafford-Johnson had seen during many years spent filming India's wild tigers. After leaving his sanctuary and going on the run, Broken Tail survived for almost a year where many said it was impossible, in the unprotected badlands of rural Rajasthan. Tracking Broken Tail's extraordinary journey, Colin and his soundman, Salim, piece together the cub's final days and, through Broken Tail's story, uncover stark truths about India's last wild tigers.
Return of the Tiger
About seven years ago, the tigers of Sariska Reserve, India, were completely wiped out by poachers. It was a huge setback in the war to save this treasured species from extinction – but now conservationists are fighting back. This beautiful blue chip film follows a female tiger and a hot-blooded male over 18 months as they try to establish their new territory, learn to hunt their prey and dodge the ever-present threat of poachers.
India – Kingdom of the tiger
The film is a historical epic depicting India from 1910 to the modern era. The episode follows in the footsteps of Jim Corbett, the famed English hunter-naturalist, as he races to save an Indian village from the terror of a man-eating tiger. Along his journey he expresses his passion for tigers and explores the issues of tiger conservation. The dramatization stars critically acclaimed Indian actress Smriti Mishra and Christopher Heyerdahi.