Fans of Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville have a festive treat to look forward to, as the acclaimed actor lends his voice to a major new wildlife series arriving on Apple TV+ this Christmas.
A Prestigious Voice for a Poignant Series
The captivating new documentary series, titled Born To Be Wild, will feature narration by the beloved British actor, best known for portraying Lord Grantham in ITV's period drama Downton Abbey and the beloved Henry Brown in the Paddington films.
On Thursday, November 13, Apple TV+ unveiled a first look at the project, releasing heartwarming images of the orphaned baby animals and those born in conservation programmes that the series will follow.
An Intimate Journey with Endangered Species
Filmed over several years across three continents, the six-part documentary series tracks six endangered young animals on their extraordinary journeys. The official description reveals it will follow them "from their earliest days through their journey to life in the wild."
The series highlights the immense challenges, triumphant moments, and sheer resilience that define their struggle for survival. This narrative extends to the extraordinary people working tirelessly to raise and protect them.
The programme intimately follows a diverse range of creatures from their earliest stages, including:
- An elephant calf
- Two young cheetahs
- A ring-tailed lemur pup
- A moon bear cub
- Iberian lynx kittens
- Rescued African penguins
According to Apple TV+, "Born to be Wild offers an intimate and emotional look at the powerful relationships between these animals and the heroic humans dedicated to raising, rehabilitating, and rewilding them to help save their species."
A Festive Release for Cosy Viewing
In a move that will delight subscribers, the entire six-part series will be released in one batch, making it perfect for cosy Christmas viewing. The release is scheduled just in time for the holidays, promising an emotional and heartwarming experience for the whole family, albeit one that might require a tissue or two.
Born to be Wild premieres worldwide on Friday, December 19, exclusively on Apple TV+. It is a joint venture between Tailfeather Productions and Offspring Films.
The executive producers are Lucy van Beek, Alex Williamson, and Isla Robertson, with Tom Payne serving as Series Producer.
This new project comes after Downton Abbey fans bid an emotional farewell to the story earlier this year with the release of the third and final film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, in which Bonneville reprised his iconic role.
