Factual
Discovery partners WWF for tiger conservation-related content, celebs & brands on board
MUMBAI: Discovery Communications has announced new content and partnerships with leading celebrity and consumer brand partners who will join Discovery to ignite awareness and help promote the global movement to save tigers from extinction.
The new content and partnerships represent the next chapter of Discovery’s Project C.A.T. (Conserving Acres for Tigers), a groundbreaking partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to help double the wild tiger population by 2022.
“Today, we are extending our mission to protect wild tigers through the collective power of our formidable global media brands and the support of our influential partner network,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. “This is another important step forward in our mission to ensure tigers won’t disappear on our watch.”
Reinforcing its commitment to Project C.A.T., Discovery will leverage its vast creative resources and unmatched global distribution platform of linear, digital and social media channels through tiger-conservation content including:
A global public service announcement, narrated by actor Freida Pinto and aired across Discovery’s suite of channels and regional websites around the world, with a donation call-to-action supporting Project C.A.T.
Development of a feature-length documentary about the imminent risk of wild tiger extinction and preservation efforts by Oscar and Emmy Award-winning RadicalMedia (What Happened Miss Simone?, Hamilton’s America)
The Dodo, the number-one animal brand on social, which is a part of Discovery’s Group Nine Media digital joint venture, will become the exclusive digital media partner of Project C.A.T. As part of the year-long partnership, The Dodo will build its own Project C.A.T. vertical on TheDodo.com, featuring original editorial content, dedicated to the topics of tiger preservation and animal trafficking.
Discovery’s Animal Planet will host a six-hour block of programming dedicated to tigers beginning Saturday, July 29 at 6AM ET/PT. Animal Planet’s big cat expert Dave Salmoni will also be featured on air throughout the morning.
Animal Planet’s social channels will include a Facebook Live event from the Bronx Zoo with the Wildlife Conservation Society, featuring tigers and zookeepers sharing insight on all-things tiger. Fans can watch in real-time on Animal Planet’s Facebook page and check out additional tiger content on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter via @AnimalPlanet.
For even more tiger content, online users can head over to Animal Planet’s newly launched Tigerpedia, the destination for all of Discovery and Animal Planet’s tiger-themed videos, photos, and original content, as well as tiger facts, trivia, and information on how to get involved in saving tiger populations.
Pledgeling, a digital platform that connects brands and consumers to their favorite causes around the world, will partner with Project C.A.T. to power donation drives from the PSA, Animal Planet programming block and other Global Tiger Day media outreach efforts.
“I can’t imagine a world where future generations may never see a tiger in its natural habitat or where these glorious wild cats are reduced to just a picture under the category of extinct animals,” said Freida Pinto. “Discovery is on a mission to double the world’s tiger population and I’m with them in this effort.”
Other leading celebrities and consumer partners who will lend their brand recognition, fan and customer reach to Project C.A.T. include: Ryan Seacrest, Kyle McLachlan and the artist Sonny.
Designer rag & bone, Christopher Radko Ornaments and eco-conscious accessories brand Alex and Ani.
Media and technology brands iHeartMedia and AOL, who will support and publicize The Project C.A.T. initiative across their channels.
Amazon Alexa and Google Home, which will feature a dedicated tiger skill comprising facts, trivia and a donation prompt to support Project C.A.T.
As part of the WWF partnership, Discovery in 2016 agreed to fund efforts to conserve nearly one million acres of protected habitat in India and Bhutan to protect and increase the wild tiger population, which has shrunk an astonishing 96 per cent over the last century.
“Tigers are among the most revered species on the planet and people are often shocked to learn that there are only as few as 3,900 tigers left in the wild. But WWF and partners, including Discovery, governments and local communities in tiger countries, are committed to doubling the number of tigers in the wild. And for the first time in a century, the wild tiger population has begun to increase,” said Ginette Hemley, head of wildlife conservation at WWF. “We know that given ample space, prey and protection from poaching, tiger populations can rebound.”
Factual
National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
