Discovery Channel has announced the premiere date of Ellen DeGeneres’ two-hour special, “Saving The Gorillas: Ellen’s Next Adventure,” set for September 23. The documentary will air at 8 PM ET/PT on Discovery Channel and will also be shown on Animal Planet on September 24 at 10 PM ET/PT to celebrate World Gorilla Day. Additionally, it will be available for streaming on Max and discovery+.
The documentary chronicles DeGeneres as she realizes her dream of preserving the legacy of renowned primatologist Dian Fossey by establishing the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda. Initially conceived as a birthday gift from DeGeneres’ wife, Portia de Rossi, this project evolved into one of Rwanda’s most extensive architectural and landscaping endeavors, despite facing challenges like volcanoes, earthquakes, and a global pandemic. The story culminates with the opening of The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Ellen DeGeneres shares her journey and motivation in the documentary, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Dian Fossey’s work. The documentary also highlights the remarkable impact of Ellen, Portia, and their team on gorilla conservation and the local community in Rwanda.
The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, opened in February 2022, has become a hub for gorilla and biodiversity conservation. It has welcomed over 40,000 visitors, half of them from Rwanda and others from around the world. Additionally, more than 7,500 local school children have visited the campus, gaining hands-on experiences in nature and learning about local biodiversity.
This documentary marks Ellen DeGeneres’ return to television after concluding her 22-season run as host of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in May 2022.
“Saving the Gorillas” is directed by Abigail Harper and executive produced by Christopher Collins, Lydia Tenaglia, and Craig H. Shepherd for Zero Point Zero Production. Ellen DeGeneres and Jeff Kleeman are executive producers for A Very Good Production.
About Saving The Gorillas TV Show
In "Saving The Gorillas: Ellen's Next Adventure," Ellen DeGeneres fulfills her dream of honoring primatologist Dian Fossey's legacy by establishing the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda. This documentary captures the challenges and triumphs of this ambitious project, from its inception as a birthday gift to overcoming obstacles like volcanoes, earthquakes, and a global pandemic. The story culminates with the opening of The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Through Ellen's journey, the documentary showcases the profound impact of conservation efforts on gorillas and the local community, highlighting the importance of preserving these remarkable creatures.
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