Animal planet in India covers various issues. They have shows ranging from wildlife series and extensive safari drives to features on the rare species and endangered species in India. Animal planet also had planned a tie-up with the "Bannerghatta National Park". Animal planet also has a series on eco reality. The series follows an international team of seven enthusiastic amateur environmentalists as they work in remote locations; saving endangered Leatherback turtles in Panama and helping orangutans fight for survival.
A number of documentary movies on animals are also shown on this channel. These first-rate, blue chip natural history films cover a wide range of themes from the world of wild animals - from threatened leopards of the Serengeti to the grizzlies of British Columbia`s rain coast. Award winning cinematographers take viewers to the very edges of the world`s wildest places to capture the lives of animals on film - the raw and cruel, the tender and the intimate.
In India Animal Planet has not exactly set the rating charts on fire but it has definitely built up its share of dedicated viewers. Most of the shows anchored by Sir David Attenborough are quite amazing." He is one of the many loyal viewers of this channel. His primary interest in wildlife commences with books and extends to the channels, including Discovery and National Geographic. Broadly, the genre of programming on these channels is similar, yet there is a distinct difference in programming that comes on National Geographic and Animal Planet, though many viewers would prefer Discovery for its broader range. But there is never a dull moment with Animal Planet. What makes the channel interesting is the fact that the programming is quite attention grabbing, yet informative and the background score makes it viewer-friendly.
Some of the most popular shows on the channel are Jeff Corwin Experience, Croc Files hosted by Steve Irwin, Mark O`Shea`s shows and the Planet`s Funniest Animals. Sir David Attenborough`s programmes have their own following because of the earlier series of his programmes on Doordarshan. Though Steve Irwin`s Australian accent makes it difficult for the viewer to follow what he says, the programme is quite gripping and the viewer is instantly hooked the minute Irwin appears on the screen. With pet adoption becoming increasingly popular in urban India, the popularity for Animal Planet`s pet shows is rising. Battersea Dogs` Home is about dog adoption, a concept that is a long-way off in catching on in a country like India where even adopting children is yet to pick up.
Some of the veterinary programmes including Animal Doctor and Animal Hospital are quite engaging. The programme Cats Gone Wild brings home the fact that tigers are vanishing from the wild and ending up in captivity. While viewers feel that they have been able to learn a great deal from channels like Animal Planet, wildlife enthusiasts are of the view that the channel has indeed helped create consciousness about wildlife and its significance in maintaining the world`s ecological balance.
