CuriosityStream Inc., (NASDAQ: CURI), the leading global factual streaming service and media company, today announced production on the original new series, Rescued Chimpanzees of the Congo with Jane Goodall (working title), coming to CuriosityStream in spring 2021. The five-part series plus one-hour special is executive produced by CuriosityStream and the award-winning Off The Fence Productions in conjunction with Dr. Goodall’s namesake organization, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI).
The Rescued Chimpanzees of the Congo 5×60 series and accompanying 1-hour special are filmed in a combination of 4K Ultra HD and HD plus historical archive and will feature:
Unprecedented access into the daily life and work of JGI’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center;
Interviews with and never-before-seen archival footage of Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace as well as her expert staff including the primatologists, scientists and caregivers who dedicate their lives to understanding and protecting these fascinating creatures;
More than 10 years of untold stories, revealing rare and intimate insight into the heart-warming journeys of rescued wild chimps as they receive a second chance, return to health, and find their new home and forever family at Tchimpounga.
Examples of some of the figures and characters appearing in the series include:
- Chimpanzees like Wounda, known around the world after her release on Tchimpounga’s island sanctuary and her embrace with Dr. Goodall went viral;
- Dr. Goodall herself discussing her experiences in founding Tchimpounga as an early impact of her chimpanzee welfare activism;
- Dr. Atencia’s critical work to provide care to Tchimpounga’s chimpanzees and other wildlife and manage all of JGI’s work in Congo; and
The caregiving staff of Tchimpounga and other researchers, many of whom are from Republic of the Congo themselves.
For the first time ever, these stories and several others will be told in full in the series.
“The behind the scenes access to Dr. Goodall’s teams trailblazing work at Tchimpounga combined with the insightful, emotional stories told in every episode will keep our viewers coming back for more,” said Rob Burk, Head of Original Content for CuriosityStream. “We’re thrilled to deliver unique perspectives and groundbreaking content, and we’re proud to collaborate with our longtime partners at Off the Fence to bring this series to CuriosityStream.”
“It’s compelling viewing with all the hallmarks of an epic CuriosityStream series — emotional, inspiring, educational, and ultimately, uplifting,” said Andrew Zikking, Creative Director for Off the Fence. “Working with the Jane Goodall Institute to bring this series to the screen has been an absolute passion-project for everyone involved. Just like Tchimpounga itself, this series is truly unique.”
Allison Bean, Andrew Zikking, and Debbie Hinnigan are executive producers for Off The Fence Productions. Debbie Hinnigan is also series producer. Jorge Franzini is executive producer for CuriosityStream. The Jane Goodall Institute USA Communications & Policy team will provide production support along with Dr. Rebeca Atencia as scientific advisor and creative consultant to the series and Fernando Turmo as wildlife videographer and producer.
