Filming Wolf Conservation for PBS
Filming with wolves
We worked with the Endangered Wolf Center, a conservation facility in Missouri dedicated to the preservation of canids, to help tell their conservation story for PBS “This American Land.” This segment brings viewers into a wolf habitat in managed care to learn about the important work that is being done to protect red wolves in North Carolina - the only place in the world in which they are still found in the wild. This species has encountered a lot of challenges to survival since European colonization of North America, including being declared extinct in the wild in 1980 due to hunting and habitat loss. Facilities like the Endangered Wolf Center have helped preserve the species through breeding and release programs.
About “This American Land”
Reporting from the front lines, This American Land brings you compelling stories on critical issues impacting America’s natural landscapes, waters, wildlife and energy resources in a changing climate, informing and engaging television audiences nationwide.
Filming with wolves in managed care takes a lot of understanding and care about their behavior and dedication to animal welfare. Minimizing movements, equipment, and even smells is essential in collecting footage of these extraordinary animals. Close collaboration with staff is critical to make sure that the wolves’ wild manners are maintained and that they are not being stressed too much. Our background in wildlife biology helps us navigate filming delicate issues with critically endangered wildlife.
