This November, the environment and wildlife show “Born to be Wild” marks a milestone: 18 years of bringing the wonders of Philippine wildlife to viewers and netizens.
The 18th Anniversary Special, “Legacy of the Wild,” kicks off this Sunday (November 23) with two groundbreaking expeditions of hosts and wildlife warriors Doc Ferds Recio and Doc Nielsen Donato.
Doc Ferds embarks on a perilous journey to one of Tawi-Tawi’s remote islands to investigate the locals’ reverence for an ancient creature: the crocodile. Considered by residents as both ancestor and “grandchild,” these majestic reptiles still view surrounding rivers and coastlines as their territory – even areas where human settlements now stand.
Doc Ferds dives into the tense relationship between the community and these apex predators, where close encounters often escalate into life-threatening attacks.
Meanwhile, Doc Nielsen and his team ascend the treacherous, steep mountains of Davao de Oro. Their mission: to capture and attempt to place a tracking device on a juvenile Philippine Eagle, one of the most recent nests discovered by the Philippine Eagle Foundation.
But the task is far from easy. Navigating the vast, sprawling territory is made even more challenging as the juvenile is fiercely guarded by its protective parents. The team must work quickly and carefully in the domain of this precious creature.
Over the past 18 years, the program has shared more than 1,800 stories, traversing the deepest jungles to the most turbulent seas, driven by the mission to bring wildlife to the screen, so the audiences can see the value of nature and help protect it.
Doc Nielsen admits that handling animals can be stressful but the program has allowed him to better appreciate his craft.
“Actually, being a host is what keeps me sane. Being a vet right now is really hectic. I don’t really consider it work, because what we do on Born is an advocacy.” he said.
Doc Ferds believes that having veterinarians on the show adds to the public’s confidence in their story.
“Having a veterinarian as the host of this program is such a big deal. Over the years, we’ve truly gained enough experience and exposure that, in a way, can’t really be measured just as a veterinarian.” he said.
Part 1 of the special airs this Sunday, 9 AM on GMA.
