11 Best Animal Shows and Documentaries for Conservation Enthusiasts

Last Updated: January 03, 2025

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What is Inside?

• Our Planet
• Planet Earth
• Africa
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To those select few whom wildlife, animal welfare, and conservation mean much more than a passing interest, documentaries, and animal shows become so much more than simple entertainment. They are not only great inspirations and educations that fire a deeper knowledge of the world around them, but also an empowering one into action, actually making volunteers secure a future for Earth's most vulnerable species.

These documentaries shed light on continued problems in wildlife and any existing ecosystems around the world through great cinematography and compelling narration. And here they are, we have handpicked 11 such Documentaries, TV shows and movies that not only are a delight to watch but also highlight the pressing environmental issues we face today.

Here’s a table to make it easier for you:

Table of the Best Shows for Conservation Enthusiasts

Documentary/Show	Seasons	Platform	Key Focus
Our Planet	1 season	Netflix	Showcases global biodiversity and the impacts of climate change
Planet Earth	3 seasons	BBC, Discovery Channel	Explores diverse ecosystems across the globe
Earth at Night in Color	2 seasons	Apple TV+	Captures nocturnal wildlife using groundbreaking night-vision technology
Africa	1 season	BBC	Explores Africa's diverse landscapes and unique wildlife
Secret of the Whales	1 season	Disney+, National Geographic	Dives into the complex social lives of whales across the oceans
The Ivory Game	Documentary (1 film)	Netflix	Investigates the illegal ivory trade and its impact on elephants
Seaspiracy	Documentary (1 film)	Netflix	Exposes the harmful effects of industrial fishing on marine life
Frozen Planet	1 season	BBC	Documents life in the Arctic and Antarctic
Virunga	Documentary (1 film)	Netflix	Chronicles efforts to protect Virunga National Park from poaching and exploitation
Chasing Coral	Documentary (1 film)	Netflix	Investigates coral bleaching and the decline of coral reefs

Our planet

Released:2019

Summary:

This classic groundbreaking series with two seasons and most probably everyone’s go-to nature documentary show, takes you across diverse habitats and earth’s wildlife that you could have probably only imagined inside your head. The eight episode series voiced by the one of a kind broadcaster and biologist Mr. David Attenborough examines how climate change affects all living creatures residing on our planet. If this documentary doesn’t surprise you and makes you wonder about animal life nothing will.

Key message: We are at a tipping point; action is needed now.

Planet earth

For episode 6 of #PlanetEarth3, our crew travelled to some of our world's most extreme environments to document the resilient animals that survive there 🌄 Which part of this episode was your favourite?

Find out where you can watch #PlanetEarth3 🌍 👉 https://t.co/uyld6pWg5g pic.twitter.com/2s7k26Ngfb

— BBC Earth (@BBCEarth) November 27, 2023

Released: 2016

Summary:

From the himalayan mountains to the darkest depths of our oceans and everywhere in between, Planet earth is a phenomenal documentary series that covers different habitats in every episode. Be it deserts, mountains, deep oceans, shallow seas, forests, caves, polar regions, fresh water, plains and jungles it certainly helps you pry into the lives of animals from every angle.

Key message: Earth’s ecosystems are incredibly diverse but increasingly vulnerable.

The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water, and air. It is the most precious thing we have, and we need to defend it.David Attenborough

Earth at Night in Color

Released: 2020

Summary:

Narrated with the amazing voice of Tom Hiddleston, Earth at Night in color presented two magnificent seasons from Apple TV. With the incredible view of nocturnal animal lives with advanced cameras that could show the moon lighted nights like a day, this series explores the hidden world of the animals in the night. Whether the incredible story of mountain Puma or the story of Kangaroos, in every episodes there is a thrill and newness of the presentation.

Key message: exploring the nocturnal behavior of the animals and understand more about the value of animal night lives.

Night on Earth

Released: 2020

Summary:

This is a game-changing nature documentary series available on Netflix. It features stunning footage of nocturnal wildlife in rich colors, using advanced low-light camera technology that captures behaviors and interactions previously impossible to document at night. From the savannas of Africa to the Arctic tundra, the series uncovers how animals adapt to the cover of darkness in their quest to survive. It is a place of lions hunting in moonlight, polar bears patrolling icy landscapes-in short,  Night on Earth shows the natural world in a new and unique way.

Key message: Nocturnal species are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Africa

Released: 2013

Summary:

Africa is a marvelous six-part nature documentary series developed by the BBC, hosted by Sir David Attenborough. The program takes viewers on a fascinating tour of diverse landscapes, wildlife, and ecosystems on the African continent, from the arid Sahara desert to the steamy jungles of the Congo. Each episode exposes the particular set of environments that comprises the continent-from mountains to savannas, jungles, and coasts-revealing extraordinary animal behaviors and survival techniques.

Key message: protect the continent’s unique wildlife and fragile ecosystems from escalating threats.

The secret of the whales

Released: 2021

Summary:

From National Geographic, and executive-produced by James Cameron, this visually stunning four-part documentary series fully takes you on a journey into the complex social structures, behaviors, and cultures of different whale species, including orcas, humpbacks, belugas, and sperm whales. Narration is by Sigourney Weaver. It exposes the most intricate ways whales communicate, hunt, and even form familial bonds, showing how these majesties have rich, complex lives not so different from those of humans.

Key message: whales have complex social cultures and are crucial to marine ecosystems therefore it needs to be protected from possible human threats.

The ivory game

Released: 2016

Summary:

The Ivory Game is a powerful documentary exposing the dark and dangerous world of ivory trafficking and its devastating impact on elephant populations. It sets a record of the brutal poaching crisis in Africa, where tens of thousands of elephants are killed each year for their tusks, an action that is driving them toward extinction. With gripping footage and real-life stories on the front lines of The Ivory Game, a desperate need for stronger international policy and conservation in saving elephants from extinction is underlined.

Key message: Stop the illegal ivory trade to prevent the extinction of elephants and protect them from poaching.

Seaspiracy

Released: 2021

Summary:

Seaspiracy is an enlightening documentary exposing ecological ruin through overfishing, bycatch, plastic pollution, and illicit fishing practices. With surprising revelations, Seaspiracy questions the sustainability of such practices as commercial fishing and examines how government agencies and environmental organizations may be complicit in downplaying the damage caused by the fishing industry. In the film, there is also exposed labor exploitation in the fishing industry, which on some level ties with the environmental concerns related to human rights.

Key message: Industrial fishing practices should be minimized

Frozen planet

Released:2011

Summary:

Frozen Planet is a critically acclaimed BBC nature documentary series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough himself. The show consists of seven episodes and sends viewers on an absolutely breathtaking ride through the polar regions of Earth, both the Arctic and Antarctic. The documentary covers the various species that include polar bears, penguins, seals, and whales to show and describe their behaviors and migration patterns with their respective ecosystems. It also touches on the influence climate change is having on these delicate environments; with the disappearance of ice and the rising of temperatures, it becomes a threat to the wildlife and locals alike.

Key message: protect polar ecosystems and their wildlife from the impacts of climate change.

Virunga

Released:2014

Summary:

This is an oscar nominated documentary based on a true story of a group of jungle rangers risking their own life to save endangered gorillas of Africa’s most precious national park ‘Virunga’. The film documents the heroic actions of park rangers, a Belgian conservationist, and a journalist who risk their lives to protect the park from armed militia, poachers, and oil companies illegally exploiting natural resources. The political instability, corruption, and greed make the park's existence a constant threat. Virunga reveals a complex crossroads between protection of the environment and political conflict with economic exploitation, one of the most fragile regions on Earth

Key message: Need for global awareness and action to support conservation efforts against exploitation and poaching.

Chasing coral

Released: 2017

Summary:

Chasing Coral is an eye opening documentary that tells the story of a dedicated team of divers, scientists, and photographers on a mission to document the heartbreaking phenomenon of coral bleaching. Why is it happening and how to stop the heart breaking phenomena? These are the main focus of the documentary. It serves as a crucial reminder to people that climate change and global warming is not only affecting the ecosystems above the sea but is also impacting the oceans. Through the lens of the heartfelt story of each team member and breathtaking visuals the documentary invites viewers to become the safeguards of the ocean.

Key message: combat climate change and protect coral reefs.

Why are these T.V documentaries vital for environment conservators?

Firstly these documentaries are not just visually breathtaking but also are a way to increase global awareness among people about the things that are hampering the ecosystems because of human beings. Secondly, these documentaries provide invaluable lessons for conservation volunteers and enthusiasts by shedding light to the delicate balance of ecosystems and the urgent need for action to conserve it.

And lastly, Shows like Planet Earth, Frozen Planet, and Our Planet showcase the mesmerizing diversity of wildlife, but at the same time it also gives a message to all the viewers about how climate change, habitat loss, and human activities harm the species and our ecosystems. Documentaries such as Africa and Night on earth teach us about the interconnectedness of predator-prey relationship and regional ecosystems, showing how the loss of one species can disrupt entire habitats. The Ivory Game, Virunga and seaspiracy go beyond facts by revealing the heartbreaking impacts of poaching, illegal and mass wild as well as marine life trade which will surely take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. They also urge volunteers to support anti-poaching and species protection efforts. Meanwhile, Chasing Coral and The Secret of whales take you on a journey about the complex social lives of whales and the crucial role coral reefs play in maintaining biodiversity in marine life. These films and documentaries offer more than just information or facts, they inspire a deep emotional connection to the natural world, encouraging volunteers to take real action to preserve the planet’s fragile ecosystems.

Conclusion

Never underestimate the power you have to make a real difference in the planet. Volunteer FDIP Team

After watching these eye-opening documentaries, you are bound to feel the magic of Earth's ecosystems and its inhabitants. Not only that, You can also become a part of volunteering programs that supports conserving our ecosystems both marine and wild. Whether it’s volunteering , being a part of the "environment-friendly" trends, or spreading the message by advocating it through social media, every action counts. Together we can make a change in society and in the world by simply taking the first step toward becoming lifelong advocates for environment conservation. Every small action we take adds up, be it positive or negative. As you watch these stunning and remarkable documentaries, take a moment to truly appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world, just as we have. Let the stories inspire you to not only enjoy what you see but to also join in the effort to protect and preserve it for future generations by simply volunteering.