American Humane’s New Documentary
Following the success of the 2020 award-winning documentary Escape from Extinction, American Humane presents its powerful sequel, Escape from Extinction: Rewilding. Directed and produced by Matthew Brady through MRB Productions, this 2024 documentary dives deep into the revolutionary conservation strategy known as “rewilding.” Narrated by three-time Academy Award winner Meryl Streep, the film is a global call to action, inspiring audiences to take part in saving endangered species and preserving Earth’s ecosystems.

As human impact on the planet grows, we find ourselves facing unprecedented environmental challenges. Nearly 1 million species are at risk of extinction, and the loss of biodiversity threatens the health of ecosystems worldwide. Escape from Extinction: Rewilding showcases the efforts of conservationists working to combat these crises through a return to nature’s balance.

What is Rewilding?

Rewilding is a conservation approach aimed at restoring natural processes and increasing biodiversity by reducing human influence on ecosystems. Instead of merely focusing on saving individual species, rewilding seeks to rehabilitate entire ecosystems, returning them to a more natural state where wildlife can thrive. The film explores the intricate processes behind this movement and the dedicated efforts to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems worldwide.

In Escape from Extinction: Rewilding, viewers are introduced to rewilding strategies such as:

• Genetic Diversity: Animals are bred with the goal of avoiding inbreeding, making them more resilient and adaptable.
• Semi-Managed Habitats: Controlled environments where species can safely return to the wild, providing a stepping stone for full reintroduction into nature.
• Animal Relocation and Ecological Replacement: Species are moved to suitable environments, and human-raised creatures are prepared for survival in the wild.
• Sustainable Hunting: Though controversial, this focuses on older or disruptive animals to maintain ecological balance.

Meryl Streep: Lending Her Voice to the Cause

Known not only for her legendary acting career but also for her advocacy for environmental causes, Meryl Streep lends her iconic voice to this documentary, amplifying the urgent message of conservation. Streep’s involvement continues her long-standing support for biodiversity and the protection of endangered species. In the past, she has campaigned to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and supported legislation to ban the trade of ivory and rhinoceros horn.

Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane, expressed immense gratitude for Streep’s involvement: “Her voice brings gravitas and warmth to this critical story of survival, inspiring countless others to become advocates for animal welfare.”

Stunning Visuals and Expert Insights

The documentary takes viewers on a breathtaking journey, spanning the globe to showcase rewilding efforts in some of the world’s most fragile ecosystems. From the cloud forests of Rwanda to the coastlines of California, the film highlights the diverse landscapes that are at the forefront of conservation efforts. Among the many success stories is the remarkable transformation of Rwanda into an ecotourism haven, where the endangered Mountain Gorilla population is making a comeback.

The film also showcases conservation work being done in North America, such as the role of sea otters in preserving kelp forests and efforts in Florida’s seagrass beds to reverse ocean acidification. Each story demonstrates the resilience of nature when given a chance to recover and highlights the crucial role that communities play in protecting their local environments.

Expert voices in the documentary include:

• Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane
• Caroline Lees, IUCN Species Survival Commission
• Bengst Holst, Danish Nature Fund
• Prof. Theo B. Pagel, Cologne Zoo
• Ladis Ndahiriwe, Akagera National Park, Rwanda

These leaders share their valuable insights into the ongoing battle to protect endangered species and restore balance to the ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.

The Complexity and Beauty of Rewilding

Rewilding is not a simple process. It requires careful consideration of the unique balance between species, their habitats, and human interaction. Escape from Extinction: Rewilding emphasizes the need for collaboration between conservationists, governments, indigenous peoples, and local communities to ensure long-term success.

The film also addresses the challenges of overcoming industrial agriculture, deforestation, and poaching, which have pushed countless species to the brink of extinction. By restoring ecosystems, rewilding helps reverse the damage caused by these destructive activities and paves the way for a healthier, more biodiverse planet.

Where to Stream Escape from Extinction: Rewilding

Escape from Extinction: Rewilding premiered in theaters across the United States on September 27, 2024. For those who prefer to watch from the comfort of their homes, the documentary will be available for streaming on select platforms in the months following its theatrical release. Keep an eye out for announcements on its availability through services such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

A Call to Action

At its core, Escape from Extinction: Rewilding is a call to action. The film doesn’t just present the problem—it offers solutions. Through the stories of dedicated conservationists and communities, it reminds us that we all have a role to play in saving our planet.

As Meryl Streep narrates: “You can’t protect what you don’t love, and you can’t love what you don’t know.” This poignant message serves as the guiding principle of the documentary, encouraging viewers to not only become more informed but to take action in their own lives to support conservation efforts.

By the time the credits roll, it’s clear that the future of our planet rests in our hands. Escape from Extinction: Rewilding shines a light on the immense efforts underway to save species from extinction and restore the balance of nature. It’s a film that inspires hope and urges us to take collective responsibility for the well-being of our world.

Escape from Extinction: Rewilding is more than a documentary—it’s a powerful reminder of what’s at stake and a testament to the resilience of nature. It’s a must-watch for anyone who cares about the future of our planet and the animals that call it home. Stay tuned to Woke Waves for more updates on environmental conservation and how you can get involved.