Leaderless, the Sea Shepherds Embark on the Ultimate Test – and their Most Dangerous Mission in WHALE WARS: A COMMANDER RISES

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TORONTO (November 28, 2013) – Even without their charismatic and controversial leader, the mission continues. Animal Planet presents WHALE WARS: A COMMANDER RISES, a two-hour special television event premiering Sunday, December 15 at 8 p.m. ET/ 9 p.m. PT, that examines the Sea Shepherds’ 2012 “Zero Tolerance” mission. For the past 35 years, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has been led by Canadian Captain, Paul Watson. Putting himself in legal and physical jeopardy, Watson has tangled with many governments across the globe in a mission to save animals of the oceans.

The battle continues: WHALE WARS: A COMMANDER RISES premieres Dec. 15 on Animal Planet

The Sea Shepherds’ “Zero Tolerance” mission was in danger even before it got started – Watson was forced to step down as the Sea Shepherds’ leader, just as their fledging armada left for the Southern Ocean. Watson was the target of two Interpol “red alerts,” and a ruling from the United States Ninth District Circuit Court that provided strict limits on how the Sea Shepherds could “interact” with Japanese whaling activities. The Sea Shepherds are at a crossroads without Watson’s vast experience in aggressively engaging the whalers at sea. Which one of the Sea Shepherds will take the mantle of leader and guide the group as they set off on their mission “to die for the whales?”

Now armed with four vessels, Watson watches from the confinement of his quarters aboard the Steve Irwin. The small Sea Shepherd armada has appointed four new captains to continue the mission – Siddarth “Sid” Chakravarty with the main vessel; Steve Irwin; Peter Hammarstedt taking the helm of the icebreaker Bob Barker; Jean Yves Terlan piloting the speedy trimaran Brigitte Bardot; and Luis Manuel Pinho onboard the newcomer ship Sam Simon.

During the special, WHALE WARS: A COMMANDER RISES follows several shocking storylines – all leading up to the most epic battle ever in the WHALE WARS series between the Sea Shepherds and the whaling fleet.

• Will the crews stay aboard or abandon the mission? The international crews of the Sea Shepherds are faced with a decision that tests their beliefs: “Are you willing to die for the whales? Or at least face the possible legal consequences?”
• Will all of the vessels stay in the fleet? The actions of one of the rookie captains lead to tension among the ranks and ultimately the retreat of one Sea Shepherd vessel far earlier than anticipated.
• Will the crew stand behind these rookie captains? One captain makes a major decision that nearly causes a mutiny – but did he do the right thing?

About Animal Planet
See our planet from a wilder perspective! Animal Planet is the only animal entertainment brand that captures the drama and compelling characters of the animal kingdom. From the most perilous encounters with nature’s fiercest predators to the pets we bring into our own family, Animal Planet brings out the character behind every creature and shares the story behind every behaviour. Meet these animals – and their human companions and protectors – as they surprise us, scare us, play with us and teach us how similar we really are. Launched in Canada in 2001, Animal Planet programming offers an immersive and compelling journey into the animal world. Animal Planet is offered in standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) simulcast – for viewers who want an even wilder animal experience. Animal Planet is a division of Bell Media, which is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company. Visit Animal Planet online at  animalplanet.ca.

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 SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Animal Planet Canada on Twitter: http://twitter.com/animalplanetca 

For more information:                                                                                                                  

Elysia Circelli, Animal Planet, 416.384.5166 or elysia.circelli@bellmedia.ca

Jodi Cook, Animal Planet, 416.384.4603 or jodi.cook@bellmedia.ca