Orphaned Bear Cubs Get a Second Chance in Animal Planet’s Touching New Original Canadian Series WILD BEAR RESCUE, Beginning June 23

TORONTO (May 10, 2017) – Animal Planet’s new 12-part original Canadian series WILD BEAR RESCUE takes viewers to Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter in beautiful British Columbia, where Angelika and Peter Langen care for at-risk black bear cubs as they prepare for a second chance at life in the wild. Airing Fridays at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT beginning June 23 on Animal Planet and produced by Omnifilm Entertainment (JADE FEVER), the unique, homegrown series follows the family-run operation filled to the brim with a record 40 orphaned black bear cubs. “We are excited to share the touching stories and genuine heroism behind WILD BEAR RESCUE,” said Ken MacDonald, Vice-President and General Manager, Discovery Networks. “Equal parts heartwarming and humorous, this series – produced exclusively for Animal Planet audiences – is sure to have viewers falling in love with the Langen family and their adorable bear cubs.”  

(L-R:) Hungry cubs waiting to be fed by Angelika Langen; Langen cares for an injured black bear cub; a hungry black bear cub at feeding time.

Throughout the season, viewers witness heartwarming moments of a passionate “Mama Bear”, Angelika, and her husband Peter, who run the world’s only licensed grizzly bear rehab program. Together with their son Michael, daughter Tanja, son-in-law Shawn, and a few dedicated volunteers, WILD BEAR RESCUE captures the Langens working to save and care for the many sick, starving, and injured orphan cubs as they prepare to release them as strong and healthy yearlings in remote sites across British Columbia each year. Black bear cubs are often orphaned when their mothers are struck by vehicles or poached by hunters, and the Langens’ home is full with more bears in their care than ever before. All 40 cubs exhibit distinct personalities and varying health needs, creating a huge challenge for the Langens to manage when the shelter becomes short-staffed and overcrowded. WILD BEAR RESCUE is produced by Omnifilm Entertainment in association with Animal Planet. Executive Producers are Gabriela Schonbach and Michael Chechik. Series producers are David Gullason and Brad Quenville. For Animal Planet, Heather Williamson is Executive Producer. Ken MacDonald is Vice-President and General Manager, Discovery Networks. Tracey Pearce is President, Distribution and Pay, Bell Media.