Tales of the Jungle: Animal Planet Presents RAISED WILD, Dec. 3

TORONTO (November 12, 2013) – From Romulus and Remus, to Mowgli and Tarzan, tales of children RAISED WILD by animals have been the stuff of myth and legend for generations – but scattered among these folktales are stories of horrifying truths. Premiering Tuesday, December 3 at 9 p.m. ET/ 10 p.m. PT on Animal Planet, this three-part series follows anthropologist Dr. Mary-Ann Ochota as she uncovers the stories of wild children surviving on the very edge of humanity.

 

The beat of the jungle: RAISED WILD makes its Canadian premiere Dec. 3, exclusively on Animal Planet

 

**MEDIA NOTE: RAISED WILD, Photography and episode guide available at BELLMEDIAPR.CA**

A girl on all fours snarls amid a pack of wild dogs; a filthy child is groomed by a troop of monkeys; and a small boy, surrounded by chickens, pecks at the ground in search of food—these are the remarkable stories of the bond between children and their animal caregivers. Episode highlights from RAISED WILD include:

RAISED WILD: “Monkey Boy of Uganda”

Tuesday, December 3 at 9 p.m. ET/ 10 p.m. PT

Dr. Mary-Ann Ochota journeys to equatorial Africa to uncover the truth behind the rumour of a young boy living with monkeys. In 1992, stories circulated that the boy screeched like a monkey, squatted instead of standing, and was covered from head-to-toe in hair.

Dr. Ochota investigates to determine if this small child really could have been raised by monkeys – and if so, how he survived in the wild.

RAISED WILD: “Dog Girl of Ukraine”

Tuesday, December 10 at 9 p.m. ET/ 10 p.m. PT

Dr. Mary-Ann Ochota journeys to Ukraine to uncover the truth behind the incredible story of Oksana Malaya— a young girl allegedly raised by dogs. Born during the Soviet era to alcoholic parents, young Oksana is said to have turned to the family dogs for warmth and love. Years later, she reportedly was behaving exactly like a dog— a claim supported by compelling video footage. How might a child recover from such beginnings? Can her feral behaviour fade with time? Dr. Ochota hopes to separate fact from fiction, and with luck, meet this amazing child.

RAISED WILD: “Bird Boy of Fiji”

Tuesday, December 17 at 9 p.m. ET/ 10 p.m. PT

Mary-Ann Ochota travels to Fiji to uncover the shocking truth behind the story of the Bird Boy from Fiji. Rumours circulate that police discovered the small boy while he was squawking, flapping his arms and pecking at his food. Villagers claim the child’s parents kept him locked under the house with the family chickens. According to local reports, his years spent with the birds affected his development. Can this child recover from such an upbringing? Dr. Ochota hopes to uncover the truth and help this young boy.

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 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.

 

-30-

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