Toronto-based Cantina Media, a Serial Maven Studios production company, and Brighton, U.K.-based Big Wave Entertainment announced Monday a new premium wildlife series, Baby Elephant School, has been co-commissioned by Channel 4 and CBC as a U.K./Canada treaty co-production.
Filming is now underway in Sri Lanka at the world’s largest baby elephant sanctuary, Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage, a joint press release said.
Baby Elephant School is being produced in distinct versions for international broadcasters. The U.K. version (four episodes x 60 minutes) for Channel 4 is hosted by Welsh wildlife biologist and elephant researcher Lizzie Daly, while the one-hour Canadian version for CBC’s The Nature of Things is hosted by Anthony Morgan. Both versions follow the rehabilitation of 60 orphaned elephant calves preparing for their return to the wild.
“Blending cinematic wildlife filmmaking with emotionally resonant storytelling, Baby Elephant School offers an intimate look at one of the world’s most ambitious elephant rehabilitation programs, following named calves from rescue through rehabilitation to their release back into the wild. Over the course of the series, moments of drama, humour and transformation unfold as the elephants navigate their first six months of freedom,” the press release said.
Established in 1995 by Sri Lanka’s Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage cares for up to 80 orphaned calves at any one time. It is the largest and most successful elephant orphanage in the world, having returned more than 170 elephants to the wild, many of which have gone on to have calves of their own, the release said.
A key narrative thread of Baby Elephant School follows the work of the sanctuary’s veterinary team, led by Dr. Malaka Abewardhana, alongside international wildlife experts as they care for orphaned calves and prepare them for release. The team is trialling innovative tracking and deterrent technologies designed to support elephant welfare and reduce conflict with nearby farmland, a critical issue in Sri Lanka, which has the highest rate of human-elephant conflict globally, according to the press release.
“From the outset, Baby Elephant School has embodied everything we stand for: access-driven storytelling, global collaboration and deep respect for the natural world,” said Kirstie McLure, executive producer on the series and managing director of Big Wave Entertainment, in a statement. “What began as a passion project in Sri Lanka grew through close relationships on the ground and a commitment to telling these stories with care and authenticity. The series demonstrates how values-led storytelling can travel globally and inspire a deeper connection to conservation.”
“Baby Elephant School is a wonderful example of the kind of work we’re excited to be building at Seria Maven Studios: premium, collaborative projects that bring together exceptional creative partners from the outset. Co-produced with Big Wave and commissioned by Channel 4 and CBC, the series reflects our studio-led approach and our focus on supporting ambitious, globally resonant storytelling,” said Julie Chang, executive producer on the series and chief operating officer of Serial Maven Studios, parent company of Cantina Media. “Projects like this come to life through creative deal-making, strong international partnerships and a shared commitment to getting bold, important stories off the ground, and we’re proud to be part of a co-production that brings together such an outstanding group of partners.”
In addition to executive producer Chang, Betty Orr serves as producer for Cantina Media. For Big Wave Productions, Emma Ross serves as executive producer alongside McLure. Matthew Shaw and Roberto Verdecchia are the directors. Shaw also serves as series producer.
The commissioning editor for Channel 4 is Jonah Weston. For CBC, Sally Catto is general manager of entertainment, factual and sports, Jennifer Dettman is executive director of unscripted content, Sandra Kleinfeld is senior director of documentary, and Lesley Birchard is executive in charge of production for The Nature of Things.
Serial Maven Studios is overseeing all licensing and distribution for Baby Elephant School.
Photos of (l-r) Kirstie McLure and Julie Chang courtesy of Big Wave Entertainment and Serial Maven Studios, respectively
