Born to be wild turns 17 this November

CEBU, Philippines — For 17 years, the environment and wildlife show “Born to Be Wild” has documented the dramatic shifts in the environment—some hopeful, but many deeply concerning.

Hosts and wildlife warriors Doc Ferds Recio and Doc Nielsen Donato have journeyed across the Philippines, capturing the country's diverse wildlife and producing stories under GMA Public Affairs with the aim of educating the public one episode at a time.

While more people are joining efforts to protect wildlife, the forests are still vanishing at an alarming rate. The oceans are losing species daily to pollution, poaching, and illegal fishing. According to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Philippines is facing a global biodiversity crisis, and only the people have the power to reverse its catastrophic impacts. Now, more than ever, it’s time to “Choose Mother Nature.”

In Born to be Wild’s special episode this November, Kara David lends her voice to Mother Nature, while Doc Ferds Recio and Doc Nielsen Donato take on the roles of nature’s two essential habitats: the ocean (Karagatan) and the forest (Kagubatan).

As Karagatan, Doc Ferds will showcase the extraordinary beauty and resources of the seas, which are vital to Filipinos for food, tourism, and livelihood.

Representing Kagubatan, Doc Nielsen will shed light on the devastating effects of deforestation on countless wildlife species and even human lives, as it intensifies flooding and threatens the country’s food security.

Catch Born to be Wild's 17th Anniversary Special this Sunday (November 10), 9 a.m. on GMA Network. — (FREEMAN)