MANILA, Philippines - After the much talked-about documentary Signos, which tackled climate change and the New York Festivals Bronze World Medal Winner Planet Philippines, which featured the beauty of the country’s natural resources, GMA News and Public Affairs presents another groundbreaking environment documentary special – Wildlife For Sale. This investigative documentary film tackles in-depth the controversial wildlife trade industry.
The Philippines is well-known for its rich biodiversity with numerous animal species endemic only to the archipelago. But this has also consequently made the country a wildlife trafficking hotspot: as source, transshipment point and market of illicitly traded fauna. Studies show that the said trade ranks third as the most profitable illegal industry – next to drugs and firearms – in the world, putting the Philippines’ wildlife “treasures” in grave danger.
In Wildlife For Sale, environmental advocate Richard Gutierrez will go deep into the heart of the wildlife industry. He will follow the trail of trafficked wildlife from their native habitat where the poaching happens, to the ports where they are secretly shipped, to the marketplaces where they are often traded as exotic pets, traditional medicine and even as ingredients for exotic gourmet dishes. He will uncover the reasons behind the illegal dealings and its repercussions. He will witness the often-horrific ordeal wildlife for sale is subjected to and perhaps help in saving them in the process.
Wildlife For Sale airs July 25, Sunday, at SNBO, after Show Me the Manny, on GMA-7.