Born to Be Wild marks a remarkable milestone this November as the country’s pioneering environment and wildlife program celebrates 18 years of showcasing the wonders of Philippine biodiversity.
The two-part 18th Anniversary Special, “Legacy of the Wild,” begins this Sunday (November 23) featuring two thrilling and groundbreaking expeditions led by hosts and wildlife champions Doc Ferds Recio and Doc Nielsen Donato.
For nearly two decades, the show has brought more than 1,800 stories to viewers, journeying from dense jungles to turbulent seas in its mission to highlight the value of wildlife and inspire audiences to protect the natural world.
Doc Nielsen shares that while working with animals can be stressful, the program has helped deepen his love for his profession. “Actually, being a host is what keeps me sane. Being a vet right now is really hectic. I don’t really consider it work, because what we do on Born is an advocacy,” he says.
Doc Ferds adds that having veterinarians at the forefront of the show strengthens its credibility. “Having a veterinarian as the host of this program is such a big deal. Over the years, we’ve truly gained enough experience and exposure that, in a way, can’t really be measured just as a veterinarian,” he says.
In the first part of the anniversary special, Doc Ferds travels to a remote island in Tawi-Tawi to explore the community’s deep reverence for the crocodile, viewed by locals as both ancestor and “grandchild.” These powerful reptiles continue to assert their territory along rivers and coastlines, often placing them dangerously close to human communities. Doc Ferds investigates the delicate and sometimes deadly relationship between people and these apex predators.
At the same time, Doc Nielsen and his team scale the steep mountains of Davao de Oro in an urgent mission to capture and fit a tracking device on a juvenile Philippine Eagle, one of the newest nests identified by the Philippine Eagle Foundation. The rugged terrain, combined with the presence of fiercely protective eagle parents, makes the task extremely challenging as the team races against time in the raptor’s vast domain.
Do not miss the start of this special celebration, an inspiring look at nature’s resilience and the unwavering dedication of the team that has brought its stories to life for 18 years.
Catch Legacy of the Wild: Born to Be Wild 18th Anniversary Part 1 this Sunday at 9 AM on GMA Network.
