The Wild Ones: A Journey to Protect Endangered Species
In the heart of some of the world’s most dangerous locations, three individuals have carved out a unique path. Aldo Kane, Declan Burley, and Vianet Djenguet are not your typical adventurers. They have braved extreme conditions, faced life-threatening situations, and endured long stretches without proper hygiene. However, their actions are not driven by recklessness but by a deep commitment to protecting the planet’s most vulnerable creatures.
These three are at the center of the Apple TV+ series “The Wild Ones,” which follows their high-stakes global expeditions. Each episode showcases their efforts to document and protect endangered species, from whales and gorillas to leopards, rhinos, bears, and tigers. The series is set to premiere globally on July 11, offering viewers an immersive look into the challenges these animals face.
One of the most compelling episodes features the team venturing into Malaysia’s remote rainforests in search of the rarest tigers. Their mission was not only to capture footage but also to raise awareness about the threats they face from poachers. The resulting images are both heartbreaking and uplifting, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.
Djenguet, the ecological storyteller and wildlife cinematographer, emphasizes the importance of balancing the harsh realities of nature with hope. “A lot of nature programs focus too much on sad images that can turn people off,” he explains. “But it’s equally important to invigorate people and show them there is still hope.”
“The Wild Ones” combines rugged field adventures with groundbreaking science and conservation. The team travels to various countries, including Malaysia, Mongolia, Armenia, Indonesia, Canada, and Gabon, using advanced camera technology to capture rare and first-ever footage of elusive species. These include the Gobi bear, Caucasian leopard, Javan rhino, North Atlantic right whale, and Western lowland gorilla.
Capturing such footage is no easy task. The team often spends weeks in the jungle, only to be forced to leave due to monsoon weather. There are moments when they hang precariously from mountain sides, and even encounters with dangerous animals. Burley, the wildlife and camera trap expert, has learned that not all animals are fans of being photographed. He has seen expensive cameras crushed by elephants without any provocation.
When it comes to positioning the cameras, Burley admits it often comes down to luck. “It’s all dumb luck,” he jokes. However, he adds that the real skill lies in knowing when and where to be. “It’s about talking to people on the ground, getting to the location, and figuring out if it’s possible.”
Burley faces the challenge of choosing the best spots for photography, especially when there are so many trails to consider. Sometimes, the area is so vast that an animal could pass miles away from the camera lens. Once the cameras are set up, the waiting begins. All Burley can do is hope that nothing disrupts or destroys the shot.
The work is not without its dangers. From sudden weather changes to unexpected encounters with animals and even confrontations with poachers, the team faces constant risks. Kane, a former Royal Marines Commando, leads the expeditions and often acts as a diplomat, trying to convince leaders to expand protections for endangered species.
He jokes about one of his toughest jobs—keeping his fellow adventurers safe. Kane credits Djenguet and Burley for making his job easier, as they are highly skilled in working in remote locations. “We three, plus the film crew, are not just the best in the world at surviving but operating and thriving in extreme, remote hazardous conditions,” he says. “My job is looking at the bigger picture. It’s to make sure we all get in and out safely and the guys get what they need to get. The three of us work incredibly well together.”
Through their dedication and courage, Kane, Burley, and Djenguet continue to highlight the importance of conservation and the urgent need to protect the planet’s most endangered species. Their work serves as a reminder that even in the harshest environments, there is always hope for a better future.