British Comedy Guide

CBBC to add comedy animation to zoo documentary series

Thursday 21st July 2016, 12:09pm

Paignton Zoo
  • CBBC series The Zoo will see footage of animals being given human voices
  • The animal 'characters' will also be given computer-generated moving mouths
  • The Zoo is being filmed now at Paignton Zoo, for broadcast on CBBC in 2017

A new CBBC series is set to give real animals comedy voices.

Documentary series The Zoo is set to star animals from Paignton Zoo, but with the 'characters' given human voices and computer-generated moving mouths.

The BBC explains: "The show is an observational documentary about real life at the zoo - with a comedy spin.

"If you ever wanted to find out what makes our animal friends tick, thanks to the power of animation they can now tell us. Gorillas, penguins and giraffes will all take lead roles, and we find out that it's often the animals that have the last laugh over the staff. Paignton Zoo's animal characters will be given human voices and computer-generated moving mouths."

The show is a collaboration between the BBC Natural History Unit and production company DHX Media, which also makes shows such as the comedy drama Hank Zipzer.

CBBC controller Cheryl Taylor says: "This new series promises our young audience a fact-filled and fun packed series centered around the fascinating characters and everyday adventures at the zoo."

Josh Scherba from DHX Media adds: "We are delighted to once again be teaming up with CBBC on a new kids' show. Working with the wonderful staff and animals of Paignton Zoo, we think The Zoo promises to be a terrific and entertaining show from which kids worldwide can enjoy animals stories direct from the horse's mouth, so to speak."

Filming has just begun at the Devon centre, and will continue over the summer. Simon Tonge from the zoo says: "It's a pleasure to have the BBC with us. This show will blend animal science and conservation information with engaging, character-driven comedy. It will reach a really important audience for us and do it in a way that is appealing and memorable."

This will not be the first time CBBC has given voices to real life footage of animals. Between 2009 and 2013 it aired Walk On The Wild Side featuring the voices of Jason Manford, Rhod Gilbert, Sarah Millican, Isy Suttie and more.

30 episode of The Zoo are being made. They will air on CBBC in 2017.

Share this page