7 November 2005

'The Zoo' wins People's Choice Award fifth year running

'The Zoo' television series has once again been voted 'Best Reality Documentary' programme in The TV Guide's People's Choice Awards.

This is the fifth year the show has won the accolade, which is one of the Guide's 'Best on the Box People's Choice Awards'. Auckland-based Greenstone Pictures produces the family/factual series, which is now in its seventh year.

"It's a fantastic effort from both Greenstone Pictures and all the keepers involved, and marvellous to know that New Zealanders love it so much," says Auckland Zoo Director, Glen Holland.

"A key aim is to highlight the great human/animal bonds, and deliver strongly on important conservation messages. 'The Zoo' doesn't pull punches. For example, beautiful footage of the zoo-bred blue duck back in its pristine home environment, contrasted sharply with scenes of exterminated predators. That's the conservation reality if we are to protect an endangered species that's struggling to survive," says Mr Holland.

"It's brilliant to see the programme accurately reflecting the role of a modern zoo. The show is both educating and entertaining people, and is surely giving young viewers a passion for animals and the environment. We hope that leads to them being caring and conservation-minded adults."

'The Zoo' producer, Rebecca Mellor, says Greenstone Pictures is thrilled to have received the award again. "Many thanks to the viewers and to the readers of The TV Guide for voting for us. We'd also like to acknowledge the great partnership between Greenstone Pictures and Auckland Zoo, and sincerely thank the keepers and animals for another great series."

In addition to this latest award, 'The Zoo' Series 6 (2004), produced by Andrea Lamb, is a finalist in this year's Qantas Television Awards being announced this Saturday.

A 'Best of the Zoo' special, featuring stories from past episodes, will screen this Sunday at 7pm on TV2.

ENDS

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